1

This week's Torah portion concludes with the verse, "And he named the place, Machanayim (literally, 'two camps')." Rashi explains that Ya'akov gave this name because he saw the merging of two camps of angels, the angels from the Diaspora and the angels from Eretz Yisrael.[233]

"The deeds of the Patriarchs are a sign for their descendants," and provide us with guidelines regarding our own conduct. Thus, the above narrative teaches us the following lesson: Each Jew has two dimensions within his being -- the soul and the body -- which correspond to Eretz Yisrael and the Diaspora respectively.

A Jew's soul is "actually a part of G-d," which has descended from "a high roof to a low pit," to this material world to enclothe itself in the body. Even as it exists within the body, the soul is, as we emphasize in our morning blessings, "pure." Thus, it parallels Eretz Yisrael which is a land of holiness and purity. In contrast, the body is "a snake skin," a material entity and parallels the Diaspora which is an impure land.

A Jew's service must encompass both these spheres. He must carry out "the service of the soul," activity in the realm of holiness which resembles Eretz Yisrael" and also, "service with the body," which like the Diaspora, involves entities which must be endowed with holiness through our efforts. Since an angel is created from every positive deed which a Jew carries out, we each have two camps of angels: one camp of angels that are involved with holiness (Eretz Yisrael) and one camp of angels that are involved with worldly matters (the Diaspora).

The fact that Ya'akov named the place Machanayim conveys a further lesson. A Jew's service can effect the nature of the place in which it is carried out. Naming a place indicates that one takes control of it and can, therefore, convey the name which reflects the entity's lifeforce and nature. By naming the place Machanayim, Ya'akov (and similarly, the Jewish people who perpetuate his heritage) reveals how the influence of the two camps of angels permeates through even the material substance of the worlds.

An additional explanation relevant to the above concept can be derived from the fact that the name used for G-d in the expression "the angels of G-d," is E-lohim. E-lohim refers to G-d as "the Almighty, the master of all potential and power." Thus, the angels described as "the angels of E-lohim," are angels that result from service that requires strength and power to be performed, indeed, strength and power that transcends man's natural abilities.

This relates to the Alter Rebbe's interpretation of the phrase, "a servant of G-d (E-lohim)" in Tanya as one who goes beyond his nature and exerts energies above the norm.

To apply this concept in the realm of the service with the animal soul (i.e., the Diaspora, the refinement of the worldly): In Torah Or, the Alter Rebbe relates the word ya'avod, in the verse, "You shall work for six years," to the concept of oros avudim, "processed hides." Our Sages consider the processing of leather as a difficult and undignified work.[234] Parallels exist in our efforts to refine the animal soul. In a manner closely resembling the processing of leather, great efforts are required to refine the coarse and material nature of the animal soul.

Similarly, in regard to the service of the soul (i.e., Eretz Yisrael, the realm of holiness), in Tanya, the Alter Rebbe explains that the title "a servant of G-d" is conveyed only upon a person who breaks his nature and goes beyond his normal pattern. Even a person who "studies his subject matter 100 times," "who has never committed even a minor sin and has fulfilled all the mitzvos possible for him to fulfill including Torah study," never once negating this mitzvah, may not be worthy of being called "a servant of G-d," because he does not work to break his nature and transcend his normal habits.

Thus, the concept of work involves strenuous effort that requires power and strength beyond man's natural capacity. This, in turn, elevates the object of one's service above its normal level. Thus, in regard to the animal soul, this involves a change in and a refinement of its basic materialistic nature. In regard to the G-dly soul,[235] it produces a similar change, lifting it above its normal level of service. From a level of limited holiness, one proceeds to an unlimited point of service which requires an effort parallel to that required in processing leather.

To clarify this point: Even in regard to the service of refining the body and the animal soul, the emphasis is not placed on this refinement in and of itself, but on making a commitment that requires a person to go beyond his limitations and nature. (Since the nature of the body, however, is materially oriented, going beyond its limits involves refinement of that nature.)

