This
week’s Parsha Perspective is dedicated in
memory of Elka bas Zisel OBM
And
in memory of Leah bas Rochel OBM
After Jacob and his family fled Laban's home,
Laban took chase and apprehended them at Mount Gilead. "The daughters are
my daughters and the sons are my sons," he claimed. "What would I do
to these daughters of mine today, or to their children whom they have
borne?"
The Torah is multi-layered, and even seemingly
simple statements contain deeper meanings. Laban's words to Jacob were also
intended to convey a deeper, and much more sinister message. Jacob at this
point in time was an elderly Jew, nearly one hundred years old. He had received
his education in the houses of Abraham and Isaac, and had spend the
greater part of his life in "the tents of learning"– the prototypical
old-generation white-bearded Jew. Laban represented the opposite extreme; a
crafty, worldly businessman who spent his entire life chasing the dollar. When
Laban saw that Jacob was intent on educating his children in the ways of
Abraham and Isaac, as a concerned grandparent he gave Jacob some unsolicited
advice.
"Your ways were fine for the 'old generation,' but
the children are mine. The new generation must be properly educated
to be successful professionals, without wasting their time by teaching them
laws and philosophies which won't help them earn a nickel."
Jacob, however, understood that business acumen alone is not
the key to success. Yes, the Torah says that "G-d will bless you in
all your endeavors," meaning that G-d expects us to work, not to rely
on manna from Heaven, but our work is merely the channel through
which G-d's blessings flow. Strengthening our connection to G-d through the
study of Torah and observance of mitzvot increases the flow of
blessings. If the pipes aren't connected to an existing source of water,
expanding the size of the pipes won't solve the problem!
True Jewish education instills within the children this
vital understanding. This imbues the children with the strength to go out into
the world, but not be intimidated by it, for it is merely
a G-dly tool which provides us with the sustenance which is already
preordained for us.
(Excerpts from Chabad.org - by Rabbi Naftali
Silberberg)
May you have a meaningful and uplifting Shabbos!
