[Par-reg] Parshat Vayetze - shiur
Menachem Leibtag
tsc at bezeqint.net
Wed Dec 3 08:25:01 EST 2008
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THE TANACH STUDY CENTER [http://www.tanach.org]
In Memory of Rabbi Abraham Leibtag
Shiurim in Chumash & Navi by Menachem Leibtag
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PARSHAT VAYETZE - Yaakov's Neder
Is it acceptable for one to doubt a divine promise?
Certainly, if God makes a promise, we'd expect Him to keep it!
Why then does Yaakov Avinu vow to worship God only IF (and when) God
fulfills His promise to return him to the Promised Land? [See 28:20-22.]
Furthermore, why should Yaakov make a "neder" (vow) at all? After
all, neither Avraham nor Yitzchak ever made any sort of conditional vow
after receiving their divine promises!
Why is Yaakov's behavior different?
In this week's shiur, as we study God's "hitgalut" (revelation) to
Yaakov at Bet-El, we attempt to explain why.
INTRODUCTION
Our shiurim thus far in Sefer Breishit have discussed the 'bechira'
process, i.e. how (and why) God chooses the Avot to become the forefathers
of His special nation. We have shown how an additional element of this
process unfolds with each time that God appeared (and spoke) to Avraham &
Yitzchak.
Now, at the beginning of Parshat Vayetze, God's appears for the
first time to Yaakov Avinu (see 28:10-17), promising him what sounds like
the very same thing that He promised Avraham and Yitzchak. Nonetheless,
Yaakov's reaction to this 'hitgalut' differs drastically from that of his
predecessors.
To understand why, we must first consider Yaakov's predicament
before God appears to him at Bet-El.
SOMETHING TO LOSE SLEEP OVER
Recall from last week's shiur that the Avot themselves were not
quite sure exactly WHEN or HOW this 'bechira' process would finally end. In
Parshat Toldot it did become clear that the process would continue for at
least one more generation: i.e. either Yaakov OR Esav would be chosen, but
not both. Therefore, after the incident of the 'stolen blessings', Yitzchak
blesses Yaakov that God should grant him with "birkat Avraham" (see 28:3-4),
expressing is hope that Yaakov (to the exclusion of Esav) should become that
'chosen son'.
However, albeit his father's blessing, Yaakov may have had ample
reason to doubt if he was indeed to become the chosen son. Let's explain
why:
First of all, only the day before, his father had planned to give
the primary blessing to his older brother Esav. Secondly, Yaakov's parents
had just sent him AWAY from Eretz Canaan - to flee from Esav and look for a
wife (see 27:43-28:2). Now if Yaakov is truly the chosen son, then it
should be forbidden for him to leave Eretz Canaan, just as it was forbidden
for his father Yitzchak to leave.
[Recall that during the famine, God did not allow Yitzchak to go down to
Egypt (see 26:1-3). Likewise, when Yitzchak was getting married, Eliezer
traveled to Padan Aram to bring Rivka back - Yitzchak himself was not
allowed to go.]
Furthermore, when Yishmael, as well as Avraham's children from
Ketura, were rejected from the 'bechira' process, they were sent away to the
EAST (see 25:6). Now, Yaakov himself is being sent away to the EAST (see
29:1); while Esav, his rival brother, remains in Eretz Canaan!
Finally, even though his father had blessed him 'that God should
chose him', nevertheless, Yaakov realizes that it is up to God alone to make
that final decision, and not his father.
For all or any of these reasons, it is easy to understand why Yaakov
may have needed some 'divine reassurance' before embarking on his journey to
Padan Aram!
With these points in mind, we begin our study.
