So Yaakov Avinu finally leaves Lavan after 20 years. After twenty years of exposure to his conniving father in law - Yaakov is justifiably proud of having resisted Lavan's influence - but his proclamation "With Lavan I lived and I kept 613 mitzvos" ( Rashi, Bereshis 32:5 ) - is aimed at ... Esav ?!
Why does Yaakov Avinu feel the need to share his spiritual statistics with his wicked, murderously intentioned brother ? Is Esav going to be his new mashgiach, that he feels the need to tell him of his nisyonos ?
Email me your answers - ydruyan at gmail dot com !
Yaakov was worried about his spiritual state. He was concerned that perhaps his divine protection would be rendered ineffectual due to a sin he may have committed - consequently he would not be worthy of that protection. In order to strengthen his resolve - Yaakov states, in clear, unequivocal terms - I am a taryag Jew - I keep all the mitzvos. In this way, by making the pronouncement public, Yaakov will force himself to live up to it. If he is worried that he may commit a sin - he will raise the bar on his accountability by making his declaration public.
What part of our public persona defines us religiously ? What does it say ?
R Druyan
Why does Yaakov Avinu feel the need to share his spiritual statistics with his wicked, murderously intentioned brother ? Is Esav going to be his new mashgiach, that he feels the need to tell him of his nisyonos ?
Email me your answers - ydruyan at gmail dot com !
Yaakov was worried about his spiritual state. He was concerned that perhaps his divine protection would be rendered ineffectual due to a sin he may have committed - consequently he would not be worthy of that protection. In order to strengthen his resolve - Yaakov states, in clear, unequivocal terms - I am a taryag Jew - I keep all the mitzvos. In this way, by making the pronouncement public, Yaakov will force himself to live up to it. If he is worried that he may commit a sin - he will raise the bar on his accountability by making his declaration public.
What part of our public persona defines us religiously ? What does it say ?
R Druyan
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