Parshas Vayeitzei
Torah Values
Rashi points out for us in the beginning of this week’s parsha (really at
the conclusion of last week’s parsha) that Yaakov stopped at the study house
of Shem and Ever for fourteen years on his flight from Eisav to his uncle’s
house in Aram. This seems to be a strange stopover at first glance.
How will the instruction that he received in the school established by Shem
and Ever contribute to his survival and success at the house of Lavan, the
master conniver and duplicitous character? The question is phrased in a more
current if blunter fashion in the Talmud itself – of what value are the
Torah students to society at large?
To meet Lavan, Yaakov apparently needs to train in different forms of legal,
commercial and worldly pursuits. Studying Torah is all well and fine, but
how does it prepare one for the real world? This question is heard today in
thousands of Jewish households and is a most vexing one. Our world today is
one of Lavan compounded.
Where does Torah study and Torah knowledge fit into our milieu, into solving
our problems and difficulties, in facing down our enemies? Yet, we find
that on the whole Yaakov was quite successful in the house of Lavan. He
acquires his wives there and his children are born and raised there. He
waxes wealthy in spite of all of Lavan’s efforts to cheat him out of his
just payments and wages. What courses of study did he take and master in the
school of Shem and Ever that enabled him to so succeed?
I have always felt that the answer lies in understanding the place and goals
of a Torah education in one’s life. Most people, especially those who view
it from the outside looking in, think that Torah education is purely a
matter of material covered, of knowledge of facts, of understanding complex
and difficult Talmudical concepts and statements. In truth it is all that
but it is much more.
A proper Torah education, a study course at the school of Shem and Ever, is
meant to impart life-long values and a world view in which to fit the events
of one’s life in a proper and moral fashion. One has to learn how to deal
effectively with Lavan but one has to be very cautious not to become Lavan
in the process.
Self-defense and protection of one’s own interests is part of the Torah
value system. But pleasantness, sensitivity, faith in God’s justice and
promises, and a willingness to tolerate and accommodate others (even
unpleasant others) are also a part of the value system of the Torah.
Yaakov enters the school of Shem and Ever to absorb the Torah value system
that will allow him to survive Lavan and not to fall spiritually and become
Lavan in the form of Yaakov. One of the most difficult tasks that faces
Jewish society today is to remain a kingdom of priests and a holy people
even when struggling with Lavan, Yishmael and Eisav for our very existence.
Our schools have to teach Torah values and not be satisfied merely with
knowledge, grades and test scores.
Shabat shalom,
Rabbi Berel Wein
