There are two places in Parshas Vayeitzei, which indicate that Lavan planned to perpetrate some type of mischief upon Yacov. The first instance occurs when Hashem comes to Lavan in a dream and warns, "Beware lest you speak with Yacov either good or bad" (Vayeitzei 31,24). The second indication is Lavan's statement to Yacov that "there is power in my hand to do you harm…" (Vayeitzei 31,29). However, neither of these two passages actually recount that Lavan had any designs to destroy both Yacov and his entire family. In fact, Lavan says to Yacov, "Yet to my daughters - what could I do to them this day? Or to their children whom they have borne" (Vayeitzei 31,43). Why then does the Ba'al Haggada state that Lavan wanted to destroy the Jewish nation?

Rav Yacov Kaminetzky zt"l explains that the source for stating that Lavan was interested in eradicating Yacov is contained in the incident of Yacov and Lavan making the covenant with each other. Upon consummating the covenant, the Torah relates that Lavan said, "May the G-d of Avrohom and the god of Nachor judge between us - the god of their father (Terach). And Yacov swore by the dread of his father Yitzchok" (Vayeitzei 31,53). Rav Kaminetzky observes that upon analyzing the words of Yacov and Lavan, we find that although Lavan mentions Avrohom while sealing the covenant, Yacov does not mention Avrohom at all - Yacov swears by Yitzchok.

Rav Kaminetzky explains the difference as follows. Yacov and Lavan, by choosing different fathers by whom to connect, were sending clear additional messages to each other. Lavan desired to have his family and Yacov's family mingle and co-exist. That is why Lavan connects Avrohom's G-d to Nachor's god, with Terach as the common denominator. By making this connection, Lavan is stating to Yacov that since we share the same "yichus (lineage)," we are really one family. Yacov, by connecting himself to Yitzchok, was declaring that although we originate from one great grandfather, we are two distinctly different families. With this declaration, Yacov clearly expressed that he did not desire to associate any further with Lavan, since he knew quite well that Lavan's influence would corrupt his family and assimilate them into oblivion. Therefore, although Yacov was making a covenant with Lavan, he was determined to clarify that it was only a peace pact, not a desire to live together.

With these observations, we can now understand the Ba'al Haggada's statement that "Lavan sought to uproot the Jewish nation." Lavan's desire to unite his family with Yacov's, in essence, is a plan of destruction for the Jewish people.

Rav Chaim Shmulevitz zt"l questions the ability of a person to survive for fourteen years without sleep? Such a feat is only possible through a miracle, however Rashi does not mention that a miracle occurred.

Rav Shmulevitz explains that Yacov's ability to remain awake for fourteen years indeed was a natural occurrence and not the product of a nes (miracle). This capability was a direct result of Yacov's committed desire to study Torah. Yacov's total dedication to this goal caused Yacov to be able to focus all of his strength and efforts towards this objective.

A similar display of "super human" strength by Yacov is found in an additional episode in this week's Parsha. Yacov travels to Lavan's home and comes upon a well. The shepherds who are waiting at the well state that "we are unable to (water our flocks) until all the flocks have been gathered and they will roll the stone from upon the mouth of the well…" (Vayeitzei 29,8). When Yacov saw Rochel coming towards the well with her flock, "Yacov came forward and rolled the stone from upon the mouth of the well…." (Vayeitzei 29,10). Rashi explains that Yacov's strength was so great that he removed the rock as if "removing a plug from the mouth of a flask."

Rav Shmulevitz observes that this demonstration of strength by Yacov was not due to his physical prowess. He bases this opinion on the following verse in the Prayer for Rain (which is recited on Shemini Atzeres) - "yichad leiv v'gal even (he dedicated his heart and rolled a stone)."

This verse implies that the strength to roll the stone was borne out of his "yichad leiv". We definitely do not beseech Hashem for rain on the basis of Yacov's physical strength. Our prayers to receive rain are based on the merit of Yacov's committed desire to perform His will.

In regard to Yacov's not sleeping for fourteen years, this same characteristic of Yacov was in play. It was the power of Yacov's "yichad leiv" for the study of Torah that gave him the strength to stay awake for fourteen years without sleep.

These "super human" acts by Yacov are proof that a person who focuses his power and concentrates all of his efforts on a certain goal can accomplish deeds which are beyond normal capabilities. Rav Shmulevitz relates that stories have been told of people who, rachmona litzlan (heaven forbid), had fires in their homes and through their focus on saving themselves and others, generated power and energy above their normal strength. As a result, they were able to perform incredible feats and move objects that would that normally require several people to lift.

Rav Shmulevitz concludes that everyone is capable of rolling a stone from the mouth of a well - only lack of focus and determination prevents it from happening.

TABLE TALK

THE DILEMMA
(What is permitted to do in this situation?)

While the synagogue and the Rabbi are attempting to iron out these "logistical" problems, another Rabbi is recommended for the position. It will take several weeks until the synagogue can interview and assess whether the second Rabbi is a viable choice. When must the synagogue notify the first Rabbi that another Rabbi is being considered for the position?

Would your answer differ if the second Rabbi is a long shot and there is a concern that the first Rabbi will be alienated by the implication that the synagogue is considering others for this position?

(Consult your Rav for a proper halachic ruling)

Last week's clues and answer: My mother is my sister; My brother is my nephew; My grandfather is my father; My sister is my aunt - Amon or Ben Ammi

Congratulations to Mr. Shmully Halpern, The Hefter Family, Amram Kaplovitz, Rabbi Yonah Krainess, The Mendenhall Family, Mr. Neil Parks and Dr. Jeff Solomon.

TORAH RIDDLE

Is it possible for a bechor (first born male) not to receive a double portion of his father's inheritance?

(Please send us your answer by e-mail to gkrainess@adelphia.net. The answer will appear in next week's issue)

Last week's question and answer: Which food grows in plant form or on a tree requires the recital of the brocha of shehakol? Palm shoots. Produce that is normally eaten cooked, however, is being eaten raw (like onions and potatoes), or any produce that is normally eaten raw but is being eaten cooked (like a banana), requires a brocho of shehakol.

Congratulations to Mr. Shmully Halpern, The Hefter Family, Yitzi Schabes and Avi Zuckerman

THE KOLLEL FAMILY

MAZEL TOV

-Rabbi Yochanon Greenwald on the birth of a grandson

CONDOLENCES

-Rabbi Yochanon Greenwald on the passing of his mother

COMMUNITY BULLETIN BOARD

RABBI YISSOCHER FRAND
INTERNATIONAL LECTURER

SUNDAY EVENING, FEBRUARY 17, 2002
GREEN ROAD SYNAGOGUE

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The Cedar-Green Community Kollel Friday Evening Parsha Classes will convene this week at 8:00 at The Huntington-Green Apts.:

-Rabbi Levi's group: Call Rabbi Levi 381-1617
-Rabbi Nadoff's group: Call Rabbi Nadoff 291-2692
-Rabbi Newman's group: Call Rabbi Newman 381-4497

(Please inform us if you wish to have a happy or solemn occasion or a community or personal event posted on the Community Bulletin Board - Thank you.)

To sponsor an issue of Oneg Shabbos, please contact Leib Chaim Krainess, Director of Kollel Development at (216) 559-0638 or gkrainess@adelphia.net.
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