Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does Jacob mean when he says 'this stone shall be God's house'?
A: Jacob is referring to the stone he placed as a pillar after his dream of the ladder (Genesis 28:18-19). According to Rashi, this stone symbolizes the future site of the Beit Hamikdash (Holy Temple) in Jerusalem, which would become a central place of worship for the Jewish people. The Midrash (Pirkei D'Rabbi Eliezer 35) explains that this stone was the foundation stone from which the world was created.
Q: Why did Jacob promise to give a tenth (tithe) of all he receives?
A: Jacob's vow to tithe (give 10%) follows the example of his grandfather Abraham, who gave a tenth to Malkitzedek (Genesis 14:20). The Rambam (Hilchot Matnot Aniyim 6:1) explains that tithing demonstrates gratitude to Hashem and acknowledges that all blessings come from Him. This later became the basis for the mitzvah of ma'aser (tithing) in Jewish law.
Q: How does Jacob's vow apply to Jews today?
A: While we no longer bring tithes to the Temple, the principle of giving a portion of our income to tzedakah (charity) remains important. The Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh De'ah 249:1) rules that one should ideally give at least 10% of their income to charity, following Jacob's example. Many have the custom to give two tenths (20%), as Jacob later says 'I will give a tenth to You' twice (Genesis 28:22).
Q: What is the significance of Jacob setting up a stone as a pillar?
A: Setting up the stone as a matzevah (pillar) served multiple purposes: 1) It marked the place where Jacob encountered the Divine presence (Rashi on Genesis 28:18). 2) It was an act of gratitude for Hashem's promise of protection (Genesis 28:15). 3) The Talmud (Chullin 91b) explains that the stones Jacob gathered actually merged into one stone, symbolizing Jewish unity. However, later in the Torah (Deuteronomy 16:22), setting up stone pillars is prohibited, showing this was a temporary practice specific to Jacob's time.
Q: Why does Jacob refer to the stone as 'God's house'?
A: Jacob prophetically identifies this location as the future site of the Beit Hamikdash (Holy Temple) in Jerusalem. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 69:7) explains that this place - Mount Moriah - was where Abraham bound Isaac and would become the holiest site in Judaism. The term 'God's house' teaches that certain physical places can become conduits for Divine connection, though we believe Hashem is everywhere.
Context of the Verse
This verse (Bereshit 28:22) is part of Yaakov Avinu's vow at Beit El after his dream of the ladder reaching the heavens. Upon awakening, Yaakov sets up a stone as a matzevah (pillar) and declares it to be the future "House of God." He then pledges to tithe all that God grants him.
Yaakov's Establishment of the Matzevah
Rashi explains that Yaakov's act of setting up the stone as a matzevah symbolizes his recognition of the sanctity of the place, which would later become the site of the Beit HaMikdash. The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 69:7) notes that this stone was the same one upon which the even hashtiyah (foundation stone) of the Temple would rest.
"This Shall Be God's House"
Ramban (Nachmanides) comments that Yaakov's declaration was prophetic, foreseeing that this location would become the central place of divine service. The Talmud (Pesachim 88a) connects this verse to the future sanctity of Jerusalem, stating that Yaakov called it "Beit El" (House of God), while Avraham referred to it as "Har" (Mountain), and Yitzchak as "Sadeh" (Field). This reflects the evolving understanding of the site's holiness.
The Pledge of Ma'aser (Tithing)
Yaakov's commitment to tithe "all that You give me" is understood by Chazal as establishing the mitzvah of ma'aser kesafim (tithing one's earnings). The Rambam (Hilchot Matnot Aniyim 7:5) cites this verse as a source for the custom of giving a tenth of one's income to charity, following Yaakov's example.
Spiritual Significance
The Or HaChaim highlights that Yaakov's actions teach the importance of marking moments of divine encounter and responding with commitment. By consecrating the stone and pledging tithing, Yaakov models how to translate spiritual inspiration into concrete acts of devotion and charity.