Kevin Bemel ·
Here is the Sure Path to Personal Development
Parsha Nugget Vayeitzei – Genesis 28:10-32:3
Ten years ago when I started this phase of my spiritual journey I was invited to lunch by a rabbi who is now my running partner. Entranced by the comfort I felt in traditional Judaism, I was raring to deepen my observance. He cautioned restraint, noting I would get much farther if I took it slow. He certainly had learned the lesson of parshas Vayeitzei:
“And he [Jacob] dreamed, and behold, a ladder set on the ground and its top reached heaven . . .” (Bereshis/Genesis 28:12).
In this week’s parsha Jacob flees to Laban’s house and has an encounter with G-d on the way. Then Jacob meets Rachel and agrees to work seven years so he can marry her. Unwittingly he marries Leah, then agrees to work another seven years so he can marry Rachel.
Jacob and his wives have eleven sons and a daughter. Jacob and Laban make a new work contract but eventually the discord between them becomes so great Jacob flees with his household. The parsha ends with the curious incident of Laban’s gods.
When you were a child, did you ever play the string game Jacob’s ladder? The name for the game comes from the above verse. Jacob dreamed, “angels of G-d were ascending and descending on it.”
So I have a question. Since angels have wings why were they walking up and down a ladder? Why not just fly up to heaven and back?
Are you familiar with the Greek legend of Icarus? His father Daedalus made wings of feathers and wax so they could escape from imprisonment on Crete. Daedalus warned his son not to fly too close to the sun or the sea, but Icarus ignored the warning. His wings melted, and he plunged to his death. This is the problem with flying. The giddiness of the experience will overcome good sense and caution with tragic results.
The best way to develop your spirituality and relationship with G-d is slowly, carefully, one mitzvah at a time. Indeed although mitzvah is usually translated as commandment, a better translation is, “a way to get closer to G-d.” Once you have one firmly under your belt, add another one. Step by step you move up the ladder.
Forbearance can be difficult. Often when someone seeks a deeper relationship with the Almighty it is because he feels particularly inspired. Such a feeling impels him to want enormous gratification very quickly. If I left my daughter alone in a candy shop she would think if a little is great a lot must be tremendously wonderful. In her enthusiasm she would not consider that indulging too much too quickly will give her a stomachache. Afterwards the thought of candy would revolt her.
The same can happen, even pursuing such a worthwhile goal as spiritual enlightenment. Trying to rapidly raise your spiritual level and take on many new practices can tax your self-discipline, causing resentment at all of the restraints. Family and friends may be disturbed by dramatic changes they cannot absorb so quickly. A backlash against your newfound spirituality ensues. You are much better off gradually ascending your spiritual ladder, making slow but steady progress in deepening your relationship with G-d.
Question – What system do you use to ensure your growth is continual?
You can leave a comment on this question or ask another question below ↓
Every year beginning on Simchas Torah, the cycle of reading the Torah, the first five books of the Bible, ends and begins again. Each Sabbath a portion known as a sedra or parsha is read. Its name comes from the first significant word or two with which this weekly reading begins.
Do you have a question about the Old Testament? Ask it here and I will answer it in a future Parsha Nugget!
