Erev Shabbat Kodesh
Parashat Vayeitzei
Then [Jacob] heard the words of Laban's sons, saying, "Jacob has taken all that belonged to our father, and from that which belonged to our father he amassed all this wealth." Jacob also noticed Laban's disposition that, behold, it was not toward him as in earlier days.
And Hashem said to Jacob, "Return to the land of your fathers and to your native land, and I will be with you." (Bereishit 31.1-3)
Commentary: And I will be with you. When you return home, I will be with you, but as long as you remain here with the unclean Laban, My Presence will not rest on you (Rashi). This removal of God's protection, as evidenced by the displeasure of Laban and his sons, was designed to provoke Jacob to leave Charan and return to Eretz Yisrael (Malbim).There really is no place like home, and nothing makes you feel the truth of that statement quite like overstaying your welcome in someone else's home. Even when the someone is family and they love you and you love them, there comes a point when you just have to be under your own vine and fig tree.
It's to our father Ya'aqov's great credit that he was sensitive to the hints and wasted no time getting out of what was fast becoming an untenable situation. He didn't need to be told twice.
Soon, we will once again follow the course of our father Ya'aqov's life after returning home to Eretz Yisrael, and we will see, once again, that coming home did not mean an end to his troubles. He just traded one set of troubles for another. But, in Eretz Yisrael, Hashem would be right there with him through the troubles.
From this we can learn that we don't come home to Eretz Yisrael in order to avoid problems, or in order to rest on our laurels and enjoy life. We come home because Hashem, our Abba, is calling us. He's telling each one of us, "Come home, son/daughter, and we'll spend time together - I'll be with you." Who could ever pass that up? Who could be so cold as to turn their back on such an offer?
Our father Ya'aqov was just watching and listening and waiting for that call. He was hoping for it and praying for it - that signal to come home. That's why when it came, he wasted no time. He was more than ready to go.
He knew, like we do, that everything up until our arrival back home in Eretz Yisrael has just been practice. Now, the real work begins. Only in Eretz Yisrael can our destiny be realized and our mission be fulfilled.
SMART GIRLS...
ReplyDeleteFlatbush: Two Female Israeli Soldiers Robbed & Beaten While Getting Off Subway
...Unfortunately, even if the NYPD were to locate the suspects, it is unlikely that charges will be brought since both victims took a flight back to Israel on Thursday afternoon.
Thank you so much for the links to Na’ava Kodesh
ReplyDeleteSure. Just passing it along. Shavua tov!
DeleteI think this is my favorite post of yours! I wish our brothers and sisters in the Exile would take heed. Sadly, there are too many who aren't interested in having a relationship with their Creator, and feel that 'their nation', is the 'host' nation they were brought up in. :-(
ReplyDeleteThe Yetzer HaRa is so very, very strong there and the Torah learning is so weak, it's a wonder anyone gets out. Had I delayed any longer, I fear I might still be there with them today. We can't underestimate their predicament and we need to maybe arrange special prayers to be said for them, to strengthen them their desire to join us here.
DeleteI follow the Na'ava Kodesh series each week. It's one that is heartwarming and encouraging. Although I am physically still in the Galus - and yes in Lakewood NJ - a couple of blocks away from the creator of the Na'ava Kodesh site(as you can see on the contact of the website) - E"Y is my home. It will always and forever be.
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