“And Yaakov was left alone…” (32:25)
In this week’s Parsha we are told that Jews are forbidden to eat the Gid HaNashe (Sciatic Nerve) The Chizkuni writes that this is so because Yaakov’s children left him alone. They should have accompanied and sought to protect their father. They are blamed for the injury that Yaakov incurred.
Rav Yitzchok Fingerer shlita explains a phenomenal lesson that can be learnt from here: When we leave people alone, we leave them vulnerable and susceptible to harm and danger. Everyone needs companionship and care. Everyone needs to be looked after and cared for. We should all try to think about ways we can be there for others and make sure that no one feels lonely or helpless.
In addition, the Maayana Shel Torah points out an incredible idea. He says that it was only because Yaakov was alone that the Sar shel Eisav (Yetzer Hara of Eisav), was able to attack him. When a person is in the company of others and surrounded by positive influences, the Yetzer Hara cannot easily grab hold of him. However, when a person is alone, despair can more easily set in, and the person can become easy prey for the Yetzer Hara to destroy him. Let’s all strive to always be in a good and positive setting together with caring people as a surefire way to keep the Yetzer Hara far away!
“Yaakov set up a monument…” (35:20)
In this week’s Parsha we are told that Yaakov set up a monument over the grave of our mother Rachel so that future generations of Klal Yisroel would know where to come and pour out their hearts in prayer. Indeed, we are taught that it is for this reason that Rachel was buried on the roadside – so that on the way to exile, her children would be able to beseech her to pray on their behalf.
In Kol Dodi, Rav Dovid Feinstien zt”l shares an amazing insight: The Gematria (numerical value) of ,קול voice, representing the voice of prayer, is 136. While the Gematria of מצבה, monument, is 137, which is one more than the word קול, the voice of prayer. This additional “one” Rav Dovid explains, alludes to Rachel, who adds her voice to those who pray at her monument, asking Hashem to answer their prayers!