YAAKOV HAS A DREAM
As you review 28:10-15, note how Yaakov's dream begins with a vision
[of God's angels ascending and descending a ladder /28:12] - followed by a
direct message from God (28:13-15). Let's study that message - one pasuk at
a time - to show how it relates to Yaakov's current predicament:
"I am the Lord, the God of Avraham and Yitzchak, the land upon which you are
lying; I am giving to you and your offspring" (28:13)
Note how God begins his message by first 'introducing Himself' to
Yaakov as the 'God of Avraham and Yitzchak', and not as the 'Creator of
Heaven & Earth'. This makes sense, for we can assume that Yaakov was very
aware of God's existence as well as His promise of "bechira" to his father
and grandfather. [Note especially 17:7-12 and 18:19!]
As God had never spoken to Yaakov before, the very first thing God
must do is 'identify' Himself in a manner that is meaningful to Yaakov -
i.e. as the God of his fathers.
'BECHIRA' CONFIRMATION
Then, God immediately informs Yaakov that he is indeed the 'chosen' son,
using the almost identical wording that He had told Avraham:
"... the land ['aretz'] upon which you are lying I have given to you and
your offspring ['zera']. And your offspring will be like the dust of the
earth, and you shall spread out [in all four directions]. and through you
all the nations of the earth shall be blessed" (see 28:13-14).
Note the use of the key words - 'zera' (offspring) and 'aretz' (the
Land). These are certainly typical of God's earlier blessings of 'bechira'
to Avraham and Yitzchak (see 12:7, 13:15, 15:18, 17:8 & 26:3), and thus
confirm Yaakov's 'bechira'. Note as well the key phrase emphasizing the
purpose of God's nation - 'to be a blessing for other nations!
[The significance of the phrase 'afar ha-aretz' [dust of the earth] will be
discussed in Part Two of this week's shiur.]
DIVINE RE-ASSURANCE
While the first two psukim of this 'hitgalut' sound very familiar,
the third and final pasuk introduces an entirely new element:
"And behold, I will be with you, and I will protect you wherever you
go and bring you back to this Land..."
(28:15).
This 'extra' promise clearly relates to our earlier discussion of
Yaakov's predicament. God must allay his fears by assuring him that EVEN
THOUGH he must now leave Eretz Canaan, He will remain with him, take care of
his needs, and ultimately bring him back - BECAUSE he indeed is the 'chosen'
son.
YAAKOV'S REACTION [or REALIZATION]
Upon awakening from this dream, Yaakov not only recognizes the
uniqueness of this site, but also makes an interesting statement:
"And Yaakov awoke and stated: 'Indeed God is in this place, but I did not
know'. Then in awe he stated: 'This [site] is none other than a BET ELOKIM
[a house of God], and this is the gate of heaven" (28:16-17).
Yaakov's conclusion re: the uniqueness of this site is obviously
based on the fact that God had just appeared to him. Furthermore, his
conclusion that "v'zeh sha'ar ha-shamayim" - this is the gateway to heaven -
is clearly based on his vision of angels ascending and descending the
ladder. However, there doesn't appear to be any obvious reason for Yaakov to
conclude that this place is a 'bet Elokim' - a house of (or for) God! After
all, there was nothing in his vision to suggest that he saw a 'house' of any
sort.
The simplest answer would be to connect the two halves of Yaakov's
statement. Namely, the very fact that this site is a 'gateway to heaven'
renders it an appropriate place for a 'House of God'. However, Yaakov
refers to the site first as 'Bet Elokim' and only afterward "sha'ar
ha-shamayim". Furthermore, a careful reading of the pasuk shows that these
two qualities stand on their own: "This is none other than Bet Elokim, AND
this is sha'ar ha-shamayim." The fact that Yaakov divides his comment into
two distinct sections suggests that he has reached two unrelated
conclusions.
Did Yaakov see some sort of 'bet Elokim' in his dream? Or possibly,
is he making a 'prediction' that one day a 'bet Elokim' will be built here?
At this point in the narrative, it remains difficult to reach any definite
conclusion. However, a careful study of what Yaakov does next will clarify
the deeper meaning of his statement.