Thus, even when this service of refinement has been completed, the service of self-transcendence must continue. Nevertheless, since the service of refinement is no longer necessary, the manner in which a person goes beyond his limits is expressed in an unlimited increase in the service of holiness.[236]

The concept of unlimited and unbounded service is also reflected in the actual service of refining the body and the animal soul. There are two dimensions to this: a) an unlimited range of areas in which this service is expressed. Furthermore, each activity leads immediately to a further act. b) An unlimited scope of refinement. After one has completed the work of refinement on one level, one proceeds to a higher and deeper level of refinement.

These two dimensions are reflected in the two "signs" which the Torah gives for a kosher animal,[237] split hooves and the chewing of the cud. Both these signs are connected with a twofold nature. In regard to split hooves, the animal's foot is separated in two portions. Similarly, chewing the cud involves regurgitating the food and swallowing it again, a twofold process of ingestion. A twofold nature reflects a totally unbounded dimension. The repetition implies a cycle which continues, constantly increasing and reaching higher levels.

This unlimited dimension is expressed in two dimensions: a) Split hooves -- when one proceeds to perform in the world at large, one's progress is twofold in nature. This implies that immediately one activity will be followed by another. b) Chewing the cud -- by regurgitating its food and chewing it again, the animal allows for better digestion. Homiletically, this implies that a person will not remain satisfied after carrying out one level of refinement, but rather will seek to continue further, reaching higher and more developed levels.

In this context, we can explain the significance of the name Machanayim, "two camps." This name reflects, not only the joining of the camps of angels from Eretz Yisrael and from the Diaspora, but also a twofold -- and thus unbounded -- approach to service. The fact that Ya'akov carried out his service both in the Diaspora and in Eretz Yisrael (both mundane and holy matters as above) indicates that both dimensions of his service were motivated by a commitment to serve G-d beyond his individual nature. This implies two concepts: a) that the emphasis in his service of refinement was not for refinement in and of itself, but as a reflection of his commitment to go beyond his individual nature. b) That after he completed this work of refinement, he did not remain satisfied with a limited service in the realm of holiness, but served G-d beyond his natural limits in this realm as well.

To emphasize this point, the angels of Eretz Yisrael met him while he was in the Diaspora. Even though he had not entered Eretz Yisrael, the angels which are associated with service in the realm of holiness came to greet him.[238]

Directly after Ya'akov was met by these camps of angels, he sent, as the Torah relates in the beginning of Parshas Vayishlach, "emissaries[239] to Esav, his brother, to the land of Seir, the field of Edom." Not only did Ya'akov involve himself in a twofold service, elevating his surrounding environment and rising higher in the realm of holiness, he sought to refine and elevate even the lowest aspects of existence, Esav and the field of Edom.

This concept can be related to the concept of kosher animals mentioned previously. There are four species of animals (the camel, the rabbit, the hare, and the pig) that possess only one of the two signs of kashrus (split hooves and chewing the cud). Our Sages explain that these four species correspond to the four exiles in which the Jews have been forced to linger. The fourth species, the pig, corresponds to the exile of Edom.

There is a difference between the pig and the other species. The other species chew their cud, but do not have split hooves. In contrast, the pig has split hooves, but does not chew its cud.[240]

Our Sages point to an aspect in which the pig is more reprehensible than the other three species. The pig lies down and lifts up its split hooves as if to say, "See, I am pure." Similarly, Esav and Edom cover up their undesirable traits and portray themselves as good. For this reason, the exile of Edom has been longer and more severe than the other three exiles.

Nevertheless, through our efforts in the work of refinement, Edom will also be elevated. This is alluded to in our Sages' comments that in the Messianic Era, the pig will become a kosher animal (for, then, it will also chew its cud). Similarly, they have associated the Hebrew word for pig (ÿëåç) with the word äÿåç, "return." After the "pig," the exile of Edom, "the crown will be restored to its owners as it is written, 'And saviors will ascend the Mount of Zion to judge the Mount of Esav and the sovereignty will be the L-rd's.' "

2

This Shabbos falls in the month of Kislev, the third of the winter months. Thus it parallels Sivan, the third of the summer months, the month associated with the giving of the Torah. Furthermore, in this context, there is an advantage to Kislev over Sivan which reflects the service of transcending one's nature mentioned above.

