The history of the Jewish people is not smooth and contains many questionable episodes. Many of these events took place when we were still a family, and indeed, family rivalries are often the worst. A classic example occurs in this week’s Parshah. Jacob wants to marry Rachel but ends up with both Rachel and Leah. Their rivalry then causes him to be saddled with two more wives. His family life, and later the history of the Jewish people, is fractured. Yet from this rivalry and tension emerges twelve tribes, of which Rachel, Jacob’s intended wife, is the mother of only two. The very existence of the twelve tribes, and thus the nation of Israel, depends on this unwanted disruption to Jacob’s plans. We see this phenomenon throughout Jewish history. The blindness of Isaac and his deception leads to the choice of the right son as the spiritual heir. The hatred of his brothers towards Joseph leads eventually to the exile and redemption from Egypt. It would appear that G-d knows well how to manipulate human failings in order to achieve his aims. Yet not only does this manipulation leave a bad taste in the mouth but it also has negative consequences for later Jewish history. Can we possibly see a deeper meaning in these events? If we look at the Rachel/Leah saga we see how Jacob’s desire for one wife and her offspring is frustrated. Instead of one united family Jacob ends up with a fractious tribe of four wives and twelve children. This recalls to us another event we read about a few week’s ago: the story of the Tower of Babel. Here, also, we have a desire for unity: one society, with one language, united around a common goal. G-d, however, does not agree. He purposely creates a situation where separate nations, languages and ambitions are guaranteed. It appears that G-d does not like conformity, even though it is more peaceful. He prefers diversity, even when it leads to conflict. Indeed, He engineers conflict in order to create diversity. He is prepared to put up with the rivalries, misunderstandings and even hatred of people for each other in order to ensure they are not all alike. This should teach us an important lesson. We often see our human frailties as something to be overcome. Jealousy, anger and competition are bad traits to be suppressed. The Torah suggests a somewhat different view. All these things are part of what is too be human and what makes humanity interesting. What G-d is interested in is how we use them. If we channel them correctly they can be precisely what G-d wants.
ALIYAH BY ALIYAH SYNOPSIS
Rishon |
Jacob leaves for Haran. He dreams of an angelic ladder with G-d promising to protect him. |
Sheni |
Jacob arrives in Haran meets Rachel and falls in love. |
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Shelishi |
He works for Rachel for 7 years but is deceived and gets Leah instead. He gets Rachel for another 7 years labour. Leah is fruitful but Rachel barren so they use maidservants as surrogates. |
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Revi’i |
Rachel finally gives birth to Joseph. Laban ask Jacob to stay on after his contract is ended. |
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Chamishi |
Jacob agrees to take only the non-white animals but by good husbandry becomes rich. Laban is jealous. |
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Shishi |
Jacob flees but Laban catches up but is prevented by G-d from harming Jacob. |
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Shevi’i |
After mutual recriminations Laban and Jacob make a deal. Jacob re-enters the Land of Israel. |
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Haftorah |
Hosea: 12;13-14;10: Israel should remember G-d’s kindness to Jacob and return to G-d. |
Sidra Statistics
Parshat Vayetze
· has 148 verses ;
· is the 7th in Genesis, 7th in the Torah
· 3rd longest in Genesis, 5th longest in the Torah ;
· has no mitzvot
