* PARSHA Q&A * In-Depth Questions on the Parsha with Rashi Parshas Vayetzei For the week ending 9 Kislev 5755 11 & 12 November 1994 =========================================================================== This issue is dedicated in the memory of Nachshon Mordechai ben Yehudah Waxman z''l =========================================================================== Attention all subscribers that re-publish Parsha Q&A: We are very EXCITED that so many of you are including Parsha Q&A in your various local publications. We would LOVE to see your creations, and would greatly appreciate it if you could please send us one copy to our main offices in Israel (see the end of the file for the address). Please include your E-Mail address so we can write back! =========================================================================== Parsha Questions 1. When Yaakov traveled to Haran, the Torah states that he departed from Be'er Sheva. Why? 2. In his dream, Yaakov saw angels ascending and descending. What were the missions of these angels? 3. Why did Hashem promise Yaakov "I am with you" in verse 28:15? 4. When was the first time that Hashem spoke to Yaakov? 5. What is the "gate of heaven" in verse 28:17? 6. Why did Yaakov rebuke the shepherds? 7. Why did Yaakov cry when he met Rachel? 8. Why did Yaakov come empty handed to Lavan's house? 9. Why did Lavan run to greet Yaakov? 10. Why were Leah's eyes tender? 11. Why did Rachel envy Leah? 12. "Hashem remembered Rachel." (30:22) What did He remember? 13. During the 14 years that Yaakov worked for Lavan, who provided for the needs of Yaakov's family? 14. Why did Ya'akov not merit the Divine Presence (Shechina) while he was in Haran? 15. How did Lavan mistreat Rachel and Leah? 16. Why did Rachel steal Lavan's terafim? 17. Yaakov told Lavan "with whom you shall find your gods, that person shall not live." (31:32) What resulted from this curse? 18. Who was the father of Bilhah and Zilpah? 19. What treaty did Lavan make with Yaakov? 20. Who escorted Yaakov into Eretz Yisrael? Bonus QUESTION: "And Yaakov went out from Be'er Sheva to Haran." (28:10) Rashi states that the reason the Torah stresses the fact that he left Be'er Sheva is to teach us that the departure of a righteous person "leaves" an impression. Avraham and Yitzchak also traveled. Why doesn't the Torah emphasize the places of their departure? I Did Not Know That! The word "well" is mentioned seven times in the Parsha corresponding to the Festival of Succos during which the water libations were offered in the Beis Hamikdash for seven days. Ba'al HaTurim =========================================================================== Answers to this Week's Questions All references are to the verses and Rashi's commentary, unless otherwise stated 1. 28:10 - The departure of a righteous person from a place leaves a noticeable void in that place. 2. 28:12 - The ascending angels accompanied Yaakov while he was in Eretz Canaan and were not permitted to leave the Land. The descending angels accompanied Yaakov outside the Land. 3. 28:15 - To reassure Yaakov, since he was afraid of Esav and Lavan. 4. 28:15 - During his prophetic dream. 5. 28 :17 - The place via which our prayers ascend to Heaven. 6. 29:7 - When he saw them lying down he thought that they wished to take their animals home. He rebuked them because it wasn't time to bring in the flocks. 7. 29:11 - He perceived prophetically that they would not be buried together. 8. 29:11 - Because Eliphaz, the son of Esau, pursued him and took all his possessions. 9. 29:13 - He thought that Yaakov was carrying money. 10. 29:17 - She cried continually because she thought she was destined to marry Esau. 11. 30:1 - She envied her mitzvos, thinking that they were the reason Leah merited having children. 12. 30:22 - That Rachel gave Leah the "signs of recognition" that Yaakov had taught her, so that she wouldn't be embarrassed. 13. 30:30 - Yaakov's sons. 14. 31:3 - Because Yaakov dwelt with Lavan. 15. 31:15 - Even though it was customary to marry off one's daughter with a dowry, Lavan sold his daughters to Yaakov in return for his labor. 16. 31:22 - To wean her father from idol worship. 17. 31:32 - Rachel died in childbirth shortly afterwards. 18. 31:50 - Lavan. 19. 31:52 - That Lavan the Arami (Syrian) and Yaakov would not go to war against each other. 20. 32:1 - The angels of Eretz Yisrael. Bonus ANSWER: When Avraham and Yitzchak departed from a place, their departure did not leave the same kind of impression behind that Yaakov left. Avraham and Yitzchak did not leave a righteous person behind that was capable of sensing the "spiritual void" that they created in that place by leaving. On the other hand, when Yaakov left Be'er Sheva, he left behind Yitzchak and Rivka who were able to sense the "spiritual loss" that resulted by his departure. Kli Yakar =========================================================================== THERE'S STILL TIME TO ENROLL FOR THE JLE ISRAEL SEMINAR `94-'95 3 weeks of study and touring, optional Ulpan, and structured encounters with Israeli Dignitaries Departure December 22 Optional free week Jan 8-15 For Jewish men between the ages of 19 and 30 with demonstrated academic achievment and a sincere motivation to explore their roots. 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