Among the differences between the winter months and the summer months is that the summer months emphasize revelation from above (the service of the righteous), while the winter months emphasize work and effort on the part of man (ba'alei teshuvah). Therefore, the winter months are the rainy season which our Sages associate with the service of man.[241]

There is another dimension of the winter season which is significant; the nights are longer. Our Sages explain that "night was created for Torah study alone." Similarly, the Hebrew word for winter, choref shares the same root as the Hebrew charifus which refers to acute intellectual analysis. Thus the winter, and in particular, Kislev is associated with man's efforts to toil and work in Torah study.

Furtherance, as Sivan, Kislev is also associated with "the giving of the Torah." In this instance the revelation of P'nimiyus HaTorah, for the service of "spreading the wellsprings of Chassidus outward" began on Yud-Tes Kislev, the "Rosh HaShanah of Chassidus." Thus, Sivan is connected with the giving of the revealed aspects of Torah, Nigleh; while Kislev is associated with the giving of P'nimiyus HaTorah. (This also relates to the difference between the summer and winter mentioned above. The revelation of P'nimiyus HaTorah is associated with the service of teshuvah which begins in Tishrei[242] and characterizes the service of the winter as a whole.)

Based on the above, we can draw a connection between the parshiyos, Vayeitzei and Vayishlach and Kislev, the month in which they are read. Both these portions describe the service of Ya'akov, the third of the Patriarchs. Similarly, Ya'akov is associated with the service of Torah study. Even the refinement of the world which he accomplished was achieved through the medium of Torah.

This relates to one of the explanations of the connection between the Torah and the number three based on our Sages' statement, "The Torah was given for the sole purpose of establishing peace in the world."

Peace is associated with the number three, i.e., two conflicting opinions and a third influence which resolves the conflict. Similarly, the number one is associated with G-dliness. The number two is associated with the world and the division its creation appears to have brought about. The number three, however, is associated with the Torah which resolves this apparent division and establishes peace between G-d and the world.

Thus, there is a connection to Parshas Vayeitzei which, as explained above, reflects Ya'akov's service of going beyond his nature both in the service of Torah study (the angels of Eretz Yisrael) and the refinement of his environment through Torah (the angels of the Diaspora). Similarly, there is a connection to Parshas Vayishlach for the transformation of Esav to which it alludes is accomplished through Torah study. The Torah is the medium to bring about this transformation of darkness to light.

3

There are several practical directives resulting from the above, first and foremost, for every individual to increase[243] his study of the Torah, going beyond his limits.[244] This applies both to people who are employed in Torah professions and to businessmen. Every individual must increase his study of Torah, both Nigleh and P'nimiyus HaTorah. Similarly, the increase must be qualitative as well as quantitative, reaching a higher and deeper level of study. The above is particularly appropriate this year, a year when, "I will show you wonders." Our behavior must be wondrous in nature, going beyond our individual limits.[245]

There is also a connection with Parshas Vayishlach which contains an obvious allusion to the sending of shluchim. Thus, it relates to the International Conference of Shluchim which was held last week. Since Shabbos represents the completion of the service of the week, it is obvious that this Shabbos can be used to enhance and increase the resolutions to spread Torah and Chassidus that were made at that Conference.

These activities will hasten the refinement of the world and herald the coming of the age when, as the Rambam writes in the conclusion of the Mishneh Torah,[246] "In that Era, there will be no hunger or war... and the occupation of the entire world will be solely to know G-d."

Furthermore, in microcosm, this state can be reflected in the last moments of exile despite the fact that, as the Yalkut Shimoni[247] declares, "nations challenge each other... and all the nations of the world panic and are filled with consternation." Even in such circumstances, the Jews can study Torah with peace and security, confident in G-d's assurance that, as the Midrash continues, "All that I have wrought, I have performed only for your sake," awaiting the time when, "Mashiach will stand on the roof of the Beis HaMikdash and proclaim, 'Humble ones, the time for redemption has come.' "

   

Notes:

233. (Back to text) In particular, there are several intricacies in Rashi's commentary. The verse states:

     And Ya'akov went on his way and the angels of G-d met him. When Ya'akov saw them, he exclaimed, "This is the camp of G-d," and he named the place, Machanayim.

