Raize Guttman 05-30-21 (19 Sivan 5781)

Parshat Vayeitzei - Chapter 28 - Verse 16

We had the incident of Yaakov who laid down on the holiest place in the world, the future land of the Beis Hamikdash.  He had a dream about a ladder, whose feet were on the ground, and whose top reached the heavens.  And of course it meant that Hashem was giving Yaakov prophecy.  In the last class we spoke about how Hashem appeared to him and promised him some very important things - he would have children like he dust of the earth, the land of Israel would belong ot him and to his children (not to Esav's children), Hashem promised is he going to protect him with a special protection of divine providence for his children B'nai Yaakov.  

After this dream he wakes up.  The symbol of the ladder, represents the journey of man.  The holiest place of spiritual growth is not at the beginning when you get all inspired, or at the end.  Hashem wants us to strive.  That is the goal.  The goal of spiritual life is the striving itself and not giving up.  Climbing the ladder, rung by rung.

We get reward for the work, not for the finished product!  Even if you fall, you reach a much higher level for all of teh work you put in before the fall.  No spiritual growth is worthless, we are in a different place every second.  We want to have a life of struggles and growth, and serving Hashem to the best of our ability.  That is what is beloved to Hashem.