Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why did Lavan separate himself from Yaakov by three days' journey?
A: According to Rashi, Lavan distanced himself from Yaakov to prevent him from noticing if any spotted or speckled lambs were born in Lavan's flocks. This was part of Lavan's attempt to limit Yaakov's success in their agreement regarding the flocks (Genesis 30:31-34).
Q: What is the significance of Yaakov tending 'the rest of Lavan’s flocks'?
A: The phrase 'the rest of Lavan’s flocks' refers to the weaker or less desirable sheep that Lavan separated from his main flock. The Midrash explains that Yaakov cared for these animals with great dedication, showing his righteousness and fulfilling his responsibilities faithfully, even with the less valuable sheep.
Q: How does this verse relate to honesty in business dealings?
A: This verse highlights the contrast between Yaakov's integrity and Lavan's deceitfulness. The Talmud (Megillah 13b) teaches that Lavan's actions demonstrate dishonesty in business, while Yaakov's faithful shepherding, even with the weaker flocks, serves as a model of ethical behavior in work and agreements.
Q: Why does the Torah mention the three days' journey in detail?
A: The three days' journey emphasizes Lavan's deliberate effort to deceive Yaakov. The Ramban explains that this distance was calculated to make it difficult for Yaakov to monitor Lavan's flocks, reinforcing the theme of Lavan's trickery and Yaakov's perseverance in difficult circumstances.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Yaakov tending Lavan's flocks?
A: Yaakov's commitment to caring for Lavan's flocks, despite Lavan's dishonesty, teaches the importance of fulfilling one's responsibilities with integrity. As the Midrash Tanchuma (Vayeitzei 8) notes, Yaakov's diligence in small matters prepared him for greater blessings and leadership roles in the future.
Rashi's Explanation of the Three Days' Journey
Rashi (Bereishit 30:36) explains that Lavan distanced himself from Yaakov by a three-day journey to prevent Yaakov from intermingling his own flocks with Lavan's flocks. This ensured that any speckled or spotted offspring born thereafter would clearly be the result of Yaakov's merit and Divine intervention, not deception (as Lavan had previously accused Yaakov in Bereishit 30:33).
Ibn Ezra on Lavan's Strategy
Ibn Ezra notes that Lavan's action of separating the flocks by three days was a calculated move to protect his own interests. By isolating Yaakov with the weaker, "remaining" flocks (הנותרות), Lavan sought to minimize Yaakov's potential profit from the breeding agreement (Bereishit 30:31-34).
Midrashic Interpretation
The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 73:10) offers a deeper dimension, suggesting that the "three days' journey" alludes to the three days' distance later maintained between the Ark of the Covenant, the nation of Israel, and the tribe of Levi during their travels in the wilderness (Bamidbar 10:33-34). This connection emphasizes how Divine providence guided Yaakov just as it would later guide Israel.
Ramban's Insight on "הנותרות" (The Remaining Flocks)
Ramban (Bereishit 30:36) explains that Lavan gave Yaakov only the weaker, leftover flocks—those that were old, sickly, or barren—thinking this would prevent Yaakov from prospering. However, this very act set the stage for the miracle of Yaakov's success, demonstrating that blessing comes from Hashem rather than natural circumstances.
Halachic Implication in Choshen Mishpat
The Shulchan Aruch (Choshen Mishpat 331:1) cites this episode as a precedent for the principle that an employer must not make unreasonable demands that prevent a worker from fulfilling their contractual obligations—as Lavan attempted by separating the flocks.