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Genesis 28:11 - Jacob's mystical stone pillow

Genesis 28:11 - בראשית 28:11

Hebrew Text

וַיִּפְגַּע בַּמָּקוֹם וַיָּלֶן שָׁם כִּי־בָא הַשֶּׁמֶשׁ וַיִּקַּח מֵאַבְנֵי הַמָּקוֹם וַיָּשֶׂם מְרַאֲשֹׁתָיו וַיִּשְׁכַּב בַּמָּקוֹם הַהוּא׃

English Translation

And he lighted on a certain place, and tarried there all night, because the sun was set; and he took of the stones of that place, and put them under his head, and lay down in that place to sleep.

Transliteration

Vayifga bamakom vayalen sham ki-va hashemesh vayikach me'avnei hamakom vayasem mera'ashotav vayishkav bamakom hahu.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיִּפְגַּ֨ע בַּמָּק֜וֹם וַיָּ֤לֶן שָׁם֙ כִּי־בָ֣א הַשֶּׁ֔מֶשׁ וַיִּקַּח֙ מֵאַבְנֵ֣י הַמָּק֔וֹם וַיָּ֖שֶׂם מְרַֽאֲשֹׁתָ֑יו וַיִּשְׁכַּ֖ב בַּמָּק֥וֹם הַהֽוּא׃
וַיִּפְגַּ֨ע בַּמָּק֜וֹם וַיָּ֤לֶן שָׁם֙ כִּי־בָ֣א הַשֶּׁ֔מֶשׁ וַיִּקַּח֙ מֵאַבְנֵ֣י הַמָּק֔וֹם וַיָּ֖שֶׂם מְרַֽאֲשֹׁתָ֑יו וַיִּשְׁכַּ֖ב בַּמָּק֥וֹם הַהֽוּא׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

The Setting of Yaakov's Journey

The verse describes Yaakov Avinu's stop at a certain place (הַמָּקוֹם) on his journey to Charan. Rashi explains that this location was Mount Moriah, the future site of the Beit HaMikdash, as the Torah uses the term "הַמָּקוֹם" (the place) which often refers to this sacred location (based on Bereshit Rabbah 68:9). The sun setting prematurely, according to Midrash, was a Divine act to cause Yaakov to stop at this holy site (Pirkei D'Rabbi Eliezer 35).

The Stones Under Yaakov's Head

Yaakov took stones from the place to place under his head. The Talmud (Chullin 91b) discusses how these stones quarreled, each wishing to have the tzaddik's head rest upon it, until Hashem fused them into one stone - symbolizing unity among the Jewish people. Ramban adds that these stones represent the future twelve tribes descending from Yaakov, which would emerge unified in their service of Hashem.

Significance of the Sunset

The mention of the sun setting carries deeper meaning. Sforno explains that the premature sunset demonstrated Divine Providence - Hashem arranged for Yaakov to stop specifically at this holy place to receive prophecy. The Kli Yakar connects this to the concept that night represents exile, and Yaakov's lying down foreshadowed the future exiles of his descendants, with the stones representing their protection.

The Term "Vayifga" (וַיִּפְגַּע)

This word can mean both "encountered" and "prayed." Rashi cites both interpretations: that Yaakov physically arrived at the place, and alternatively that he prayed there (based on Yerushalmi Berachot 4:4). The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 68:10) states this establishes Ma'ariv as an obligatory prayer, as Yaakov instituted evening prayer at this time.

  • Protection: The stones represent Divine protection during Yaakov's journey to exile (Alshich)
  • Preparation for Prophecy: The positioning of the stones prepared Yaakov for the prophetic dream to follow (Malbim)
  • Connection to Temple: The stones hint at the future altar stones of the Beit HaMikdash (Zohar 1:266)

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Chullin 91b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about Jacob's actions and the significance of the stones he used as a pillow.
📖 Berakhot 26b
The verse is mentioned in the context of discussing the times for prayer, particularly the evening prayer, which is linked to the time when Jacob lay down to sleep.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Genesis 28:11 mean when it says Yaakov 'took of the stones of that place'?
A: According to Rashi, Yaakov took several stones and placed them around his head for protection. The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 68:11) explains that the stones actually quarreled, each wanting Yaakov to rest his head on it, and Hashem miraculously merged them into one stone—symbolizing Jewish unity.
Q: Why did Yaakov sleep with stones under his head in Genesis 28:11?
A: The Ramban explains that this was an act of humility—Yaakov used stones as a pillow to avoid comfort during his spiritual journey. The Talmud (Chullin 91b) also teaches that the stones protected him from wild animals, showing that Hashem safeguards those on a holy mission.
Q: What is the significance of the setting sun in Genesis 28:11?
A: Rashi notes that the sun set unusually early (Midrash Tanchuma Vayeitzei 2) so Yaakov would sleep there and receive the prophecy of the ladder. This teaches that Divine Providence arranges circumstances to guide us toward our spiritual purpose.
Q: How does Genesis 28:11 connect to the concept of 'hamakom' (the Place)?
A: The verse calls it 'the Place'—a term often referring to Hashem (as in 'HaMakom,' one of G-d's names). The Talmud (Pesachim 88a) explains this was Mount Moriah, future site of the Beit Hamikdash, showing Yaakov's connection to this holy location even in exile.
Q: What practical lesson can we learn from Yaakov's actions in Genesis 28:11?
A: The Sforno teaches that Yaakov used ordinary stones for holiness, showing we can elevate physical objects for spiritual purposes. Just as Yaakov prepared for divine revelation through simple means, we too can find holiness in everyday actions when done with proper intention.