Torah Portion Vayetze: Encountering God’s Presence
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Torah: Genesis 28:10-32:3
Haftarah: Hosea 11:7-12:14
Besorah: John 4:5-30
Kislev 6, 5785 | December 7, 2024
Shalom Chaverim (Friends)!
This week’s Torah portion, Vayetze (Genesis 28:10–32:3), is a rich narrative of encounters with God that transform lives and set a course for His purposes. From Jacob’s awe-inspiring vision of the ladder to the deep themes of redemption and worship in the Haftarah and Besorah portions, we see that meeting God changes everything.
The Hebrew word Vayetze (וַיֵּצֵא) means “and he went out” or “and he departed.” It is the opening word of this Torah portion, which begins with Genesis 28:10, where it says, “Then Jacob went out from Beersheba and went toward Haran.”
This phrase not only describes Jacob’s physical departure from his family home but also symbolizes the start of a significant journey—both spiritually and emotionally. Jacob is leaving behind everything familiar and stepping into the unknown, where he will face challenges, encounter God, and begin to build the family that will become the nation of Israel.
The word Vayetze sets the tone for the portion, emphasizing the theme of stepping out in faith and trusting God’s presence and guidance on the path ahead.
You can download a printable copy of this portion along with study and reflection questions at the end of this post!
Torah Portion Vayetze: Genesis 28:10–32:3
Understanding the Portion
The portion opens with Jacob fleeing from his brother Esau after receiving Isaac’s blessing. On his journey, Jacob stops for the night and has a powerful dream: a ladder reaching to heaven, with angels ascending and descending on it.
Above the ladder stands God, who reaffirms His covenant promises to Jacob, saying:
““I am Adonai, the God of your father Abraham and the God of Isaac. The land on which you lie, I will give it to you and to your seed.”
Genesis 28:13, TLV
This vision reveals that Jacob’s journey isn’t just physical; it’s deeply spiritual. God’s presence transforms the ordinary place where Jacob rests into something sacred.
When Jacob awakens, he says, “Surely Adonai is in this place—and I did not know it!” (Genesis 28:16, TLV). He renames the location Bethel (בֵּית־אֵל), meaning “House of God,” and vows to serve God faithfully.
Later, Jacob encounters God again during his years of service to Laban in order to marry Rachel. Despite trials and unfair treatment, God’s blessing follows Jacob, growing his family and wealth. These encounters with God sustain Jacob, giving him the courage to move forward even in challenging circumstances.
A Little Nugget: The Ladder and Its Meaning
The Hebrew word for ladder, sulam (סֻלָּם), has the same numerical value as Sinai (סִינַי), connecting Jacob’s vision to the revelation at Mount Sinai. Just as the ladder represents the connection between heaven and earth, so does the Torah.
This vision reminds us that God bridges the gap between Himself and humanity, inviting us into a relationship with Him.
Application: Finding God in the Ordinary
Like Jacob, we may not always recognize God’s presence in the midst of our busy lives. This week, take time to pause and reflect: where is God showing up in your journey? How can you honor those “ordinary” places where He is at work?
Haftarah: Hosea 11:7–12:14
Understanding the Portion
In the Haftarah, the prophet Hosea calls Israel to repentance, reflecting on Jacob’s encounters with God as a reminder of their spiritual heritage. Hosea contrasts Jacob’s wrestling with God and his reliance on divine promises with Israel’s current state of rebellion and idolatry.
Hosea recounts Jacob’s perseverance and transformation, saying:
“In the womb he grasped his brother’s heel, and in his vigor he strove with God. Yes, he wrestled with the angel and won;”
Hosea 12:4-5, TLV
This reminds Israel—and us—that encountering God requires perseverance and humility.
A Little Nugget: Wrestling with God
The Hebrew word for “wrestle” in Hosea is sarah (שָׂרָה not to be confused with the name Sarah which comes from a different root), meaning to strive or contend. This is the root of the name Israel (יִשְׂרָאֵל), meaning “one who wrestles with God.” Jacob’s story shows us that wrestling with God is part of faith—it’s how we grow, transform, and become who He calls us to be.
Application: Returning to God’s Promises
Hosea’s message challenges us to consider where we’ve been wrestling with God in our lives. Are there areas where we’ve resisted His will or failed to trust His promises? How can we return to Him with renewed faith and humility?
Besorah: John 4:5–30
Understanding the Portion
In the Besorah, Yeshua encounters the Samaritan woman at the well. This meeting is transformative not only for her but for her entire community. Yeshua reveals Himself as the source of living water, saying:
“But whoever drinks of the water that I will give him shall never be thirsty.”
John 4:14, TLV
The woman comes to the well burdened by her circumstances and societal rejection, but her encounter with Yeshua changes her. She leaves her water jar—symbolizing her burdens—and runs to tell others about finding the Messiah.
Her testimony brings many in her town to faith, showing how an encounter with Yeshua can ripple out to bless others.
