Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why did Jacob change the name of the place from Luz to Bet-El?
A: Jacob renamed the place from Luz to Bet-El ('House of G-d') because he had a prophetic dream there where he saw a ladder reaching heaven, and G-d promised him protection and the land of Israel (Genesis 28:12-19). This name change signifies the spiritual significance of the location as a place of divine connection.
Q: What is the significance of Bet-El in the Torah?
A: Bet-El is significant because it was a place of divine revelation where Jacob encountered G-d in a dream. According to Rashi, it later became an important site for the Jewish people, and the Patriarchs (Abraham and Jacob) prayed there. The Midrash also connects it to the future site of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem.
Q: Was Luz the original name of Bet-El before Jacob renamed it?
A: Yes, Luz was the original name of the city before Jacob renamed it Bet-El. The Torah explicitly states this in Genesis 28:19. Rashi explains that Luz was a Canaanite city, and Jacob gave it a new name to reflect its spiritual importance after his prophetic experience there.
Q: What can we learn from Jacob naming the place Bet-El?
A: We learn the importance of recognizing and commemorating moments of divine connection. Jacob did not just move on after his vision—he marked the place as holy. The Rambam teaches that this teaches us to acknowledge and remember encounters with holiness in our own lives.
Q: Is Bet-El the same as the modern-day city called Bethel?
A: No, the biblical Bet-El (near Luz) is not the same as the modern city called Bethel. According to traditional Jewish sources, the biblical Bet-El was located north of Jerusalem, near the ancient city of Ai (see Joshua 7:2). The exact location is debated among scholars, but it holds historical and spiritual significance in Judaism.
The Naming of Bet-El
The verse (Bereshit 28:19) describes Yaakov Avinu renaming the place where he dreamed of the ladder from "Luz" to "Bet-El" (House of God). Rashi explains that this renaming signifies the transformation of the location into a place of divine encounter. The name "Luz" originally referred to the city, while "Bet-El" was given to the surrounding area where Yaakov experienced his prophetic vision.
Significance of the Name Change
According to the Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 69:8), the name "Luz" was associated with the almond tree (luz in Hebrew), which was known for its resilience and longevity. The Ramban suggests that Yaakov's renaming reflects the elevation of the site from a mundane place to one imbued with kedushah (holiness), marking it as a future center of divine worship.
Historical and Spiritual Implications
The Kli Yakar explains that the dual naming reflects the coexistence of physical and spiritual realities. "Luz" represents the material world, while "Bet-El" signifies the potential for divine connection within it. This mirrors Yaakov's journey of elevating the physical through divine service.