December 7, 2024 · ו' כסלו תשפ״ה
Parashat Vayetze · פרשת ויצא
A PEEK AT THE PARSHA Parshat Vayeitzei tells the story of Yaakov's journey from Be’er Sheva to Charan, his experiences with Hashem, and the significant events that shape the future of the Jewish people. Yaakov sets out on his journey to escape his brother Esav’s anger and to find a wife from his family in Charan. Along the way, he stops for the night and has a powerful dream. In the dream, he sees a ladder reaching from the ground to the heavens, with angels going up and down the ladder. Hashem appears to Yaakov and promises to protect him, return him to the land of Israel, and give the land to his descendants. Yaakov wakes up, recognizes the holiness of the place,
ONE BIG IDEA In Yaakov’s dream, there’s a ladder going up to the heavens and angels are going up the ladder and then back down. Shouldn’t the angels first go down the ladder from the heavens and then back up from the Earth? One answer is that these angels were the ones who had been with Yaakov in the Land of Israel. When Yaakov left Israel, these angels returned to heaven, and new angels came down to guide and protect him outside the land. This shows us that no matter where we are, we can stay connected to Hashem and keep climbing higher in our spiritual journey, just like the ladder in Yaakov's dream.
and names it Beit El (House of Hashem). He also vows to dedicate himself to Hashem and give a tenth of his wealth to Hashem. In Charan, Yaakov meets Rachel by a well and falls in love with her. He agrees to work for her father, Lavan, for seven years in exchange for her hand in marriage. However, Lavan tricks Yaakov by giving him Leah, Rachel's older sister, as a wife instead. Yaakov then works an additional seven years to marry Rachel. Over time, Yaakov’s family grows. Leah gives birth to six sons and a daughter, and Rachel eventually has two sons, Yosef and Binyamin. Yaakov also has children with Rachel and Leah's maidservants, Bilhah and Zilpah. These twelve sons become the ancestors of the twelve tribes of Israel. After many years, Yaakov decides to leave Lavan’s house and return to the Land of Israel. Despite Lavan’s attempts to delay him, Yaakov successfully departs with his family, flocks, and belongings. Parshat Vayeitzei highlights themes of perseverance, faith, and trust in Hashem’s promises. Yaakov's experiences remind us of the importance of striving for spiritual growth even in challenging circumstances and recognizing Hashem’s presence in our lives.
TIMES - זמנים Candle-lighting: 4:10pm Havdalah: 5:09pm allah: 5:25pm
PARSHA STATS Mitzvot………………………….. 0 Lines in the Torah ..............253 (12th most) Pesukim .............................148 (6th most) Words ................................2021 (4th most) Letters ................................7512 (5th most) Year(s) ................................2171-2205 (Source: OU Torah Tidbits)
DID YOU KNOW…? This parsha has a double “Did you know?” The story of Yaakov’s dream has two “inventions” in it. Maybe they weren’t real inventions, but they were only around for a little while before Yaakov. The first is Yaakov’s pillow. The second is the ladder. Did you know that the first pillows were not created for comfort but rather to raise someone’s head so that insects wouldn’t disturb them while they slept? And did you know that the first ladders were used by Egyptians and Jews?
CHECKLIST To be filled out after shabbat and brought in Monday.
Called someone to wish them a “Shabbat Shalom” Went to shul Participated in Hadlakat Nerot/Kiddush/ Hamotzi/Birkat Hamazon Sang zemirot/songs Wore Shabbat clothing Helped prepare our home for Shabbat Full Name: ______________________________ Class: __________________________________ Parent Signature: _________________________
QUESTIONS 1. Why were rocks originally used as pillows? 2. Why did the angels go up and then down and not down and then up? 3. The 12 sons of Yaakov had 4 different mothers. What were their names? 4. How many years did Yaakov work for Lavan? 5. Math question: Yaakov said he would give 1/10th of his money to tzedakah. If Yaakov had $100, how many dollars would he give to tzedakah?