To show how, let's take a careful look at what Yaakov does that next
morning:
"And Yaakov rose up early in the morning, and took the stone that he had put
at his head, and set it up for a pillar ['matzeyva'], and poured oil upon
the top of it.
Then he called the name of that place Bet-el [even though the original name
of this city was Luz]." (28:18-19)
Why does Yaakov erect a "matzeyva", pour oil on it, and name this
site Bet-el? In these actions, Yaakov is acting in a manner very different
than his forefathers. Recall that after God had spoken to Avraham and
Yitzchak, they both reacted by building a "mizbeyach" (an altar / see 12:7 &
26:24-25) - but neither Avraham nor Yitzchak ever put up a 'pillar'! Nor
did Avraham or Yitzchak ever name cities in Israel!
As before, at this point in the narrative, it remains difficult to
reach any definite conclusion concerning why Yaakov is doing so many
different things. However, a careful study of what Yaakov does next will
clarify the purpose of all of his actions.
YAAKOV'S NEDER
After taking these actions (in 28:18-19), Yaakov makes a vow. Note
the wording of his promise and how he concludes his vow:
"And Yaakov then made a vow saying:
IF God remains with me and protects me... And I return safely to my father's
house...
=> Then this stone, which I have set up as a matzeyva, will be a bet Elokim
- a House for God - and from all that You give me I will set aside
one-tenth" (see 28:20-22).
By following the 'if' & 'then' clauses of his vow, it becomes rather
clear why Yaakov had set up this pillar (in 28:18) - it was simply in
preparation for his vow that he plans to make (see 28:22), as that pillar
will serve as the cornerstone of a House for God that Yaakov now promises to
establish upon his return. To symbolically designate this site, his
preparation (in 28:18-19) included anointing the pillar with oil; and as a
statement of his intention - Yaakov names the site Bet-El - which basically
means that this site will be a 'House for God'.
In other words, all of Yaakov's actions in 28:18-19 reflect his resolve
to build a house for God, and hence serve as the preparation for his vow in
28:20-22.
Now we must return to our original question, i.e. what was it in
Yaakov's dream that prompted him to make this 'neder' [vow] to build a house
for God?
To answer this question, we must return to re-examine Yaakov's immediate
reaction to his dream.
A PREDICTION - or A RESOLUTION!
Recall the difficulty that we encountered when trying to understand
Yaakov's statement (after awakening from his dream) that 'this site is none
other than the House of God' (in 28:17) - for there was nothing in his
vision suggesting that he saw God's house, nor any obvious reason from him
to predict its future existence at that site.
But now that we have seen Yaakov's ensuing 'neder' - his earlier
statement of "ein ze ki im bet Elokim' (28:17) becomes most significant -
for now we see that Yaakov was not making a prediction - rather he was
stating his resolve!
In other words, Yaakov's reaction to his dream was not merely a
statement of what he saw and felt, but rather a declaration of his future
intention - to build a House for God - and specifically at this site.
This now explains everything that Yaakov does after awakening from his
vision.
1) He states his resolve to build a 'bet Elokim' at this site (based on what
he saw /see 28:16-17), then:
2) He sets a 'marker' to remember this precise location (upon his return
/see 28:18); then
3) He anoints that pillar with oil (see 28:18), symbolically designating its
future purpose (compare Bamidbar 7:1 - noting how the Mishkan was also
anointed with oil!); then:
4) He names the site 'Bet El', once again, reflecting his intention to
return one day and build a House for God (28:19); and finally
5) Makes his vow to build this 'Bet Elokim' upon his successful return from
Charan (see 28:20-22)
Even though we can now explain what Yaakov does, we still need an
explanation for why he makes this resolution. In other words, we must try
to figure out what was it that Yaakov saw (or heard) in that vision that
prompted his sudden resolve to build a House for God. Secondly, we must
also explain why Yaakov makes his resolution so 'conditional'.
To answer these questions, we must return once again to consider
Yaakov's current predicament, in contrast to the lives of Avraham and
Yitzchak.
