Shabbos: Within the Darkness
Understanding Shabbos through the lens of Parashas Vayetzei
There are times that Shabbos arrives after a productive and fulfilling week. Other times, we suddenly find ourselves on erev Shabbos after dark, stressful or frustrating days. How are we meant to tap into the light of Shabbos from within the darkness?
The answer might be found in the contrast that becomes apparent in this week’s parsha, Vayeitzei. While Avraham first received light before entering any darkness, Yaakov entered concealment and only afterward was shown light1.
Another contrast between Yaakov and his grandfather Avraham is how they journeyed. Avraham set out on a journey toward the light, while Yaakov seemed to turn away from it. Avraham heard “Lech lecha,” a call to go forward. Yaakov began with “Vayeitzei,” he went out.
The purpose of Avraham’s journey was clear. “Lech lecha” means ‘go to yourself’, discover who you are. Yaakov’s journey seems the opposite as he was not moving toward something. Rather, he was leaving something behind, fleeing from his brother. Vayeitzei is …
