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Judy’s Progress

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A weekly Dvar Torah published in loving memory of Mrs Judy Feiglin A"H Nylgyyp y"n ldn[m Mjnm 'r /b h"[ hwj ltyg /rm /mvn ywl[l

Vol 3 No. 6 6 Kislev 5774 November 9 2013 Vayetzei

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Parshas Vayetzei

After Yaakov leaves his parents' house, fleeing for his life from his brother Eisav, he arrives at his uncle Lavan's house in Charan. He is under instruction from his parents to find a wife there. The Torah tells us that Yaakov went to the well from which the sheep would be brought to drink, and rolled off the massive stone that was used to protect the water - a feat ordinarily requiring an entire group of shepherds.

Akeida in reference to Avraham and Yitzchak, as well as Yaakov fighting with the angel of Eisav, something that clearly displays Yaakov's lofty spiritual status. The inclusion of a simple act of Yaakov therefore seems out of place - why is it there?

The Alter explains that this is where we can draw the Torah's limitless valuation of a small act of kindness. Although the act itself was seemingly minor, since it Rashi explains that Yaakov did this as if he were includes the fact that one is following Hashem's ways merely taking a stopper out of a pitcher to tell us of - just as He is kind, so too you should be kind - that his tremendous strength. The Alter of Slabodka in his elevates the small action to an invaluable level, equal work Or Hatzafun writes that the when one does a to that of fighting with the angel of Eisav. kindness, the recipient is expected to express gratitute in proportion to the value of the kindness. This is Acts of kindness are truly valued in Hashem's eyes perfectly logical, and suffices in our knowledgeable alongside the greatest of deeds - to the point that every world. The Torah, however, provides a totally different generation beseeches Hashem that the merit of such viewpoint on this matter. The Torah's outlook is that an action should stand for us for eternity so that we there is no limit to gratitude and what a recipient owes can receive one of the greatest blessings - rain - which a benefactor! Such acts of kindness are invaluable - requires tremendous merit and sustains the world. there is no measure of value we can assign to an act of At this time of year, we begin to need rain all over the kindness, something that is rooted in Hashem's middos. world - but especially, desperately in Eretz Yisroel. We Therefore one owes any benefactor forever - even in should consider every act of kindness from both sides: future generations. That we must do every small kindness we can, and the When Yaakov rolled the stone off the well with such tremendous disproportionate gratitude we must express ease, it did not require physical effort from him. For to benefactors of kindness. We should also consider him it was a simple act, in addition to the fact that he that Shemittah is coming up in Eretz Yisroel next year, did it for Rachel, his cousin. Despite all of this we which means that those involved in agriculture who recall Yaakov's act in Tefillas Geshem, the prayer for adhere to the words of the Torah and Chazal value rain, that we recite annually on Shemini Atzeres, that every drop of rain this year to provide for the coming in the merit of this act Hashem should bless us with two to three years. With Hashem's help, may our acts of kindness serve as a merit to Eretz Yisroel for rain, and sufficient rain. for the entire world to receive ample rain in the right It is incredible to think, that at such a pivotal point of time. the year, when the entire world needs Hashem's mercy to survive - the keys for rain which He alone holds, we mention this act of Yaakov. We also mention the

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Vol 3 No. 6 6 Kislev 5774 November 9 2013 Vayetzei

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Judy’s Progress

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Dear Family and Friends, We hope you are enjoying the Divrei Torah every week.We hope that they bring some additional Torah thoughts to some Shabbos tables around the world! If you would like to support Torah learning in Israel in Judy's h"[ merit, we have added a "Donate" button to the blog (credit cards accepted via Google Wallet) - proceeds go directly to Kollel Zichron Pinchas Meir in Yerushalayim. ($US only at this time). Anyone who is interested in contributing/writing a Dvar Torah for a particular week or sponsoring an edition please email us at [email protected] can also email us at that address to subscribe (or unsubscribe) or you can read it on the blog at http://www.judysprogress.com/ Wishing everyone a Good Shabbos, All the best, Sarah Abraham & Yitzchak Feiglin and families

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Proudly published by Judy's children, Sarah Abraham and Yitzchak Feiglin and families. Read why on the blog. Keeping memories alive and spreading the light of Torah.

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