Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why did Yaakov (Jacob) leave Be'er Sheva?
A: Yaakov left Be'er Sheva primarily to escape his brother Esav's (Esau's) anger after receiving the blessings from their father Yitzchak (Isaac). Additionally, he was going to Charan to find a wife from his mother Rivka's (Rebecca's) family, as instructed by his parents (Genesis 28:1-2). Rashi explains that this journey was also the beginning of Yaakov's fulfillment of the divine plan for the Jewish people.
Q: What is the significance of Yaakov's journey to Charan?
A: Yaakov's journey to Charan marks a pivotal moment in Jewish history. According to the Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 68:6), this journey represents the beginning of the Jewish people's exile and eventual redemption. The Ramban (Nachmanides) teaches that Yaakov's experiences in Charan—working for Lavan, marrying Leah and Rachel, and building his family—laid the foundation for the Twelve Tribes of Israel.
Q: Why does the Torah mention that Yaakov left Be'er Sheva specifically?
A: The Torah emphasizes Be'er Sheva because it was a place of holiness, associated with his father Yitzchak and grandfather Avraham (Abraham). Rashi comments that when a righteous person leaves a place, their absence diminishes its splendor. Thus, the verse highlights the impact of Yaakov's departure on Be'er Sheva, showing how the presence of tzaddikim (righteous people) elevates a location.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Yaakov's journey to Charan?
A: Yaakov's journey teaches us about faith and divine providence. Despite leaving his home under difficult circumstances, he trusted in Hashem's protection, as seen in the subsequent dream of the ladder (Genesis 28:12-15). The Talmud (Chullin 91b) notes that Yaakov's journey also symbolizes the Jewish people's resilience in exile, reminding us that even in challenging times, Hashem guides our steps.
Q: How does Yaakov's journey apply to us today?
A: Yaakov's journey reminds us that life's challenges often lead to growth and destiny. Just as Yaakov's difficult path eventually brought blessings (the Twelve Tribes), our struggles can have higher purposes. The Sforno teaches that Yaakov's departure from comfort to uncertainty mirrors the Jewish people's historical journey—trusting in Hashem's plan even when the path is unclear.
Rashi's Commentary on Yaakov's Departure
Rashi (Bereshit 28:10) explains that the Torah emphasizes Yaakov's departure from Be'er Sheva to teach that the departure of a righteous person from a place leaves an impression. The presence of a tzaddik (righteous person) brings blessing to a city, and their absence diminishes its glory. This mirrors Avraham's departure from Charan (Bereshit 12:5), where Rashi similarly notes the impact of a righteous person's presence.
The Significance of Be'er Sheva
The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 68:6) highlights that Be'er Sheva was a place of divine connection, as it was where Avraham and Yitzchak established covenants (Bereshit 21:31, 26:33). Yaakov's departure from this holy place marks the beginning of his journey to fulfill his spiritual mission, despite leaving behind the sanctity of his father's home.
Yaakov's Journey to Charan
Ramban (Bereshit 28:10) observes that Yaakov's travel to Charan parallels Avraham's servant's journey to find a wife for Yitzchak (Bereshit 24:10). Both journeys involve divine providence in securing the future of the Jewish people. The Talmud (Pesachim 88a) notes that Charan was a place of spiritual darkness, yet Yaakov's arrival there would eventually bring light, as he established the foundation for the Twelve Tribes.
Lessons from Yaakov's Departure