Parashat Vayetze: Building a Jewish Home with Emunah and Hesed

Good evening, everyone.We send you our weekly message with heartfelt prayers for the safety and speedy recovery of our beloved hostages and injured soldiers. May Hashem grant them refuge and healing in this month of Kislev.

Yaakov’s Journey: From Beer Sheva to Haran

In this week’s Parasha, Vayetze, Yaakov Avinu leaves Beer Sheva following his parents’ advice to find a wife and build a Jewish home. The Torah tells us:“Vayetze Yaakov mi Beer Sheva, vayeilech Charan” — Yaakov departed from Beer Sheva and went to Haran.

Although Yaakov had studied Torah intensely until age 63, he understood he needed spiritual strength for the challenges ahead in Haran. According to Chazal, he studied an additional 14 years in the yeshivot of Shem and Ever, preparing for this new chapter in his life.

The Significance of Prayer: Yaakov Institutes Maariv

Before reaching Haran, Yaakov plans to pray at Har HaMoriah, the site of the Akedah. Yet, he becomes so engrossed in his journey that he passes it without praying and must return. Miraculously, Hashem causes the sun to set early so Yaakov can pray there.

Chazal teach that Yaakov instituted the evening prayer, Maariv (Tefilat Arvit), during this moment of darkness. This prayer is unique as it expresses faith (emunah) even in times of uncertainty and difficulty.

The Three Prayers and the Avot’s Message

The Avot each instituted a daily prayer representing different spiritual states:

• Avraham: Morning prayer (Shacharit), expressing gratitude for Hashem’s blessings.

• Yitzchak: Afternoon prayer (Mincha), praying for strength amid doubt.

• Yaakov: Evening prayer (Maariv), strengthening faith despite darkness and challenge.

Though the words in the Amidah are the same, the intent changes with the time of day, reflecting our spiritual journey and reliance on Hashem through all life’s phases.

Yaakov’s Dream: The Ladder to Heaven

Yaakov’s famous dream of the ladder reaching heaven symbolizes that wherever we are—even in exile—we can always connect to Hashem, step by step. The twelve stones he found under his head became one large stone, representing unity and the foundation of the twelve tribes of Israel.

This teaches us that building a Jewish home and nation requires unity, emunah, and daily connection with Hashem.

Lessons from Haran: Hesed and Emunah in Building a Home

Upon arriving in Haran, Yaakov encounters shepherds by a well covered with a large stone. This stone represents the challenges and yet the possibility of overcoming the yetzer hara (evil inclination) through persistence and Torah study, like water slowly eroding a stone.

Haran was a place marked by stinginess and lack of generosity—qualities that eventually contributed to the destruction of the Second Beit HaMikdash. In contrast, Yaakov embodies hesed (kindness) and emet (truth), combining love and integrity in building a Jewish family.

The Example of Rachel: Hesed and Strength

Rachel, Yaakov’s beloved wife, exemplifies selfless kindness, allowing her sister Leah to marry Yaakov first and never demanding recognition for it. Her steadfast faith and refusal to tolerate idol worship teach us the importance of strong principles alongside loving kindness.

Building the Future of Am Yisrael

The Parasha of Vayetze highlights the combination of hesed and emet as essential qualities to build a Jewish home and nation. Yaakov’s devotion to truth and Rachel’s loving kindness form the foundation of Am Yisrael’s spiritual future.

Conclusion: Emunah and Prayer Amidst Challenges

As we face uncertain times today, may we draw strength from Yaakov’s example—praying with emunah, building homes on love and truth, and trusting Hashem’s promise of redemption. May this month of Kislev bring us peace, healing, and the fulfillment of all blessings.