Vayeitzei
Rabbi Jablinowitz
The Medrash Rabbah in this week's parsha begins by quoting the pasuk from Mishlei (Chapter 3, Pasuk 23), Az Teileich Lavetach Darkecha,Then you will go on your road securely. The Medrash explains that this is referring to Yaakov Avinu when he left home and travelled to Charan on account of his brother Eisav. According to the Medrash, his journey from Eisav was a safe and secure one.
This tranquil description of Yaakov's fleeing his brother is puzzling. He was running away from Eisav who wanted to kill him. And this description is very different than that of the Medrash Tanchuma which compares Yaakov's journey to that of one who kills B'Shogegrunning away to an Ir Miklat. Why does the Medrash Rabbah bring a pasuk expressing safety and security when the actual situation was one of turmoil?
The Sfas Emes teaches that the Medrash derives this from the fact that even though Yaakov Avinu was running away from his brother, the Torah doesn't use the term Vayivrach Yaakov, and Yaakov ran away. Rather the terms used in Yaakov's leaving are Vayeitzei and Vayelech.We don't get the impression of Yaakov leaving in the middle of the night to escape his brother. Instead we get the feeling of a safe and secure journey, based on trust in Hashem.
The Sfas Emes explains that this is the midah of Hishtavus Hanefesh, equilibrium of the soul. This is the meaning of the term used to describe Yaakov Avinu in last week's parsha (Chapter 25, Pasuk 27), V'Yaakov Ish Tam. The word tam indicates a certain consistency, as Rashi explains regarding Yaakov, Piv V'Libo Shavin. The way he spoke was consistent with what he felt. Emphasizing the notion of consistency, the Sfas Emes teaches that we see from the first pasuk in our parsha that Yaakov was consistent in his actions even during a time of crisis. Despite the fact that Yaakov was running away from his brother, the Torah describes his leaving in terms typical of a mundane journey. This indicates a secure trust and faith in Hashem. And throughout his life he maintained a consistent and elevated standard regardless of outside pressure or fear. And this is why the Medrash applies the pasuk from Mishlei to describe Yaakov's journey as a safe and secure one.
This was a trait he inherited from his grandmother Sarah. The Medrash Rabbah (58,1) on the first pasuk in Chayei Sarah, quotes the pasuk from Tehillim (Chapter 37, Pasuk 18), Yode'a Hashem Yemei Temimim and applies it to Sarah Imeinu. Mah Heim Temimim, Af Yemeihem Temimim, Bas Kuf K'bas Chaf L'Cheit, U'bas Chaf K'Bas Zayin L'Yofi. The Medrash here which Rashi quotes is teaching that Sarah lived a totally consistent life. Her adherence to the mitzvoth and refraining from aveiros continued despite different life situations. Whether she was more exposed or less exposed to sin, whether the temptation to sin increased or decreased, her actions were always devoted to doing the will of Hashem. Her days were always the same. This is the concept of Hishtavus Hanefesh.
This concept of individuals who are tam and temimim applies to time as well. The days between Pesach and Shavuos, the days of Sefirah, are described as (Vayikra, Chapter 23, Pasuk 15), Sheva Shabasos Temimos. Here again, the days between Yetzias Mitzrayim and Matan Torah are described as being consistent in that our focus needs to be in doing the will of Hashem. And this was the trait of the Avos, as indicated here by Yaakov and earlier by Sarah, of always doing the will of Gd. And this is our imperative as well; to be consistent in our actions and despite different challenges and changes in our life to always be focused on our goal of Avodas Hashem. This explains how Yaakov was able to leave in peace and tranquility and bitachon despite being chased out by his brother. Vayeitzei Yaakov M'Be'er Sheva.
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