In this week’s Torah portion, Yaakov leaves home and steps into an uncertain world. Alone on the road, he lies down to sleep—and in that moment, he experiences one of the most powerful visions: a ladder rooted on earth, reaching the heavens, with angels ascending and descending.
This image captures the essence of the Jewish journey. We live firmly in the physical world, navigating responsibilities, challenges, and daily life—and yet we are always connected to something higher.
Yaakov’s ladder reminds us that every action, no matter how ordinary, can become a step toward something meaningful.
Throughout the portion, Yaakov builds a family, works hard, overcomes setbacks, and grows spiritually. His story teaches that holiness is not found only in moments of revelation, but in the consistency of our efforts: showing up for others, strengthening our homes, and investing in our community.
Let’s build our own “ladders”—lives grounded in goodness, reaching upward with purpose, and strengthening the bonds that unite us as a community.
With so many meaningful ways to engage in Jewish life, at home and throughout our community, we truly have so much to be grateful for. And perhaps gratitude itself can be the first simple, everyday step that helps us reach toward heaven.
Sincerely,
Rabbi Mendel & Elke Zaltzman
Shabbos Times
Friday, November 28
Candle Lighting: 4:12pm
Evening Service: 4:15pm
Saturday, November 29
Morning Service: 10:00am
Kiddush Lunch: 12:15pm Mincha Service: 4:00:pm
Shabbat ends: 5:15pm
Kiddush sponsored by
The Kiddush Fund
A Bissele Humor
An airliner was having engine trouble, and the pilot instructed the cabin crew to have the passengers take their seats and get prepared for an emergency landing.
A few minutes later, the pilot asked the flight attendants if everyone was buckled in and ready.
'All set back here, Captain,' came the reply, 'except one lawyer who is still going around passing out business cards.'
WEEKLY eTORAH
Philosophers have long struggled with the great question of our freedom of choice on the one hand, and our belief in a higher destiny on the other. Is life determined by fate, or do we enjoy genuine freedom?
Generally, Judaism would seem to subscribe to a personal freedom in matters of morality, faith and the ethical choices we make in life. But when it comes to things like life and death, and even health and wealth, much as we would like to think we are in the driver’s seat, we do seem to be subject to forces beyond our control. Where we live, how long we will live, how comfortably we will live—these are all in G‑d’s hands. Where we can and must choose is what kind of life we will lead. Whether it will be a G‑dly, righteous, upstanding, decent and honest life—this is up to us, and us alone. G‑d steps back to grant us the freedom to determine how good, how kind and how Jewish we will, or will not, be.
And Jacob lifted his feet and went on his way (Genesis 29:1). This verse from our Parshah tells of Jacob’s journey in his escape from the wrath of Esau. He was en route to Haran, where he would eventually establish his family and lay the foundations for the Jewish people. But why the curious language, “And Jacob lifted his feet”? Does the Torah really need to tell us that in order to move, we have to first lift our feet? Was he stuck in a swamp or something?
So many of us look at our circumstances and shrug our shoulders, “Nu, what can you do?” If we were born into poverty or raised in a less-than-privileged environment, we resign ourselves to being doomed to failure. So many people have told me that they were part of the “lost generation” of Jews who had no Jewish education or upbringing. Their immigrant parents were so busy surviving in a new world that they had no time or headspace to raise their children with the Jewish value system they themselves had back in Europe. Tragically, these individuals felt that, Jewishly, they were lost forever.
Rabbi Jonathan Sacks (Chief Rabbi of the United Kingdom) tells the story of how, as a young philosophy student at Cambridge, he traveled the world visiting great leaders. When he came to see the Lubavitcher Rebbe, the Rebbe asked him what he was doing for the Jewish students at Cambridge. He began by saying, “In the circumstances I currently find myself . . .” whereupon the Rebbe interrupted him and said, “No one ‘finds himself’ in circumstances. We create our own circumstances.”
Of course, there are times when we will find ourselves in circumstances beyond our control; but throughout life, we will find ample scope and opportunities to improve our own circumstances. G‑d gives each of us our own unique qualities, talents and potential, and it is up to us to use and develop these gifts. Life is full of inspiring examples of individuals who have overcome disabilities and disadvantages of one kind or another. In the Jewish world, many have risen to prominence from the humblest beginnings. The Torah is the birthright of every Jew. We just have to go out and claim it.
The words of our Parshah are quite deliberate and well-chosen after all. “Jacob lifted his feet and went on his way.” Some people follow their feet wherever they will take them. No matter the direction, they simply coast along, allowing their feet to lead them.
Not so Jacob. He was master of his feet and master of his circumstances. He set his feet on the right road, and became master of his destiny.
May we all be inspired to lift ourselves beyond our circumstances.
