“Yaakov departed from Beer-sheba and went towards Haran. He encountered the place and slept the night there because the sun had set…” (Bereishis 28:10-11)
Rashi notes that the pasuk does not say, “It was getting dark and therefore Yaakov sought shelter”. He understands the pasuk to mean that the sun suddenly set without warning, not at the usual time. This was a change in nature. Therefore, Yaakov was forced to suddenly seek shelter on Har Moriah. That night Yaakov dreams a dream that a ladder was set earthward and its top reached heavenward. Angels of Hashem were ascending and descending. This was a prophecy for Yaakov and ultimately for all mankind.
Hashem changed nature so that Yaakov would have his dream on Har Moriah in order that the prophecy would have more significance. Yaakov knew it was special because he fell asleep on the very spot where the Bais Hamikdash would be built. In fact, this dream has captured the imagination of Jews and even non-Jews throughout the generations. Monuments have been built in symbolism of this dream, reams of literature have been published expounding this dream, and it has been the source for countless inspirational speeches. What is it about this dream and the events that led up to it that give it a common theme which immediately connects with all humanity?
Rabbi Nachman of Breslev puts forth the answer in a way that we can all relate to. Although there are times during a person’s service of Hashem when everything is going well, suddenly “the sun sets” and plans go awry. Hashem changes things; life becomes a bit more difficult. At this point a person is forced to wait and see what happens, he must have patience. The ladder is symbolic of something which is common amongst us all; just like the angels were climbing and descending the ladder a person will experience ups and downs in life. R’ Nachman adds that if a person is persistent in his desire to come close to Hashem, his efforts will eventually be rewarded.
The only thing which is predictable is that Hashem’s ways are unpredictable. While all of us are busy pursuing our goals we must remember that Hashem might have other plans for us. Sometimes difficulties slow us down and in a way help us focus on our own lives. Difficulties drive home the understanding that nothing is predictable. Taking this one step further let’s keep in mind that the next time we step on a nail or the car breaks down that it’s for a good reason even if we do not understand why our path was blocked. In fact, Hashem will actually change nature in order that we are given exactly what we need to maximize our spiritual opportunities. To see daily miracles requires patience.
Over the years people have asked me if I would ever draw cartoons depicting some of the cases found in Yora Daya. Well, the answer is yes! I recently published a sefer called The Great Game of Kashrut. Click on the link to find out more: The Great Game of Kashrut
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