בס "ד

EIN GEDANKE ÜBER PARSHAT VAYETZEI 5786

In the story of Jacob at the well (Genesis 29:1-10), we encounter a puzzling image: a large stone covers the mouth of the well, blocking the water from flowing to the herders and their flocks. The text says that Jacob alone rolled the stone away, while the other herders could not. At first glance, this seems strange: if the stone is too heavy, why could Jacob move it when everyone else could not?

The chassidic masters help us see that this is not about physical strength at all. The stone represents the obstacles and yetzer hara—the forces of negativity and division that block the flow of blessing and spiritual vitality (Toldot Yaakov Yosef, Vayetzei 68; Be’er Mayim Chaim, Genesis 25:23:13). Jacob’s ability to move the stone shows that when one acts with intention, faith, and a sense of responsibility for the whole, it is possible to overcome these obstacles (Noam Elimelekh, Vayetzei 3:8).

But there is another lesson here, one that speaks directly to our world today: the herders and the flocks represent all of humanity, the Bnei Noach, who depend on the “living water” of Torah and divine blessing. The flow of this water is not limited to Jacob or Israel alone; it becomes accessible when the people of Israel unite, act together, and align with their spiritual mission (Beit Aharon, Vayetzei 77-79).

In other words, the story teaches that spiritual unity creates real impact. Just as Jacob rolls the stone to open the well for all the flocks, so too, when Israel works together, they can overcome the obstacles of the world and bring the “living water” of Torah into the lives of others. The well does not only nourish their own flocks, but flows outward, providing guidance, wisdom, and blessing to those around them.

This is a reminder that challenges, whether internal or external, are not overcome by individual effort alone. Strength comes from intentional action coupled with collective responsibility. And when that happens, what was once blocked and stagnant can flow freely, bringing life and blessing far beyond its source.

The well, the stone, and the water become a metaphor for today: obstacles can be overcome, but only when we act with clarity, purpose, and unity. And when we do, we create a flow of blessing that reaches everyone—just as the herders’ flocks drink from the living water that Jacob’s hands made accessible.

Von Angelique Sijbolts
With thanks to Rabbi Tani Burton for the feedback

Quellen:

Noam Elimelekh, Vayetzei 3:8

Toldot Yaakov Yosef, Vayetzei 68

Be’er Mayim Chaim, Genesis 25:23:13

Beit Aharon, Vayetzei 77-79





© Copyright, alle Rechte vorbehalten. Wenn Ihnen dieser Artikel gefallen hat, ermutigen wir Sie, ihn weiter zu verbreiten.

Unsere Blogs können Texte/Zitate/Referenzen/Links enthalten, die urheberrechtlich geschütztes Material von Mechon-Mamre.org, Aish.com, Sefaria.org, Chabad.orgund/oder FragNoah.orgdie wir in Übereinstimmung mit ihren Richtlinien verwenden.