While we can read between the lines of Torah and conjecture, we will not ever know the extent to which Jacob was a bullied child. Did he resort to desperate bargaining because Esau was stronger and his father’s favorite child? Was he never helped to develop the skills of self advocacy needed to cope with someone stronger than himself? We just don’t know.
We do know that this week’s parsha (Va’yeitzei) finds Jacob on the run. He has left his home and family in fear of his life and of his brother’s retribution. Alone in the dark of night, he sleeps in the wilderness. Perhaps tortured by recent or long past events, he dreams, seeing a ladder filled with angels going up from earth and returning. Upon awakening, he recognizes that even in his darkest days G-d is with him, even though he might not have realized it.
Seeing the angels going up the ladder before going down might have also provided Jacob with the strength he needed to take next steps. They offered a reminder that there are indeed angels here on earth and that he, too, could be one of them. He could trust and find strength from others and he could offer caring and compassion.
This image – of angels going up to the heavens and back down to earth – can still teach us today. We are reminded that we are surrounded by individuals who can make a positive difference in our lives and that we can be among those who nurture and support others.
In addition, in order to maintain resilience, we need time to pause and regain our strength. However we choose to climb up the ladder to nurture our own souls is up to us; making the time in our lives is critical to our own well-being and the well-being of the community.
May this Shabbat and many days of our lives, offer us time to pause and step upward to refresh and strengthen ourselves. When we step back to our day to day lives may we all see, and be, angels, making time to nurture those around us. May we offer the strength that builds resiliency and know where we can turn when we need a safe and supportive companion. Together may we foster the vibrant Jewish community we strive to be.
Prior to her position with the Grinspoon Foundation, Iris served as a synagogue educator in Syracuse NY, the Central New York PJ Library Program Coordinator and as a national consultant for PJ Library.
Iris holds a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood, Elementary, and Special Education, a master’s degree in Special Education and Reading, and Advanced Certification in School Leadership and Administration. Her experience as a secular educator and educational leader in congregational and community settings spans over 20 years. She is also a lay leader in Jewish organizations on the local and national levels. Iris served as the President of CAJE – the Coalition for the Advancement of Jewish Education, which was the largest member organization for Jewish educators in the country.
- May My (and Your) Yom Kippur Be Filled Meaning - October 3, 2014
- We All Are Standing Here.. Now What Will You Do? - September 19, 2014
- ‘Tis the Season of Transitions - September 12, 2014