     Rashi comments:

     "And the angels of G-d met him" -- The angels of Eretz Yisrael came to greet him and accompany him to the land. "And he named the place, Machanayim" -- Two camps, [the angels] from the Diaspora came with him to this point and the angels from Eretz Yisrael came to greet him.

     Rashi's commentary is dependent on his previous comments when describing Ya'akov's dream of the angels ascending and descending. There Rashi emphasizes that he saw first "angels ascending," i.e., the angels from Eretz Yisrael who had accompanied him to this point and afterwards, "angels descending," the angels from the Diaspora who would accompany him further.

     It is likely to assume that these angels continued to accompany Ya'akov throughout the time he was in Charan and went with him on his way back to Eretz Yisrael. Therefore, when the Torah relates Ya'akov was met by the angels of G-d, we can assume that this refers to different angels, the angels of Eretz Yisrael who had come to greet him. Thus, the Torah mentions Ya'akov seeing, "this camp," (singular) and name the place Machanayim ("two camps"), because at this place -- and apparently, at this place alone -- two camps of angels were present.

234. (Back to text) Therefore, a person cannot be appointed as a king or High Priest if he was previously employed as a leather processor.

235. (Back to text) This service begins after one completes his service in refining and elevating one's material nature. Then, one's service is entirely in the realm of holiness.

236. (Back to text) Continuing this service of self-transcendence even after the service of refinement is completed is significant because it demonstrates that the service of refinement was carried out, not as an expression of the nature of the G-dly soul, but out of commitment to G-d's service.

237. (Back to text) Note the Rogachover Gaon, who explains that these signs are not merely reflections that the animal is kosher, but rather the signs themselves establish the kashrus of the animal. This implies that its nature is pure and thus, fit to become part of the body of a Jew.

238. (Back to text) The angels of the Diaspora did not, however, join the angels of holiness while Ya'akov was in Eretz Yisrael before his departure to Charan. (As mentioned previously, the angels of Eretz Yisrael ascended, and then, the angels of the Diaspora descended.) Since the angels of the Diaspora are on a lower level, it would have been inappropriate -- even an act of disrespect -- for them to join the angels of Eretz Yisrael.

239. (Back to text) See also Rashi's commentary which interprets the word malachim, not as "emissaries," as is its simple interpretation, but as "angels." The commentaries explain that after being met by the angels at Machanayim, Ya'akov sent them to Esav. This reflects how Ya'akov's intent to refine Esav is a continuation of his twofold service involving "the angels of G-d" explained above.

240. (Back to text) The Kabbalists have noted that these divisions correspond to the four kelipos: the three totally impure kelipos which share a commonalty and kelipas nogah which is in a different category.

241. (Back to text) In contrast, dew -- which descends even in the summer -- is not dependent on man's service.

242. (Back to text) A parallel can be drawn between the first tablets (of the Ten Commandments) which were given in the summer and the second tablets which were given on Yom Kippur, the day of teshuvah. Our Sages explain that the second tablets reflected a far greater degree of revelation than the first and associate them with the revelation of "the hidden wisdom."

243. (Back to text) This relates to the lesson of Chanukah, the conclusion of the month of Kislev, when each night, an increased number of candles are lit. This indicates how our service must always increase and proceed further.

244. (Back to text) Even if a person has previously made an increase in Torah study which is "beyond his limits," it is still possible and indeed, expected of him, to make a further increase at present. As mentioned before, even within holiness, there are limits and since the previous increase has already been made, it now is considered a limited service which must be surpassed at present.

245. (Back to text) There is a connection between wonders and Torah study because through Torah study, a person can establish a "wondrous unity" with G-d (Tanya, Chapter 5). Also, there is a connection with P'nimiyus HaTorah which is associated with the verse, "I will see the wonders of Your Torah."

246. (Back to text) In this context, it is worthy to mention the importance of attending the Siyyum of the Mishneh Torah which will be held next week.

247. (Back to text) See the sichos of Parshas Re'eh, 5750, and the second day of Sukkos, 5751.