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Why does the Torah (תורה) open Vayeishev with "Yaakov settled in eretz megurei aviv, eretz Canaan"—both phrases seemingly redundant? The shiur explores the dual meaning of "megurei" (dwelling/fear) and how it connects to the 400-year prophecy of Bris Bein HaBesarim. Even after 168 years in Canaan, Yitzchok remained a "ger"—a stranger with limited rights—which explains why the exile years began counting from his birth.
The shiur opens with a fundamental textual question: Why does the Torah (תורה) state "Yaakov settled in eretz megurei aviv, in eretz Canaan" (Bereishis 37:1)? The phrase appears redundant—if Yitzchok never left Eretz Yisrael, then "eretz megurei aviv" already indicates Canaan. Moreover, the previous parsha (Vayishlach) already stated that Yaakov returned and Esav moved away. Why the repetition, and why define the location by both "megurei aviv" and "eretz Canaan"? Rabbi Zweig suggests that the dual description addresses a profound question about the Bris Bein HaBesarim—the covenant promising 400 years of exile in "eretz lo lahem" (a land not theirs). At this point in the narrative, Yaakov has been in Chutz La'aretz for 20 years. One could ask: why return to Eretz Yisrael at all? If he stayed abroad, those years could count toward the 400-year decree, potentially shortening his descendants' eventual slavery. Or, according to the view that the 400 years began counting from Yitzchok's birth, perhaps living in Eretz Yisrael should exempt those years from the count, since it's the family homeland.
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Bereishis 37:1
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