Self-Fulfillment- Through Connecting with Others

In between when Yaakov takes leave of Eisav and the story of Dina’s abduction, the Torah tells us that Yaakov arrived in Shechem: וַיָּבֹא֩ יַעֲקֹ֨ב שָׁלֵ֜ם עִ֣יר שְׁכֶ֗ם אֲשֶׁר֙ בְּאֶ֣רֶץ כְּנַ֔עַן בְּבֹא֖וֹ מִפַּדַּ֣ן אֲרָ֑ם וַיִּ֖חַן אֶת־פְּנֵ֥י הָעִֽיר׃

“Jacob arrived safe in the city of Shechem which is in the land of Canaan—having come thus from Paddan-aram—and he encamped before the city.” While the literal translation of “Vayichan” is “and he camped”, the Talmud homiletically interprets it to mean “and he graced” from the Hebrew word “Chein”. The Talmud (Shabbat 33b) explains:

“And Jacob came whole to the city of Shechem, which is in the land of Canaan, when he came from Paddan-aram; and he graced the countenance of the city” (Genesis 33:18). Rav said, the meaning of: And Jacob came whole, is: Whole in his body, whole in his money, whole in his Torah. And what did he do? And he graced the countenance of the city; he performed gracious acts to benefit the city. Rav said: Jacob established a currency for them. And Shmuel said: He established marketplaces for them. And Rabbi Yoḥanan said: He established bathhouses for them.

The Talmud suggests that upon arriving in Shechem Yaakov wanted to contribute to his new surroundings in a positive way. The Rabbis argue over what exactly was that contribution. Rav Kook explained that all three suggestions are ways to help your surroundings and to build community. Bathhouses and marketplaces are public arenas that promote the public good. Coins are necessary to develop a sophisticated economy that is based on more than just bartering. Without coins you are limited in your business dealings to those people whom you know and who possess items that you want or need. The introduction of coins allows you to engage in business beyond your friends and family. Anyone with coins becomes a customer.

Yaakov here is teaching us the importance of building community and of connecting with larger groups. It is no coincidence that the Talmud’s emphasis on connecting and helping others only comes after the Talmudic teaching that Yaakov arrived in Shechem feeling whole and in a good place. Only when we personally feel strong and confident can we extend ourselves to the fullest in order to help others and connect with others.

This year our shul has adopted the theme of “unity and connection”. We are constantly seeking out ways to follow in Yaakov’s footsteps by encouraging each other to contribute to the greater good by expanding our networks and connecting with others in our community that may not currently be in our sphere of acquaintances. After the positive feedback we received after the Kol Nidrei Appeal Appreciation Kiddush, we have decided to host another CommUNITY combined Kiddush in honor of Shabbat Mevorchim. It will take place next Shabbat, December 17^th in the tent after the 9 AM and 9:15 AM minyanim. We hope that it creates another opportunity and another reminder of the importance and value of unity and connections within our shul community. (To become a CommUNITY Kiddush sponsor go to: https://www.yih.org/shabbatmevorchimkiddush . I hope to see you there!