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Why did Hashem (ה׳) perform kritzas haderech for Yaakov when there was no urgency to his journey? The shiur explains that Yaakov, as the first patriarch to experience true galus—fleeing from danger rather than choosing to leave—felt a disconnection from Hashem. His desire to pray "bamakom she'hispallelu avosai" triggered the miracle, teaching that when one's heart yearns to be before Hashem, one is instantly transported there spiritually—the essential lesson for surviving galus.
Rabbi Zweig opens with an unusual feature of Parashas Vayeitzei: Yaakov receives kritzas haderech (miraculous shortening of the journey) when there appears to be no need for haste. Unlike Eliezer, who needed to complete Avrohom's mission quickly, Yaakov had already delayed his parents' instruction for years while learning. Why would Hashem (ה׳) suddenly perform this miracle when Yaakov was in no rush? The shiur presents a machloket between Rashi (רש"י) and Rambam (רמב"ם) regarding the nature of this kritzas haderech. According to Rashi and the Midrashim, Har HaMoriah (the Temple Mount) physically moved to meet Yaakov at Beit El. The Rambam rejects this interpretation, preferring to understand it as a standard kritzas haderech where the traveler reaches his destination supernaturally quickly, similar to what happened with Eliezer.
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Bereishis 28 (Parashas Vayeitzei)
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Why didn't Noach daven for his generation while Avrohom advocated for Sedom? Noach viewed each person as an independent island responsible only for their own teshuvah. Avrohom understood that all humanity is interconnected through shared perspective and values, making prayer for others both possible and necessary.
