Doreish Tov on Medrash Rabbah Parashas Vayeishev 5769 (1)

Doreish Tov on Medrash Rabbah
Parashas Vayeishev 5769

84:1

The Medrash

The Medrash states that it is said (Bereishis 37:1) vayeishev Yaakov, and Yaakov settled. It is said (Yeshaya 57:13) bizaakeich yatziluch kibutzayich, when you cry out let your cohorts rescue you! It was learned that his gathering and his children’s gathering saved him from Esav. It is said (Ibid) vies kulam yisa ruach yikach havel, but the wind will carry them all off; nothingness will take them. This refers to Esav and his chiefs. It is said (Ibid) vihachoseh vi yinchal eretz, but the one who trusts in Me will have a portion in the earth. This refers to Yaakov, as it is said (Bereishis 37:1) vayeishev Yaakov, and Yaakov settled.

Question on the Medrash

One must wonder how the Medrash saw an allusion in the words vayeishev Yaakov that Yaakov and his sons gathered to pray and that they were saved from Esav?

The deeper intention of the Medrash

The answer to this question is that it is said vayeishev Yaakov bieretz migurei aviv, Yaakov settled in the land of his father’s sojourning. What does it mean migurei aviv? The Igra Dikalah from the author of Binei Yissachar writes that the word migurei connotes gathering, as it is said (Mishlei 10:5) ogeir bakayitz, harvests in the summer. He writes that in last week’s parasha it is said that Esav left Eretz Canaan and went to Seir, and this week’s parashah teaches us that Yaakov did the exact opposite and gathered himself together with his father. Subsequent to this it is said (Bereishis 37:2) eileh toldos Yaakov Yosef, these are the chronicles of Yaakov; Yosef… Thus, we see that the idea of gathering together is alluded to in these verses. Perhaps we can suggest further that it is also said bieretz migurei aviv bieretz Canaan, in the land of his father’s sojourning, in the land of Canaan. The Zohar states that the land is called Canaan as the word Canaan is associated with the word hachnaah, humility. One who prays to HaShem reflects humility as he is willing to submit his will to HaShem’s will. This allusion also supports the words of the Medrash that it was Yaakov and his son’s prayers that saved him.

The lesson of the Medrash

We learn from this Medrash that ultimately the only way that one can be saved from harm is by placing ones trust in HaShem and praying to Him. HaShem should allow us to recognize that we are always in need of His salvation and that realization will allow us to submit our will to His will.