U’FARATZTA
ימה וקדמה וצפונה ונגבה ונברכו בך כל משפחות האדמה ובזרעך (ברשית כח, יד) ופרצת והיה זרעך כעפר הארץ
Define “U’faratzta” as “break-through” as related to the effect on the land.
Yalkut Shimoni
The land would now been inherited by the Jews. Compared to dust of the earth since land needs water (Torah) in order to grown.
Tur (in name of Rosh)
Yaacov was at the place of the Bais haMikdash. Not to be understood to spread out as the Gemara in Chullin related for Avrohom that HaShem folded Eretz Yisrael under him. Rather the four amos on which Yaacov slept was the Foundation Stone and the stone expanded (U’fartzta) to the four corners of the world, that the entire earth is destined for the Jews.
Defines “U’faratzta” as “abundance” with respect to people.
Rashi Strengthen yourself.
Ibn Ezra Your children will multiple.
R’ Bachaye Many children – compared to the positive aspect of earth that goes out.
Ralbag Jews blessed to radiate to the four corners of the earth.
All the nations will be blessed that: 1) they should be like the Jews; or 2) the strong chashgacha that goes to the Jews will overflow to the non-Jews.
HaShem is likened to the heart and the Jews are the body. When operating in health, the blood flows and all areas receive direct benefit. When ill or a blockage exists, then blood does not flow properly and benefit is not felt so directly (such as when in Galus).
Seder (avodah) of the Jews allows the manifestation (U’faratzta) of the Divine Presence into this world.
Abarbanel
Blessing to Yaacov (the Jews) was in three parts:
1) Special flow (connection) to exist between HaShem and Yaacov (the Jews).
2) Conquest of Eretz Yisrael.
3) To have many children (fulfilling promise to Avrohom). This was fulfilled through Yaacov’s 12 sons, established in a specified order of 4 groups of three flags (tribes) each like the encampment in the desert. This arrangement (avodah) allows the manifestation of Divine Presence.
Rakanti
Four directions are actually spiritual directions:
Yomah (west) – Malchus
Kedmah (east) – Tiferes
Tzofnah (north) – Gevurah
Negvah (south) – Chesed
The direction of Yaacov is from down upwards. Thus, the blessings would come within the spiritual Yaacov that allows the Divine influence to flow through the channels and limitations into this world through the 70 branches (of Tiferes) to all the nations of the world.
Ohr haChaim
All the nations of the world are blessed due to the Jews (Yaacov) that we do the Mitzvos of HaShem and recognize Him fulfilling the purpose of the Creation.
Just as prior to the arrival of Yaacov, the waters were restricted and he arranged for the free flowing of the waters (or in Egypt when Yaacov arrived, the Nile rose up and watered the entire land, ending the famine), so too the nations of the world receive blessings due to the service of the Jews.
Lubavitcher Rebbe
“U’faratzta” is breaking the spiritual barrier between HaShem (בלי גבול) to come into this world (גבול).
