Weekly Parsha

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Genesis 28:10 - 32:3

This week we have the trials and tribulations of Jacob living with and working for his father-in-law, Laban. Jacob agreed to work as a shepherd 7 years for Rachel only to have Laban switch daughters on him at the marriage ceremony. This is why we have the badekin ('covering' ceremony) where the groom sees the face of his bride to ensure he is marrying the right woman before he covers her with the veil.

As Jacob tries to build his equity, Laban changes their agreement time after time. After 20 years, the Almighty tells Jacob the time has come to return to the land of Canaan. Jacob and his household secretly leave only to be pursued by Laban who has claims to put forth. The story ends with peace and blessings between Jacob and Laban.

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Dvar Torah
based on Growth Through Torah by Rabbi Zelig Pliskin

The Torah states:

"And Yaakov saw the face of Lavan, and behold, he was not with him as previously" (Gen. 31:2).

What lesson can we learn from this verse?

We see from here the importance of being able to notice the emotional state of another person from the expressions on his face. Lavan did not say any unkind words to Yaakov. Nothing verbal was communicated that would imply that Lavan felt resentment or animosity towards Yaakov. Nevertheless, Yaakov was sensitive to the look on Lavan's face.

Especially with people you see on a regular basis, take note of how they look when they are pleased or displeased with someone. By gaining the sensitivity to detect these differences you will be able to tell when something you said or did offended him or hurt his feelings.

We can also see how careful we must be with our own facial expressions when talking with people. This is especially so when the person you are talking with is very sensitive and his feelings are easily hurt. We should not cause any suffering to another person even by a grimace.

"If you want misery in life, seek justice and fairness;
if you want happiness, never miss an opportunity
to do an act of kindness or to express gratitude".
--  Rabbi Kalman Packouz

SHABBAT SHALOM!