* Translation by Yehoshua Siskin
In this week’s Torah portion Yaakov is compelled to hastily leave his home since his brother Esav is out to kill him. He runs away to Charan, destitute and alone.
Yet Yaakov’s departure had taken on new meaning as prior to leaving he was summoned by his father Yitzhak (in last week’s Torah portion), who blessed him while adjuring him to perpetuate the family legacy. Go to Charan, Yitzhak tells Yaakov, since the time has come for you to find a wife, establish a family, and be the progenitor of a new nation.
Yaakov had been transformed from a refugee fleeing for his life to a builder — not only of his own future, but the future of the entire nation of Israel. He was not longer “fleeing from” but proactive, “going towards.”
Our commentators suggest that it is worthwhile to adopt this perspective when examining both our personal lives and the life of our nation. When confronted with a formidable challenge, instead of lamenting our fate, we can find an inspiring mission meant especially for us, but perhaps for our family and friends as well. When attached to a divine mission, an apparently unpleasant or even dangerous reality becomes an uplifting opportunity to embrace.
