Feeding and dressing the soul
On his journey to the region of Aram, Jacob spent the night on Mount Moriah (now known as the Temple Mount in Jerusalem), and in his dream he saw a vision of angels ascending and descending a ladder leading to heaven.
When he awoke, realizing the intrinsic holiness of this site or place, Jacob vowed that if God would protect him, provide for him during his stay in Aram, and allow him to return both physically and spiritually unharmed, he would sanctify this place.
Jacob vowed, “If God will be with me and keep me on this journey that I am about to make, and will give me bread to eat and clothes to wear, and bring me back to my father's house without blemish” (Genesis 28:20-21).
The bread and clothing each refer allegorically to the study of the Torah and the carrying out of the commandments from God (for the descendants of Noah the 7 Laws of Noah).
As we study the Torah, God's wisdom becomes a part of us, just as the food we eat becomes a part of us.
When we carry out a command, we are enveloped in a divine feeling that is external and transcendent, like a garment that surrounds and warms us.
In this context, “returning to my father’s house without spot” refers to our return to the realm of holiness after a temporary sojourn in the earthly world to purify and elevate it to worthiness.
Comments
Post a Comment