Parshat VAYETZI (And He Went Out)

In this Torah portion, Jacob has a dream in which angels go up and down a ladder connecting earth to heaven. God appears before Jacob and renews the covenant that God had made with Abraham. Jacob sees Rachel, Laban’s daughter, tending sheep and wishes to marry her. Laban tricks Jacob into marrying his eldest daughter, Leah, after seven years of labor. In exchange for another seven years of work, Jacob is allowed to marry Rachel. Jacob has many sons with Leah, but Rachel is unable to conceive. Finally, God blesses Rachel, and she has a son, whom she names Joseph.

his week’s Torah portion tells of Jacob fleeing his home and agreeing to work for seven years for the right to marry Rachel.  Vayetze begins with an allusion to this event.

Hosea mentions this part of Jacob’s life story as he speaks about the sinful ways of Jacob’s descendents–the northern tribes of Israel, which he refers to by the name of one major tribe, “Ephraim.”

Hosea explains their iniquity: “When Ephraim spoke with trembling, he was lifted high in Israel, but through an idol he incurred guilt and died” (13:1). He then adds: “They [the people] add sin to sin, making for themselves molten images” (13:2). Ever since the northern kingdom of Israel split from Judah, under the reign of King Jeroboam I, the people of Israel had been guilty of idolatry. Generations later, while Hosea prophesies, this problem still exists.

Hosea uses metaphors from nature to describe how God will punish Israel. Israel will disappear like the morning clouds and the dew (13:3). God will act violently, like a lion, leopard, and bear–and Israel will be the prey (13:8). Hosea mocks the people of Israel, “Where now is your king? Let him save you!” (13:10). The message is clear:

*Excerpt from "My Jewish Learning"

Sonia and I wish you a week in which you actualize your good intentions,

Rabbi Cody R. Bahir, Ph.D.