Dedicated in Honor of Yankie Glassman
The Healing Power of Trust in HaShem \ Parashat Vayeitzei
D'var Torah: "And Yaacov awakened from his sleep and he said, "Indeed HaShem is in this place and I did not know it" (Bereishis 28:16).
When Yaacov Avinu fled to Charan in order to escape Esau's wrath, he feared Esau who was intent on killing Yaacov. We can certainly identify with Yaacov's fright. Nevertheless, HaShem considered Yaacov's fear inappropriate. A person who trusts in HaShem, fears only HaShem and none other. This may be likened to a person who slept in the wild with no fear of the lions. Upon awakening he said, "I would be embarrassed to fear anything other than HaShem!" Yet, Yaacov Avinu was a man of great faith in HaShem. Why did he fear? Sometimes, emotions hold sway over a person, even against our own will. In light of this, HaShem sent a prophetic dream to Yaacov to help him keep his fear in check. The famous dream of the angels ascending and descending the ladder, revealed that HaShem was always close to Yaacov. Even more, HaShem disclosed that he valued Yaacov's divine service and promised Yaacov that He would always protect and provide for him.
Moral:
As long as a person's will is to trust in HaShem, his faith will never falter. Even if fear or doubt overcomes a person of faith, HaShem will always help him fortify his faith and stabilize his trust in HaShem.
Application: Envision Yaacov Avinu fleeing Eretz Yisrael, with the fear of knowing that Esau is bent on killing him. As he makes his way on his journey, fear slowly takes hold of his heart. Yaacov lays down for the night and has a prophetic dream. HaShem tells him, "I am HaShem, the G-d of Avraham your father and the G-d of Yitzchak...I am with you and I will guard you wherever you go." Be confident that HaShem will always help you to strengthen your trust in Him and banish all of your fears.
(Based on the commentary of the Malbim)
