Vayishlach
Dear Friends,
In this week’s Torah portion we read about Jacob’s return to his homeland. After crossing his family and possessions over the river Yabbok, he remains on the other side. According to the Talmud (Chullin 91a), he went back to retrieve some small jars that he had left behind.
Jacob was a rich man. Why did he need to go back to get some seemingly insignificant jars? The Talmud answers that righteous people value their possessions exceedingly. Chassidic teachings explain that each created thing has unique divine potential. Jacob perceived this potential in his possessions, and didn’t want to lose the chance to bring forth the potential of even a few small jars.
Friday is the yahrtzeit, the anniversary of passing, of Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Kazen (“YYK”) OBM, who founded Chabad.org over twenty years ago.
YYK was known for his revolutionary work for Judaism on the Web, years before people even knew what it was. One of the most special aspects of his character was that no “jar” was too small or insignificant for him.
Every individual got special attention, hours of phone calls, e‑mail exchanges, discussions, and even personal visits. No stone was left unturned and no vessel was left behind in his effort to help everyone he touched—materially or spiritually.
Read about Rabbi Kazen’s incredible contribution to world Jewry here.
Chani Benjaminson,
on behalf of the Chabad.org Editorial Team
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“All that G‑d does is good, even the wicked person on the day of his wickedness.” (Proverbs 16:4)
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Only so that this human being would be driven yet higher than could ever be reached without sin.
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