1. The Birth of the Tribes in Exile
In today’s Torah reading, we encounter the remarkable moment when most of the tribes—the sons of Yaakov—are born. Out of the twelve sons, eight are born in this week’s portion. Reflecting on Yaakov’s children and the challenges he faced, we see a fascinating concept: Yaakov was living in exile, outside of Eretz Yisrael, specifically in Charan among a family known for deception and dishonesty. Lavan, his uncle, and the entire environment were far from upright. Yet, despite these adverse conditions, Yaakov succeeded in raising all his children to become the twelve tribes—the foundation and seed of Am Yisrael—the Jewish people.
This is especially striking when compared to previous generations. Avraham had two sons: Yitzchak and Yishmael. Only Yitzchak followed in his path. Yitzchak had two sons: Esav and Yaakov. Again, only one remained righteous. But Yaakov had twelve sons, all of whom followed his path, and all were born outside of Israel, not within the sheltered environment near their father or grandfather’s home.
2. The Challenge of Raising Children Outside a Sheltered Environment
The probability that something could go wrong increases with more children, yet Yaakov succeeded where Avraham and Yitzchak faced challenges with their offspring. This success did not occur within the comfort and spiritual security of Eretz Yisrael but rather in a foreign land filled with negative influences.
This parallels a concept advocated by the Rebbe: shluchim—emissaries—should leave central locations rich with Jewish life and institutions to serve in remote corners of the world where Yiddishkeit—Jewish life—is scarce. Some argued that leaving such an environment could endanger one’s ideals and way of life. However, just as Yaakov thrived spiritually in Lavan’s house, so too can Jews maintain and even strengthen their commitment in distant places.
3. The Secret to Yaakov’s Success: Preparation Through Torah
Rashi explains that before going to Charan, Yaakov spent fourteen years hiding in the house of Eiver studying Torah. The term “nitman”—he hid—also means he was fully absorbed or covered by Torah learning during this period. This intense preparation provided him with spiritual strength for the challenges ahead.
When he left for Charan, he placed stones around his head to protect his thoughts and ideals from negative influences. This mental, emotional, and intellectual preparation enabled him not only to protect himself but also to ensure that all his children would remain steadfast in their faith.
4. Modern Parallels: Shluchim Around the World
This lesson is echoed today by those who follow the Rebbe’s call to serve as shluchim. These emissaries go out to distant parts of the world where Jewish resources are minimal or nonexistent. Despite being far from established communities, they remain strong themselves and bring both their physical families and spiritual families—those they influence—closer to Hashem and Yiddishkeit.
The greatest pleasure for Hashem is when His children return home spiritually. The mission is to find Jews wherever they are and help them reconnect with their heritage.
5. Personal Example: Shlichus in Kazakhstan
An example shared was about (Reb Shevach?) serving as a shaliach in Kazakhstan—a remote location with a unique Jewish history including both Sephardic and Ashkenazi communities who settled there over time. Life there is challenging: raising children often requires sending them abroad or relying on online schools due to limited local resources.
This work demands real mesiras nefesh—self-sacrifice—as it involves significant hardship compared to more established Jewish communities where everything is readily available.
6. Supporting Shluchim: A Communal Responsibility
The dedication of these shluchim, who bring hundreds or thousands closer even if not everyone becomes fully observant, is truly wondrous work deserving our support. Not everyone can take on such a mission themselves, but everyone can participate by supporting those who do.
Especially during Kislev leading up to Chanukah—a time associated with light and rededication—supporting such efforts brings immense blessing from Hashem (Kadosh Baruch Hu). Whatever one gives for tzedakah—charity—will be repaid many times over with blessings from above.