Mefarshim 

📘 Parsha Insights – Rashi Commentary Q&A

Bereshis 28 – Rashi Q&A

Departure and Its Significance

1. Why does the Torah say “וַיֵּצֵא יַעֲקֹב” (Yaakov left) instead of simply “Yaakov went to Charan”?

To teach that the departure of a righteous person leaves an impression. While the righteous person is in a city, they bring glory, brilliance, and honor. When they leave, these qualities depart with them.

1. What does “וַיֵּלֶךְ חָרָנָה” mean?

It means “he set out for Charan,” indicating the beginning of his journey.

The Place and Prayer

1. What is “the place” that Yaakov came upon?
   It refers to Mount Moriah, the site of the future Temple, where Avraham bound Yitzchak.
2. Why does Rashi interpret “וַיִּפְגַּע בַּמָּקוֹם” as prayer?

Because “פגע” can mean “to beseech,” as in “Do not beseech Me.” From this, the Sages teach that Yaakov instituted the evening prayer (Ma’ariv).

1. Why did the Torah use “וַיִּפְגַּע” instead of “וַיִּתְפַּלֵּל”?

To teach that the ground miraculously shrank for Yaakov, allowing him to reach the holy place quickly.

Miracles and Details

1. Why did the sun set suddenly?

It set before its time so that Yaakov would be forced to stop and sleep at that holy place.

1. Why did Yaakov place stones around his head?

He feared wild animals. The stones then “quarreled” over which would support his head, so God merged them into one stone.

1. What does “וַיִּשְׁכַּב בַּמָּקוֹם הַהוּא” teach us?

That only in that place did Yaakov lie down to sleep; for 14 years in the study house of Ever, he did not lie down at night, being fully engaged in Torah study.

The Dream and Its Meaning

1. Why does the verse say angels were “ascending and descending” instead of the reverse?

The angels of the Land of Israel first ascended because they could not leave the land, and then angels assigned to lands outside Israel descended to accompany Yaakov.

1. What does the ladder symbolize according to Midrash?

It represents the connection between heaven and earth, and the middle of its slope aligned with the future site of the Temple in Jerusalem.

God’s Promise

1. What does “נִצָּב עָלָיו” mean?

It means God was standing over Yaakov to guard him.

1. Why does God identify as “the God of Yitzchak” even though Yitzchak was still alive?

Normally God does not associate His name with the living, but Yitzchak was considered as if dead because his eyes were dim and he was confined to his home, free from the evil inclination.

1. What is the meaning of “the land upon which you are lying”?

God miraculously contracted the entire Land of Israel beneath Yaakov, symbolizing that his descendants would easily conquer it.

1. What does “וּפָרַצְתָּ” mean in this context?

It means “you will grow strong,” as in “the more they would spread,” which also denotes strength.

1. Why does God reassure Yaakov with “אָנֹכִי עִמָּךְ”?

Because Yaakov was afraid of Esav and Lavan.

Yaakov’s Reaction

1. Why did Yaakov say, “וְאָנֹכִי לֹא יָדָעְתִּי” (I was not aware)?

He realized the holiness of the place and regretted sleeping there.

1. Why was Yaakov afraid after his dream?

He realized the awe and sanctity of the place, saying, “How awesome is this place! This is none other than the House of God and the gateway to heaven.”

1. What does “כִּי אִם־בֵּית אֱלֹהִים” mean?

It means the site is destined to be the House of God—the Temple.

1. What is meant by “וְזֶה שַׁעַר הַשָּׁמָיִם”?

It is the gateway through which prayer ascends to heaven; the earthly Temple corresponds to the heavenly Temple.

Yaakov’s Vow

1. What does Yaakov’s vow include?

If God protects him, provides sustenance, and returns him in peace, Yaakov will dedicate the stone as God’s house and give a tenth of all he receives.

1. What does “בְשָׁלוֹם” mean in Yaakov’s vow?

It means returning free of sin, not learning from Lavan’s ways.

1. What does “וְהָיָה ה’ לִי לֵאלֹהִים” mean?

That God’s name will rest upon him and his descendants, ensuring pure lineage.

1. What is the significance of the stone Yaakov set up?

It would become a monument for serving God, as Onkelos translates: “Upon it I will serve God.”

1. How did Yaakov fulfill his vow later?

When God told him to return to Bethel, Yaakov erected a monument and poured a wine libation upon it.

1. Why does Yaakov promise to give a tenth?

As an act of gratitude and devotion, dedicating a portion of his blessings to God.