WHY YAAKOV IS DIFFERENT
In the lives of Avraham and Yitzchak, being 'chosen' was much more
than a 'one-way' relationship. After being told by God he was chosen,
Avraham responded by building a "mizbeyach" and 'calling out in God's name'
(see 12:6-8, 13:4).
Similarly, after God spoke to Yitzchak at Beer Sheva - re-iterating
the blessing, he too built a "mizbeyach" and called out in God's Name.
This 'calling out in God's Name' - as Ramban explains - was how the
Avot tried to 'make a name for God' by preaching his existence and by
setting an example of the highest moral behavior (see Ramban on 12:8 and
26:5, see also Seforno on 26:5). This also foreshadowed the ultimate
mission of God's special nation - acting as a model nation to make God's
Name known to all mankind.
Certainly, we would expect Yaakov to act in a similar manner.
In fact, in this opening 'hitgalut' to Yaakov, in addition to the
promise of 'zera v'aretz', God emphasizes the same key phrase:
"...v'nivrachu b'cha - kol mishpachot ha'adama" - that through you (and
your offspring) there will be a blessing to all nations - the same phrase
that He had emphasized when He first spoke to both Avraham and Yitzchak!
[To confirm this, see 12:2-3 and 26:3-4, and compare with 28:13-14!]
Furthermore, when God explains His purpose for choosing Avraham and
his offspring (see 18:18-19), we find once again that the emphasis is
precisely on this phrase:
"For Avraham will surely become a great nation ['goy gadol' -compare 12:2) -
and through him all nations will be blessed. For I have come to know him in
order [for the purpose] that he will command his children... and they will
keep the way of God - to do 'tzedek u'mishpat' [justice and righteousness] -
in order to [fulfill the purpose] of what God had spoken about Avraham [that
he would become a great nation]" (see 18:18-19)
[See this phrase also in 22:18, after the Akeyda!]
God reiterates this point to each of the Avot, for the goal of
"ve-nivrechu becha kol mishpachot ha-adama" reflects the ultimate purpose of
this bechira process.
In this sense, God's opening 'hitgalut' to Yaakov emphasizes not only
his being the 'chosen son' [='bechira'], but also its purpose.
Therefore, when Yaakov receives this blessing from God, he is
immediately inspired to act in same manner as Yitzchak and Avraham.
However, his present predicament does not allow him - for he is now running
away (penniless) from his brother who wants to kill him! He cannot build a
"mizbeyach" (he doesn't have anything to offer on it!); nor can he call out
in God's Name (no one is around to listen!).
Nevertheless, because he understands the deeper meaning of his 'bechira'
- he immediately states his absolute resolve that when he returns to Eretz
Canaan, and achieves a status where he too can 'make a Name for God' - he
too will attempt to accomplish this goal. In fact, he is so inspired that he
plans to elevate 'calling out in God's Name' to a higher level - by
establishing not only an altar, but rather a 'House' for God!
[To see how a 'House for God' will make God's Name great, see Melachim Aleph
8:14-20, 8:40-42 & 10:1. See also Divrei Ha'yamim Aleph 22:5-7!]
WHY CONDITIONAL?
Now that we have explained both what Yaakov does, and why he does
it; we are left with one last question - If Yaakov is so inspired to build
this House for God, why does he makes this promise 'conditional'! Let's
first explain this question.
Recall how Yaakov prefaces his promise to establish this 'matzeyva'
as a 'Bet Elokim' with the condition: "If God will be with me, and take care
of me, etc.". Why can't Yaakov simply state that he's going to do it - no
matter what!
To answer this question, let's examine the 'conditions' of Yaakov's
'neder' - to determine their underlying reason.
"And Yaakov then made a vow saying:
1) IF God remains with me,
2) and He protects me on this journey, on which I embark,
3) and gives me bread to eat and clothes to wear.
4) And I return safely to my father's house,
5) and [or then?] Hashem will be my God.
