Parashat Vayetze (Genesis 28:10 - 32:3)

A weekly Torah exploration for families by Michael S. Raileanu, M.A.Ed.

A weekly Torah exploration for families by Michael S. Raileanu, M.A.Ed.

Parashat Va-yetzei, Genesis 28:10 - 32:3, features the trials and tribulations or Jacob. He goes from being a single and unsure young man to being the leader of a great family, destined to be a great nation. As this parasha opens Jacob has his famous dream about a ladder than the angels that are going up and down.

Why are the angels going up and down (starting on earth and going into heaven) and not the other way around? What does that mean?
Jacob wakes up from this dream and makes an alter and vow to God (28:16 - 22). He seems to be saying that he will only remain loyal to God if God stays with him in his journey and provides for him. Why would Jacob speak that way? What else has happened in his life that might make him doubt God?
Jacob marries Leah and Rachel in this parasha, too. Which does he really want to marry? What happens instead? How is that "change" a lesson for him? How is it different from what has happened in his family?
Can you name the 13 children born to Jacob, Rachel, Leah, Bilhah and Zilpah? Do you know which child goes with which mom?
What is Jewish about Thanksgiving? Do you do anything particularly Jewish at Thanksgiving every year? What is one thing you could add to you Thanksgiving celebration that would make it more Jewish? What are you thankful for this year?