1. Yaakov’s Departure from Be’er Sheva
We begin with the opening of Parshas Vayeitzei: Vayeitzei Yaakov miBe’er Sheva—Yaakov left Be’er Sheva. Until this point, Yaakov lived together with his parents, Yitzchak and Rivka, in Eretz Yisrael, in the land of Canaan. This was a place of spiritual royalty, a nurturing environment where Yaakov could grow, learn, and develop his relationship with Hashem in the most beautiful way. The Midrash describes that after leaving his hometown at the age of 63, Yaakov spent 14 years immersed in the yeshiva shel Shem v’Eiver—the academy of Shem and Eiver. During those years, he was completely absorbed in Torah study to such an extent that he did not even sleep in a regular bed; as the Torah says, vayishkav bamokom hahu (Bereishis 28:11)—he slept only when absolutely necessary, so as not to interrupt his learning.
2. Leaving Comfort for Challenge
The parsha tells us that Yaakov left behind all this comfort and security—his stronghold, his beloved home—and set out into the unknown. Now he had to contend with challenges: being pursued by Esav, facing constant threats and difficulties. Yet what is striking is that the Torah emphasizes not just what Yaakov left behind but also what he would accomplish outside his familiar environment.
3. The Birthplace of the Twelve Tribes
The most fascinating aspect is where Yaakov built his family—not in Eretz Yisrael, not in a protected enclave or a place dedicated to Torah learning, but rather in chutz la’aretz—outside the Land of Israel. It was specifically in this distant and spiritually challenging environment that Yaakov established his household and raised all twelve of his children. Unlike Avraham and Yitzchak, whose children were a mix (Avraham had Yishmael alongside Yitzchak; Yitzchak had Esav alongside Yaakov), all twelve of Yaakov’s sons became part of shevet Yisrael—the tribes of Israel. They were all righteous and formed the foundation of Am Yisrael.
4. Growth Through Exile and Distance
This teaches us an important lesson: sometimes true growth happens not within the safety of home but when one leaves comfort behind. The completeness of Yaakov’s family emerged only after he ventured into exile, far from everything familiar and supportive. It was precisely there that he succeeded in building something enduring and holy.
5. Contemporary Reflections on Jewish Life Abroad
This idea resonates today as well. Recently there was a gathering attended by 4,500 people—individuals who have left their homes and communities to live at the farthest reaches of the world. Just sitting there and listening to stories from country after country—some I had never even heard of before—was eye-opening. There are Jews living everywhere: Kazakhstan, Germany, places where Jewish life is not always easy or supported.
6. Shlichus: Bringing Torah to Distant Places
Among those present were shluchim—Jewish emissaries who dedicate themselves to building Jewish life wherever they go. They leave behind strong communities and established support systems to ensure that even in remote places there is Torah learning, mitzvah observance, joy, and love for Hashem available for every Jew who seeks it.
7. A Message Shared with Children
I want to share a simple message I heard from one such shaliach. He spoke directly to children about this very idea: sometimes you need to leave your comfort zone to accomplish your mission in life. It’s not always easy or comfortable, but it’s precisely through these journeys that we can bring light into places that need it most—just as Yaakov did when he built his family far from home.