Friday November 22,1996                                           Erev
Shabbat Kisleiv 11, 5757

Vayaitzai (Genesis 28:10-32:3)

Something to think about:

Yaakov (Jacob) left his parent's home [to escape the wrath of his brother,
Aisav] and went to Charan [to seek out a wife from his mother's family]. 
On his trip he experienced the now famous "Dream of Jacob's Ladder".  As
night fell, "He took from the stones of the place and placed them around
his head". 

 In the morning, "He took the stone".  Before there were stones and now a
stone? What happened?  The Rabbinic Literature (Midrash) speaks of the
stones vying with each other for the privilege of serving Yaakov.  To
resolve the conflict, Hashem united them as one. 

Taking this account at face value, the author of "Torat Elchanan" asks,
"Why did just the stones argue; why not the feathers in his pillow?"  He
answers that each feather knows that it alone cannot support the head. 
Alone, it cannot do the job.  On the other hand, each stone felt that it
alone could do the job.  This arrogance led to the argument!  This is so
true in human nature.  Too often our arrogance blinds us to the talents
and contributions of those around us. 

But even after uniting the stones, couldn't each area of that one rock
continue the same objection?  Perhaps because members of one entity do not
feel the same sense of competition.  [The receiver does not wish to kick
the football nor does the kicker try to receive it.  Go Buckeyes Beat
Michigan !!!!] Each member realizes and appreciates the different tasks
and talents that the other brings. 

As Yaakov begins his exile from the land of his fathers, he is taught this
important lesson.  We as his heirs and descendants must also internalize
this lesson if we are to survive our own exile.  We must learn to our
appreciate our differences.  "...and if I am only for myself, what am I".
(Hillel)

Candle lighting-4:53
                                                                Shabbat
Ends-5:54
Good Shabbos!!                             Rabbi  Hirsh Michel Chinn

This week's fax is dedicated in honor of the Bar Mitzva of Joe Chai, Mazal
Tov