6) [THEN] this stone, which I have set up as a monument,
will be a Bet Elokim, and I pledge 10%... (see 28:20-22).
Even though it is unclear where precisely the IF clause ends and the
THEN clause begins (see Part Two below), the first four clauses are clearly
all conditions, for they are almost identical to God's re-assurance to
Yaakov that He will take care of his needs (during his stay in Charan) :
"And behold, I will be with you (1), and I will protect you wherever you go
(2) and bring you back to this Land (4)..."
[See 28:15, see also Rashi on 28:20, where he 'matches' them up more
precisely. See also Ramban on 28:21.]
As you review these psukim once again (i.e. by comparing 28:20-22
with 28:15-17), note how the IF clauses in Yaakov's vow are based on God's
REVELATION (in 28:15), while the THEN clause is based on what Yaakov state
in his REALIZATION (in 28:16-17).
[Note that based on our analysis, the psukim (28:12-22) can be divided as
follows: God's REVELATION (in 28:12-15), followed by Yaakov's REALIZATION
(in 28:16-17), which prompt Yaakov's RESOLUTION (in 28:18-22).]
IF, OR WHEN
As indeed these 'conditions' are simply a repeat of God's
re-assurances, one could suggest that Yaakov may not be doubting God at all,
nor setting any conditions! Rather, before stating his resolution, he is
simply explaining why he has to wait - for before he can build this 'Bet
Elokim', and to enable the fulfillment of his vow, God will need to first
keep His promise to help him return.
Recall, that the word "im" in Hebrew can also mean 'when' (and not
exclusively 'if' / see Rashi on Shmot 22:24).
Hence, if we understand Yaakov's opening statement of "im" as when, then
Yaakov may simply be stating that: WHEN God fulfills His promises (in
28:15), then he will be in the position to build this Bet Elokim (and thus
help 'make a Name for God)'.
If so, then Yaakov is certainly not a 'doubter' - rather he's
inspired 'dreamer'!
In fact, we can learn a very important lesson for the future from
Yaakov's actions. Just as Yaakov had great aspirations, but could not
fulfill them due to his difficult predicament; so too the people of Israel
may face historical situations when they find themselves unable to fulfill
their lofty goals.
Nevertheless, they must remain committed to those goals, and find
meaningful ways to remember them during times of peril; and hence become
worthy of redemption.
DOES YAAKOV FULFILL HIS VOW?
If you remember what transpires in Parshat Vayishlach, you may be
wondering now why Yaakov doesn't build that Bet Elokim upon his return to
Eretz Canaan. Well, that's not only a question for Parshat Vayishlach,
that's what a good part of Parshat Va'yishlach is going to be all about! To
be discussed in next week's shiur!
Till then,
shabbat shalom,
menachem
Below - you'll find below some short discussions on additional topics
relating to the above shiur
PART TWO - RELATED TOPICS
===============
A. THE TWO PARTS OF YAAKOV'S NEDER
A CONDITION OR A PROMISE?
Review 28:20-22 and take note of how the 'neder' divides into two
parts:
1) a CONDITION - IF... ; followed by:
2) a PROMISE (i.e. the vow) - THEN...
It is unclear, however, where the IF clause ends and the THEN clause
begins. Let's take a look:
"And Yaakov then made a vow saying:
1) IF God remains with me,
2) and He protects me on this journey, on which I embark,
3) and gives me bread to eat and clothes to wear.
4) And I return safely to my father's house,
5) and [or then?] Hashem will be my God.
6) And [or then?] this stone, which I have set up as a
monument, will be a BET ELOKIM
7) and from all that You give me I will set aside one-tenth"
(28:20-22).
The first four clauses are clearly part of the CONDITION, as they
reflect precisely what God had just promised Yaakov in his dream several
psukim earlier. [Compare with 28:15; see also Rashi.]
