Thursday, November 11, 2010

Daily Aliya for Vayetzei, Shvii (7th Aliya)

Aliya Summary: Lavan answers that the women are his daughters, that the children are his children, and the animals are his as well. Yakov and Lavan make a pact and form a mound of rocks as a sign of their agreement. Yakov offers a sacrifice to G-d and swears to the covenant. In the morning, Lavan kisses his children and grandchildren, blesses them, and returns home. Yakov continues on his journey and encounters angels on the way, Yakov names the place Machanayim.




What was the pact for? Did they agree on something? They disagreed about the mound of rocks, Yakov calling it Galed and Lavan calling it Yegar Sahadutha. But then Lavan agreed that since the mound is a witness to the truce between them, he would call it Galed. They went on to agree to stay away from each other in peace, but were only able to do so once they appreciated and respected the others' perspective, as shown by Lavan's willingness to call the mound Galed. This is an important blueprint to overcoming conflict in our lives, as well.

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