SAN DIEGO –In our Torah portion this week, Vayetzei, we read about the relationship between our Patriarch Jacob, and his Uncle Lavan. After Jacob tricked his father into receiving the birthright, Jacob flees to to live with his uncle, who would become his employer and his father in law. Instead of being embraced by his uncle, Jacob was tormented by him. His uncle tricks Jacob into marrying a wife that he never wanted, forces Jacob into servitude, and viciously pursues Jacob after he he tries to run away.
The Maharani Beyrav, a traditional commentator, points out that most of Joseph and the Jewish people’s suffering, including the 400 years of slavery in Egypt, is Lavan’s fault. Had Lavan not tricked Jacob into marrying the wrong daughter, Joseph would have been the first born child. If that were the case Joseph would never have been thrown in the pit, and his family would never have followed him to Egypt. Baeyrav points out that Lavan had no reason to hate Jacob, yet caused him pain and suffering on each and every step of his journey, and continues to do so, until this day. The Rashbatz adds, this is meant to teach us a very important lesson; that when there is unpacifiable hatred forming relentless enemies, peace seems almost impossible.
While as the Rashbatz suggests, real peace may seem almost impossible in the wake of such hatred, we are blessed to have soldiers like Cantor Leberman protecting us, and our values.
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Rabbi Dorsch is spiritual leader of Tifereth Israel Synagogue in San Diego. He may be contacted via joshua.dorsch@sdjewishworld.com