As Heard from Rabbi Avigdor Miller ZT”L

“And Jacob went near, and rolled the stone from the well’s mouth, and watered the flock…” (29:10)

The episode of the great stone which Jacob rolled off from the well occupies a remarkably large space in our Torah (29:2 to 29:10). One of the guidelines in the understanding of the Torah is the noting of the amount of space which is allotted to a matter. The Torah describes Jacob’s exceptional physical strength, demonstrated when he removed a great stone from the well without waiting for all the shepherds who usually are needed for the feat. What does the Torah mean to teach us about our great Father Jacob by revealing that he is physically powerful? We have a misconception that Jacob was a ‘milk-toast’, a weakling. Now we see that in truth, he was really a very strong man.

Therefore, Jacob could have felled Esav or Lavan with one blow, if needed. However, rather than use his superior physical strength in self defense, Jacob exercised self-control. “Derech eretz kadma L’Torah,” “Good character precedes the Torah.” We are learning good character from our Abot. The Torah wants us to learn the fundamental trait of self control/restraint through Jacob, who had the strength available but opted not to use it.

Despite the gifts of body and mind he was the paragon of humility. In all his dealings with Laban and later with Esav he never permitted himself the role of haughty sage or of aggressive strong man, but assumed the role of the humble and loyal worker.

Adapted From “The Beginning” and “Behold A People” By Rabbi Avigdor Miller ZT”L

Shabbat Shalom

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