Similarly, the last two clauses clearly describe what Yaakov vows to
do once the conditions are met. They describe Yaakov's promise to establish
a Bet Elokim at this site upon his return from Charan and offer a tithe of
his possessions.
However, the middle clause (5) - "and Hashem will be my God" - can
go either way. Although it can refer to either a condition or promise, each
option poses considerable difficulty. On the one hand, it doesn't appear to
be a condition for two basic reasons:
a) It does not reflect God's promise in 28:15 as do the other
clauses.
b) If this is indeed a condition, then it does not add anything to
what Yaakov had already stated in his first clause - "If God will be with
me".
On the other hand, it does not appear to be a vow, either. How
could Yaakov possibly accept Hashem as his God only IF God fulfills His
promises! Is Yaakov Avinu so 'spoiled' that he would accept God only if He
is good to him?
The classical commentators tackle this question in their
commentaries.
Rashi and Rashbam explain that it is indeed a CONDITION. Rashi
brilliantly solves the first problem raised above [(a)] by explaining this
phrase as a reference to God's earlier promise to Avraham at brit mila -
"lihiyot lecha le-Elokim" (see 17:7-8).
Rashbam solves the second problem [(b)] by explaining this clause
simply as a summary (or generalization) of the first three clauses.
On the other hand, Ramban, Radak, and Seforno all explain this
clause as the VOW. They all solve the problem raised above (that Yaakov
appears to accept God only on condition) by explaining that Yaakov vows to
INTENSIFY his relationship with God should (or actually WHEN) God fulfills
His promise. Surely, Hashem will always remain Yaakov's God no matter what
may happen. But Yaakov promises that if (or when) he returns 'home' he will
dedicate his entire life to God's service.
[I recommend that you see these "parshanim" inside.
Btw, Ramban adds an additional peirush, which he categorizes as
'sod', that explains the clause as neither a condition nor a vow; it is a
STATEMENT OF FACT. Yaakov simply states that only when he returns home to
Eretz Canaan will it (de facto) become possible 'for Hashem to become his
God', since one cannot develop the fullest relationship with God outside of
the Land of Israel. (I've toned down Ramban's statement in translation -
see it inside (28:21) for a bit of a shocker.)]
====
B. BET-EL / A SPIRITUAL INTERSECTION
In this week's Parsha we find the first biblical reference to the
concept of 'Bet Elokim', a House of God. Though mentioned only once
throughout Sefer Breishit, this concept constitutes one of the most
fundamental religious principles in Chumash, as it presupposes the
possibility of man's visiting the house as a means to improve his
relationship with God.
Yaakov's description of this site as both 'sha'ar ha-shamayim' and
'Bet Elokim' can help us understand the nature and purpose of the Bet
ha-Mikdash and how it represents the potential heights of our relationship
with God.
The 'sha'ar ha-shamayim' aspect of the Mikdash, symbolized by the
angels ascending and descending from Heaven, suggests the possibility of a
'vertical' relationship, a conceptual connecting point between Heaven and
Earth. Despite God's transcendence, a connection, and thus a relationship,
can be attained.
In contrast, the 'Bet Elokim' aspect, a HOUSE on earth where Man can
encounter God, implies the potential for a 'lateral' relationship. In this
sense, the Mikdash serves as both a center for congregation as well as the
means of dissemination. From this site, God's word and the recognition of
His authority can be spread to all mankind.
[See Yeshayahu 2:1-5! This centrality may be reflected by the unique phrase
at Bet El - "yama ve-keydma, tzafona, ve-negba," which might symbolize this
dissemination of God's word to all four corners of the earth.]
From God's perspective, so-to-speak, the 'shechina' descends to
earth by way of 'sha'ar ha-shamayim' and radiates via 'Bet Elokim' (in the
form of His Torah) to all of mankind. From man's perspective, we gather at
the 'Bet Elokim' to serve God, and through the 'sha'ar ha-shamayim' we can
climb the 'ladder' of holiness.
