This conversation between Yaakov, Rachel and Leah seems rather strange and requires close study. When Yaakov informs his wives of Hashem’s command to leave Lavan’s home, he begins with a long explanation that Lavan no longer favored him and has cheated him many times. Only afterwards, does he tell them that it is Hashem’s command that they leave. Equally perplexing is Rochel and Leah’s response. Although they agreed with Yaakov they base their reasoning on the fact that Lavan is wicked and they will not inherit anything from him anyway. Is this the way to respond to Hashem’s command? They…
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Rashi explains the reason Yaakov cried was because he had not brought any gifts for Rachel, since Elifaz, Eisav’s son, had waylaid him along the way and had taken all his possessions. Eisav had instructed Elifaz to kill Yaakov. But having grown up under Yitzchok’s guidance, Elifaz was in a dilemma. Should he follow his father’s orders or go against everything he had been taught by Yitzchok? It was Yaakov who helped him solve this problem by advising him to rob him of his possessions thereby impoverishing him. This would be considered as carrying out his father’s command since…
Yaakov vows that from everything that he will receive from Hashem, he will give one tenth to charity. It may be noted from this verse that the mitzvah of charity does not apply only to monetary matters, but the mitzvah applies to anything one receives as Hashem’s gift. If one is blessed with wisdom and knowledge, it is imperative for him to share this gift with others who are not as fortunate as he. Rabbi Shimon Shkopf Zt”l remarked that just like one who is generous with his money merits that his possessions will increase, so too, if one is…
“All those stones were from the stones of the Altar. This refers to the Altar upon which his father Yitzchok was bound as a sacrifice to Hashem.” (Pirkei D’R’ Eliezer 35) This Midrash pinpoints the problem facing Jewish youth as they struggle for spiritual survival in today’s society. It is very hard for a child to battle alone against skepticism and apathy unless he knows that his father before him laid his head on the same stone, sacrificed and triumphed for the very same ideals. Furthermore, Chazal in Midrash Rabba comment along the same lines, that when Yaakov rested his…