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Why does Yaakov say "if" God fulfills His promises when God already gave unconditional guarantees? Yaakov doesn't want gifts from obligation—he wants them from love. By making everything conditional on his worthiness, Yaakov ensures that whatever he receives proves God's love, not just God's commitment.
The shiur examines a fundamental question in Parshas Vayeitzei: After Hashem (ה׳) gives Yaakov absolute promises—protection, sustenance, safe return—why does Yaakov respond with "Im yihiye Elokim imadi" (if God will be with me)? Rashi (רש"י) reads this as a genuine conditional statement, creating an apparent contradiction. The Ramban (רמב"ן) suggests "im" means "when," but Rashi's approach requires explanation, especially given the Midrash's principle "ein haftacha l'tzadikim" (there are no guarantees for the righteous). Rabbi Zweig presents a profound insight into the psychology of relationships. When someone gives us something out of obligation—because they promised, because they're committed, because of duty—we can never be secure in their love. We don't know if they're giving because they care about us or simply because they're honoring their commitment. This creates fundamental insecurity in any relationship. Yaakov doesn't question whether Hashem will keep His word; rather, he's establishing that he only wants to receive if he deserves it at the time of receiving, not merely because God made a promise to his fathers.
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Bereishis 28:13-22
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