=========
C. BET-EL & BET ELOKIM
In God's first 'hitgalut' to Yaakov, we find some additional phrases
that can help us appreciate why Yaakov decides that this site should become
a Bet Elokim. Let's take another look at the second pasuk of this hitgalut:
"And your offspring shall be like the AFAR HA-ARETZ, you shall spread out to
the WEST, EAST, NORTH, and SOUTH ('yama ve-kedma, tzafona, ve-negba), and
through you all the nations of the earth shall be blessed" (28:14).
The first two phrases - "afar ha-aretz" and "east west north &
south" - had been mentioned only ONCE before, i.e. when God affirmed
Avraham's BECHIRA at BET-EL (after Lot's relocation in Sedom). Note the
similarities:
"And God said to Avram, after Lot had parted from him, Raise your eyes and
look out... to the NORTH, SOUTH, EAST, & WEST, for I give you all the LAND
which you see... I will make your offspring like the AFAR HA-ARETZ..."
(13:14-16).
Based on our earlier comparison between this 'hitgalut' to Yaakov
(28:14) and God's earlier 'hitgalut' to Avraham at BET EL (13:14-16), we may
offer a deeper interpretation of these terms.
As explained above, the two common phrases, 'afar ha-aretz' and 'yama
ve-kedma...', suggest to Yaakov that he currently stands on the same site
where Avraham Avinu built a MIZBEYACH and 'called out in God's Name'. This
as well adds additional reason for Yaakov's resolve to make this site a BET
ELOKIM.
[See also Devarim 12:5-12, and note the expression used numerous times in
Sefer Devarim to describe the Mikdash - "ha-MAKOM asher yivchar HASHEM
leshakein SHMO sham". Compare to the use of the word "ha'makom" in
28:10-22!]
However, God's hitgalut to Avraham in chapter 13, also took place in
Bet-el (see 13:4, noting its context).
Notice, how the Torah describes this site as Bet-el, even though Yaakov
only named that city over a hundred years later. The reason why is simple,
because the Torah realizes that Yaakov's dream took place near the same spot
where Avraham built his mizbayach! And in any case, the thematic
connection, based on the above shiur, is rather obvious.
===================
FOR FURTHER IYUN
A. Note the emphasis and repetition of the word 'ha-Makom' in this Parsha -
28:11,16,17,19. Note the use of the term also in Parshat Lech Lecha, 13:14,
at the Akeida - 22:4, and in Sefer Dvarim 12:5,11,14,18.
1. Try to explain the significance of this word specifically in the context
of these parshiot.
2. Use this to explain Chazal's identification of this spot as the site of
the Akeida on Har Ha-Moriah, and eventually the site of the Bet HaMikdash in
Yerushalayim.
3. Read Ramban on 28:17 (including Rashi whom he quotes). Relate this Ramban
and his machloket with Rashi to the above shiur.
B. Read Rashi on Breishit 2:7, and note the two explanations he cites from
the Midrash on that pasuk - "vayitzer Hashem Elokim et ha-adam afar min
ha-adama":
a) 'afar' from Har Ha-Moriah
b) 'afar' from the four corners of the earth.
How do these two opinions relate to our analysis in this week's shiur?
C. See if you can connect the last section of this shiur to two other
well-known Midrashim:
1. Opposite "Yerushalayim shel mata" exists a "Yerushalayim shel ma'ala"
(Taanit 5a). [Relate this to the concept of "sha'ar ha-shamayim."]
2. Yerushalayim is known in the Midrash Tanchuma as "taburo (navel) shel
olam" - the umbilicus of the world. [Relate this to the concept of Bet
Elokim and the 'four directions'.]
D. Several related questions to think about which relate to next week's
Parsha, as well:
1. Does Yaakov actually fulfill his 'neder' when he returns?
2. Is this "neder" fulfilled by Am Yisrael? If so, when?
3. Relate Yaakov's "galut" and his "neder" to the principle of "maase avot
siman l'banim" and Jewish history
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