Understanding the Parsha according to the teachings of the Rebbe
QUESTION: If the Avos observed all the Mitzvos of the Torah, how did Yaacov marry two sisters (which is explicitly forbidden in the Torah)?
ANSWER: The Avos did observe the whole Torah, but this is by their own choice, not as an obligation. Breaking his promise to Rochel to marry her, Yaacov would have broken accepted Noahic law (which was an obligation). Thus, Yaacov let go of his personal stringency and also married Rochel (after Leah) fulfilling his obligation. The lesson for us is that a person should overlook one’s own spiritual luxury in order to help another person acquire a spiritual necessity. )141, עמ' ה לקוטי שיחות כרך(
QUESTION: The Medrash on the verse Yaacov went out from Beer Sheva, explains that Yaacov went out from the oath that Avrohom (and Yitzchak) had made with the locals. Why was Yaacov different?
ANSWER: Avrohom & Yitzchak promoted awareness of G-d but their effect was superficial; they could only appease evil (and make oaths with Avimelech)עבודת הצדיקים , and thus, each had children that were influenced by the bad (Yishmael and Eisav) However, Yaacov’s avodah was to transform evil into good (and, thus, inappropriate to make an oath with bad) עבודת בעלי התשובה, and thus, his family was perfect, all the children were completely within the side of holiness. )88 'עמ ,י לקוטי שיחות כרך (
QUESTION: What is the connection between the blessing to Yaacov of ופרצת (inheritance without limits) and the action of Yaacov’s special guarding of Shabbos?
ANSWER: All other Mitzvos are performed differently by each individual and thus, a Tzadik accomplishes more with his actions. However, the mitzvah of guarding the Shabbos is performed equally by all without distinction. Thus, the reward for this mitzvah is a blessing that has no limits. )106 , עמ'טו לקוטי שיחות כרך (
QUESTION: Zevulun (business) is considered the main dwelling of Yaacov (בית זבול - בית דירה) more than Yissachar (learning). Yet Yaacov is called the “dweller in tents” (i.e. learning) which is not Zevulun?
ANSWER: We see from the life of Yaacov himself that he did not stay in Yeshivah, but went out to the world in order to build his home and family. Yaacov’s establishment of his permanent house (similar to HaShem’s house) was accomplished in the environment of Lavan. Zevulun uses the same effort of engagement in the world in order to transform it into holiness fulfilling our purpose. Nevertheless, business people while mainly involved in the service of birur, still need to set time for Torah study and involvement in diligent davening (especially on Shabbos). )134, עמ' ללקוטי שיחות כרך (
QUESTION: What is the understanding that Lavan was materially blessed through his involvement with Yaacov?
ANSWER: Two opinions in the Zohar on the nature of Lavan’s reward. One opinion is that Lavan received 100 of each kind per month (10 x 10) due to Lavan’s own source. He accomplished the maximum possible within nature. Lavan (representative of non-Jews) acted as an assistant, a secondary role, to Yaacov (representative of the Jews), and thus, received “inferior” blessing to Yaacov’s blessing. The second opinion says Lavan received 1000 ((אלף אותיות פלא which represents a blessing beyond the natural order. A non-Jew plays a role as a crucial partner to the Jews, sharing in the material rewards as a partner. )136 , עמ'כ לקוטי שיחות כרך (
BEN CHAMESH L’MIKRA בס"ד - הענינים מלקו"ש השבועי ועוד - נשמת אפרים לע"נ ר' אפרים ב"ר אברהם ע"ה האפמאן ▪ Resource to encourage the study of the Rebbe’s sichos ▪he classroom or at the Shabbos Table
