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Why did Yaakov detour south to Beer Sheva when traveling from Hebron to Padan Aram? The shiur develops a profound yesod: Yaakov needed 14 years in the yeshiva of Shem v'Ever to acquire "Esav's Torah (תורה)"—the universal, worldly perspective that Yitzchok understood was essential for Klal Yisrael—before he could safely face Esav and become Yisrael.
Rabbi Zweig opens with a textual difficulty in Parshas Vayeitzei. The pasuk states "Vayeitzei Yaakov miBeersheva vayeilech Charanah" (Yaakov left from Beer Sheva and went to Charan). The Midrash Rabbah quotes Rav Huna bar Papa connecting this to Mishlei: "Az teilech lavetach darkecha, im tishkav lo sifchad" (Then you will go securely on your way, if you lie down you will not fear). The difficulty is evident: Yaakov was living in Hebron with his father Yitzchok, not in Beer Sheva. Rashi (רש"י) elsewhere describes Yitzchok as blind and "kalu babayis" (confined to his house), suggesting he hadn't moved. When Yaakov returns years later, Yitzchok is still in Hebron. So why does the Torah (תורה) say Yaakov departed from Beer Sheva? The shiur presents compelling evidence that Yaakov made a deliberate detour south. If traveling from Hebron to Padan Aram (northeast), there is no logical reason to go south to Beer Sheva—unless this detour served a critical purpose. Rabbi Zweig argues that the repetition and geographical inconsistency in the pesukim indicate that Yaakov went out of his way to ensure the safety and success of his journey. The Midrash's citation of "az teilech lavetach"—you will go securely—hints that Yaakov took specific protective measures.
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Bereishis 28:10, Parshas Vayeitzei
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