Yaakov suffered during the majority of his life from various afflictions: Eisav; Lavan; problems with his children; the premature death of Rachel. One would think that in death he would finally be able to repose in peace. In the Talmud Sotah 13a, Chazal tell us otherwise. When the funeral procession accompanying Yaakov’s coffin arrived at his final resting place at Meoras Ha’Machpelah, Eisav confronted the mourners, contesting the title to Yaakov’s plot. The tribes argued that Eisav had sold it to Yaakov. A debate ensued in which each side claimed right to this holy site. When Eisav asked for Yaakov’s…
Rashi explains that Yaakov Avinu gave each of his sons his individual blessing, uniquely cogruous with his individual nature and personality. He then gave a collective blessing to all of them together. Horav Eli Munk, zl, explains that the Jewish nation is founded on the principle of unity in plurality. Each tribe is called upon to perform its particular function, based upon its specific character trait. Hence, each tribe constitutes a unit by itself. Why, then, did Yaakov bless them collectively afterwards? Horav Eliyahu Meir Bloch, zl, derives a significant lesson from this pasuk. It is important for everyone to…
Why does Yaakov mention his own name before he mentions his father and grandfather? Why does he not demonstrate the mitzvah of Kibud Av, honoring one’s father? Horav Dovid Feinstein, Shlita, suggests a practical reason for this omission: Yaakov was saying that his grandsons should be a source of such nachas that not only should I be pleased, but even my forefathers will be filled with nachas. Kol Yehudah suggests that Yaakov was referring to the attributes represented by each of the Patriarchs. Avraham Avinu devoted himself to the middah of chesed. He reached out with kindness to an entire…
Targum Unkeles understands “ha’roeh osi,” “Who shepherds me”, as “Who sustains me.” Interestingly, Yaakov Avinu finds no other time suitable to offer his gratitude to the Almighty for sustaining him and providing for his basic material needs. He refers to the G-d before whom his ancestors walked, whose angel redeemed him from all evil, and adds – “Who has sustained me.” Why did Yaakov find it necessary to supplement his praise of Hashem with the more “basic and simple” praise of sustenance? Horav Gershon Leibman, Shlita, Rosh Hayeshiva of Bais Yosef in France, extends this question. We thank Hashem for…
On what basis did Yaakov expect Yosef to bury him in the Meoras Ha’Machpeilah, when Yaakov did not do so for Yosef’s mother, Rachel? Sensing Yosef’s possible quandary, Yaakov Avinu responded with the reason that he purposely buried Rachel by the roadside. When the Jewish people were to be led to captivity after the destruction of the first Bais Hamikdash, they would receive solace from Rachel’s grave. When they passed along the road to Bais Lechem, anguished, persecuted, depressed and exhausted, Rachel’s soul would come to her grave to supplicate the Almighty on their behalf. Rachel’s cries for her children…