A Little Nugget: The Well and Living Water
Wells are significant in Scripture as places of provision and connection. Just as Jacob’s well sustained physical life, Yeshua’s offer of living water sustains spiritual life. The Greek word for living, zōē (ζωή), means life that is abundant and eternal, pointing to the fullness of life found in Him.
Application: Becoming a Witness
The Samaritan woman’s transformation reminds us that when we encounter Yeshua, we are called to share that experience with others. Who in your life needs to hear about the living water that Yeshua offers? How can your testimony bring others closer to Him?
Connecting the Readings: Encountering God’s Presence
In all three readings, we see the transformative power of encountering God. Jacob’s vision at Bethel, Israel’s call to return in Hosea, and the Samaritan woman’s meeting with Yeshua all highlight how God meets us where we are and invites us into deeper relationship with Him.
These encounters remind us that God is present in our everyday lives, in our wrestling, and in our need. When we pause to recognize His presence, our lives—and those around us—are changed forever.
Shabbat Shalom! May this week’s portion remind you to pause, recognize God’s presence, and be transformed by His love. 🌿
Reflection Questions
- Jacob’s ladder shows God’s connection with humanity. Where in your life do you see God reaching out to you?
- Hosea calls Israel to remember their spiritual heritage. How can remembering God’s past faithfulness strengthen your faith today?
- The Samaritan woman’s testimony brought others to faith. How can your story of encountering Yeshua inspire those around you?
- Wrestling with God can be part of growth. Are there areas in your life where you’re struggling with God’s will? How can you surrender to His plans?
- Yeshua offers living water that satisfies our deepest needs. Are you seeking fulfillment in temporary things, or are you drinking deeply of the life He offers?
Hebrew Lesson for the Week: Gimel (ג)
This week’s Hebrew letter is Gimel (ג), the third letter of the Hebrew alphabet. Its shape, sound, and symbolism all point to deep spiritual truths that we can apply to our lives.
The Basics of Gimel (ג)
- Sound: Gimel is pronounced like the English “G” as in “go.”
- Numerical Value: Its numerical value is 3, which in Jewish thought often represents completeness or stability, such as the three Patriarchs (Abraham, Isaac, Jacob) or the three pilgrimage festivals (Pesach, Shavuot, Sukkot).
How Gimel Is Written
ג
Gimel’s shape resembles a foot, which Jewish tradition explains as a symbol of motion or a person walking. It conveys the idea of giving and walking toward someone in need.
Gimel’s Spiritual Meaning
The Talmud (Shabbat 104a) teaches that the form of Gimel represents a gomel (גּוֹמֵל), meaning “a benefactor” or “one who gives.” It’s associated with kindness and generosity. The idea is that Gimel is walking toward the next letter, Dalet (ד), which represents a poor person (dal, דַל). Gimel’s motion toward Dalet reminds us of our responsibility to “walk toward” those in need and extend acts of kindness.
In this way, Gimel teaches us about chesed (חֶסֶד), or lovingkindness, which is a central value in Judaism and our faith in Yeshua.
Gimel in Scripture
Gimel appears in many Hebrew words that express giving, generosity, or reward, such as:
- Gadol (גָּדוֹל): Great or mighty
- Gomel (גּוֹמֵל): One who bestows kindness
- Geulah (גְּאוּלָה): Redemption
One significant word is Goy (גּוֹי), meaning “nation.” This reminds us of God’s promise to Abraham that He would make him the father of many nations—a blessing meant to be shared with the world.
A Fun Practice
Try using Gimel to practice writing and sounding out Hebrew words that begin with or contain it, like Gadol (great) or Gomel (kind). Reflect on how you can “walk toward” others in kindness and generosity this week.
By learning about Gimel, we’re reminded of the importance of walking in God’s ways, showing kindness to others, and recognizing His generosity toward us. I hope this week’s lesson inspires you to live out the meaning of Gimel in your actions and relationships.
Hebrew Course
If you’re excited to dive deeper into the beauty of Hebrew, we offer a self-paced Hebrew class designed to help you grow in your understanding of this incredible language. The course is flexible and includes assistance whenever you need it, so you’re never on this journey alone. As a special bonus, use the code HEBREW24 at checkout to receive a discount and get started today!
For a printable version of this portion along with study and reflection questions, follow the link below!
Kids Videos on YouTube!!
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Here is one of our latest videos!
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Tree of Life (TLV) – Scripture taken from the Holy Scriptures, Tree of Life Version*. Copyright © 2014,2016 by the Tree of Life Bible Society. Used by permission of the Tree of Life Bible Society.
About Our Author
Diane Ferreira is a Jewish believer, wife, and mom, as well as a proud bulldog mom. She is currently pursuing her graduate degree in Jewish Studies at seminary, deepening her passion for Scripture and Jewish history. Diane writes with a heart to connect the rich traditions of her Jewish heritage with her faith in Yeshua, offering insights that inspire believers to grow in their walk with God. When she’s not studying or writing, Diane enjoys spending time with her family, reading, and crochet.