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Genesis 35:15 - Yaakov names divine encounter site

Genesis 35:15 - בראשית 35:15

Hebrew Text

וַיִּקְרָא יַעֲקֹב אֶת־שֵׁם הַמָּקוֹם אֲשֶׁר דִּבֶּר אִתּוֹ שָׁם אֱלֹהִים בֵּית־אֵל׃

English Translation

And Ya῾aqov called the name of the place where God had spoken with him, Bet-el.

Transliteration

Vayikra Yaakov et-shem hamakom asher diber ito sham Elohim Beit-El.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיִּקְרָ֨א יַעֲקֹ֜ב אֶת־שֵׁ֣ם הַמָּק֗וֹם אֲשֶׁר֩ דִּבֶּ֨ר אִתּ֥וֹ שָׁ֛ם אֱלֹהִ֖ים בֵּֽית־אֵֽל׃
וַיִּקְרָ֨א יַעֲקֹ֜ב אֶת־שֵׁ֣ם הַמָּק֗וֹם אֲשֶׁר֩ דִּבֶּ֨ר אִתּ֥וֹ שָׁ֛ם אֱלֹהִ֖ים בֵּֽית־אֵֽל׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

The Naming of Bet-El

The verse states that Yaakov named the place where Hashem spoke to him "Bet-El" (House of God). Rashi (on Bereishit 28:19) explains that this was not the first time the location was named Bet-El, as Avraham had previously called it by that name (Bereishit 12:8). However, Yaakov reaffirmed and established this name after his prophetic dream of the ladder.

Significance of the Name

The Ramban (Bereishit 28:17) elaborates that Yaakov called it Bet-El because he recognized this as a place where the Divine Presence was manifest. The name reflects the concept that this was a gateway to heaven, as Yaakov declared: "This is none other than the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven" (Bereishit 28:17).

Connection to the Temple

The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 69:7) connects this location to the future site of the Beit HaMikdash (Holy Temple) in Jerusalem. Though geographically distinct, the spiritual significance of Bet-El as a place of divine encounter foreshadows the Temple's role as the permanent dwelling place of the Shechinah.

Yaakov's Transformation

  • The Sforno notes that naming the place Bet-El marked a turning point in Yaakov's spiritual journey, as he fully recognized God's providence.
  • The Kli Yakar emphasizes that by naming the location, Yaakov demonstrated his commitment to making this divine encounter an enduring part of his identity.

Etymology and Meaning

Ibn Ezra (Bereishit 28:19) analyzes the name Bet-El as a compound of "Bet" (house) and "El" (God), signifying that this was a place where God's presence was particularly felt. This naming established the location as a sacred space for future generations.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

The verse is referenced in a discussion about the significance of place names and divine encounters, particularly in relation to Jacob's naming of Bet-el.
📖 Berakhot 26b
The verse is mentioned in the context of discussing the times for prayer, drawing a connection between Jacob's encounter with God at Bet-el and the establishment of prayer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Yaakov name the place 'Bet-el'?
A: Yaakov named the place 'Bet-el' (House of God) because it was where he had a direct encounter with Hashem. This name signifies that the location became a sacred space where divine communication occurred, as explained by Rashi (Genesis 28:19).
Q: What is the significance of Bet-el in the Torah?
A: Bet-el is significant because it was a place where both Avraham and Yaakov experienced divine revelations (Genesis 12:8, 28:19). The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 69:7) teaches that Bet-el represents a spiritual gateway, emphasizing its holiness in Jewish tradition.
Q: How does Bet-el connect to Yaakov's earlier dream of the ladder?
A: Bet-el is the same place where Yaakov earlier dreamed of a ladder connecting heaven and earth (Genesis 28:10-19). By naming it Bet-el after returning there, Yaakov reaffirmed its sanctity, as noted by Ramban (Genesis 35:15), showing how the site remained holy through his journey.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Yaakov naming Bet-el?
A: We learn the importance of recognizing and commemorating moments of divine connection. Just as Yaakov marked the place where he encountered Hashem, we too should acknowledge and remember sacred experiences in our lives, as taught in Jewish tradition (see Sforno on Genesis 35:15).
Q: Is Bet-el the same as the city of Luz mentioned earlier?
A: Yes, according to Rashi (Genesis 28:19), Bet-el was originally called Luz. Yaakov renamed it Bet-el after his divine encounter there. The Talmud (Chullin 91b) discusses how this name change reflects the spiritual transformation of the location.