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Genesis 31:54 - Peace offering unites brothers

Genesis 31:54 - בראשית 31:54

Hebrew Text

וַיִּזְבַּח יַעֲקֹב זֶבַח בָּהָר וַיִּקְרָא לְאֶחָיו לֶאֱכָל־לָחֶם וַיֹּאכְלוּ לֶחֶם וַיָּלִינוּ בָּהָר׃

English Translation

Then Ya῾aqov offered sacrifice upon the mount, and called his brethren to eat bread: and they did eat bread, and tarried all night on the mountain.

Transliteration

Va'yizbach Ya'akov zevach ba'har va'yikra le'echav le'echol-lachem va'yochlu lechem va'yalinu ba'har.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיִּזְבַּ֨ח יַעֲקֹ֥ב זֶ֙בַח֙ בָּהָ֔ר וַיִּקְרָ֥א לְאֶחָ֖יו לֶאֱכׇל־לָ֑חֶם וַיֹּ֣אכְלוּ לֶ֔חֶם וַיָּלִ֖ינוּ בָּהָֽר׃
וַיִּזְבַּ֨ח יַעֲקֹ֥ב זֶ֙בַח֙ בָּהָ֔ר וַיִּקְרָ֥א לְאֶחָ֖יו לֶאֱכׇל־לָ֑חֶם וַיֹּ֣אכְלוּ לֶ֔חֶם וַיָּלִ֖ינוּ בָּהָֽר׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context and Background

The verse (Bereshit 31:54) describes Yaakov's actions after making a covenant with Lavan. The "sacrifice upon the mount" and the shared meal signify the solemnity of the agreement. Rashi explains that Yaakov offered the sacrifice to atone for any wrongdoing, as sacrifices (זבח) often serve as a means of drawing closer to Hashem and rectifying relationships.

The Sacrifice on the Mountain

Ramban notes that Yaakov chose a mountain for the sacrifice because elevated places were traditionally associated with divine encounters (e.g., Har HaMoriah). The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 74:13) adds that this act foreshadowed future offerings on Har HaBayit. The term "זבח" implies a peace offering (שלמים), symbolizing harmony between Yaakov and Lavan.

Calling His Brethren to Eat Bread

Rashi emphasizes that "his brethren" refers to Lavan and his companions, not literal brothers. The shared meal (לאכל לחם) was a customary way to seal covenants (see Shemot 24:11). The Talmud (Chullin 5b) discusses how eating together establishes trust, as food shared in holiness fosters unity.

Lodging on the Mountain

The Ohr HaChaim highlights that "וילינו בהר" (they tarried all night) indicates a deliberate pause for reflection. The Sforno suggests this delay allowed time for the covenant's terms to be internalized. The mountain's setting, as a place between heaven and earth, reinforced the sacred nature of their agreement.

Key Themes

  • Atonement and Covenant: The sacrifice and meal served as spiritual and physical affirmations of peace.
  • Elevated Spaces: Mountains, as meeting points with the divine, underscore the gravity of the moment.
  • Unity Through Food: Breaking bread together, a recurring theme in Torah, symbolizes reconciliation.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Yaakov (Jacob) offer a sacrifice on the mountain?
A: According to Rashi, Yaakov offered a sacrifice as part of making a covenant (brit) with Lavan (Laban) to ensure peace between them. The sacrifice was an act of devotion to Hashem and a way to solemnize their agreement (Genesis 31:44-54).
Q: What is the significance of Yaakov and his brothers eating bread together?
A: The shared meal symbolized unity and reconciliation. In Jewish tradition, eating together represents peace and goodwill, especially after resolving conflicts, as seen here between Yaakov and Lavan (Midrash Bereishis Rabbah 74:13).
Q: Why did they stay overnight on the mountain?
A: Staying overnight demonstrated their commitment to the covenant. The Talmud teaches that staying together in one place after making an agreement shows sincerity and mutual trust (see Rashi on Genesis 31:54).
Q: What lesson can we learn from this verse about resolving conflicts?
A: This verse teaches the importance of making peace through clear agreements, symbolic acts (like sacrifices or meals), and demonstrating commitment. The Rambam emphasizes that reconciliation (shalom) is a high value in Judaism (Hilchos De'os 6:7).
Q: Does this verse connect to any Jewish practices today?
A: Yes! The themes of reconciliation, shared meals, and covenants appear in many Jewish practices, such as making peace before Yom Kippur or sharing meals to resolve disputes (based on Talmud Yoma 87a). The sacrifice also reminds us of the importance of prayer and devotion in difficult times.