November 11, 2021 / 7 Kislev, 5782 • Parshat Vayeitzei
Issue 692
Dedicated in loving memory of Mrs. Miriam Friedman

True Wealth

The man [Jacob] thus became exceedingly prosperous

Genesis 30:43


Aside from his material wealth, Jacob also attained true, spiritual wealth:

he succeeded in raising all of his children to follow in the righteous ways

of Abraham and Isaac, and did not produce a single wicked son (of the likes

of Esau or Ishmael, who were born to his forbears Abraham and Isaac).

Jacob was able to do this because he synthesized the inspirational

approach of Abraham and the self-disciplining approach of Isaac. By

relating to G-d with simple sincerity, Jacob both transcended the differences between the opposite approaches of his forebears and was able to relate equally well to each of his children’s different personalities. It was also

because of his simple sincerity that Jacob was able to outwit the crafty, scheming Laban.

Jacob’s example teaches us that while logic and reason have their place, the foundation of our relationship with G-d is simple, sincerity. This sincerity then enables us to relate effectively to others no matter how different they may be from us.

—from Daily Wisdom #1