2021/5782
What does it mean to “put oneself in front?” At first, this question may seem puzzling, but this is exactly what Yaakov Avinu did. The pasuk says “וְהוּא עָבַר לִפְנֵיהֶם,” “and Yaakov went before them” (33:3). What is Yaakov trying to communicate to his family when he places himself in front? More importantly, what is the Torah trying to teach us by stating this seemingly irrelevant detail?
Yaakov Avinu shows what he values. Unlike his predecessors, all of Yaakov’s children become leaders of Bnei Yisrael. Yaakov understands that from these twelve tribes will emerge generations of Jews. With this responsibility on his back, Yaakov Avinu realizes the grave threat Eisav and his army pose. If Eisav is successful, then Klal Yisrael is extinguished. When understanding the importance of what is at risk, Yaakov Avinu doesn’t flinch before putting himself in front. When we value something, we are willing to sacrifice all we have and exert every effort to ensure that our prized values endure.
Connection to Mitzvot
The Gemara (Pesachim 7b) teaches: “Kol HaMitzvot Mivareich Aleihen Oveir La’Asiyatan,” one recites a Brachah immediately before the performance of a Mitzvah. The Gemara asks how do we know “Oveir” means right before? The Gemara quotes three different instances where Oveir means in front of, one of which being “וְהוּא עָבַר לִפְנֵיהֶם,” “and Yaakov went before them” (33:3).
When first learning this Gemara, one is faced with two questions: 1. Why are we required to make a Brachah right before doing the Mitzvah? 2. How does this Halachah connect to Yaakov? The Gemara could have easily omitted this Pasuk and the Halachah would not have been impacted.
Answering Question 1
The Ritva (Pesachim 7b) explains the reason we must recite a Bracha immediately before doing the Mitzvah. He writes that by making a Brachah, one sanctifies the act and makes it known that this act is being done for Hashem. Furthermore, the Brachah is the soul's contribution to the Mitzvah, and the soul precedes the body’s input (i.e the action). Although one fulfills his requirement without the Brachah, one misses an integral spiritual aspect.
Answering question 2
Using the Ritva’s approach, I suggest an answer to question two. As explained above, Yaakov Avinu put himself first to show the importance of what was behind him. So too, when we make a Brachah before the Mitzvah, we establish importance and sanctity to an act that, without the proper intention, could become a mundane act. We place spirituality first, creating and establishing the sanctity of the act. We should all be able to create and place into perspective the relative importance of our physical and spiritual lives.
Connection to Chanukah
With Chanukah quickly approaching, it is appropriate for this lesson to fall out this time of year. The essence of Chanukah is sacrificing for sanctity. The Maccabees risked their all to establish Kedushah. Although we may not be waging a war on behalf of Kedushah, we can devote more time to properly recite a Birchat HaMitzvah. When lighting the Menorah this year, we should recognize the Kedushah that goes into lighting the Menorah. Let us transform the lighting of the Menorah into the lighting of our souls.