[Avodah] Yeshivat Shem Vaever

[Rich, Joel]

Special Note Five: There is a notable question many have asked relating
to this week's Parsha--and an incredible response, given, once again, by
HaRav Chaim Kanievsky, Shlita.  Rashi teaches that Yaakov Avinu went to
study in the Yeshiva of Shem and Ever for 14 years prior to traveling to
Lavan in Charan.  What could he have studied there--after all did not
Avraham Avinu come to the Torah on his own without being taught by any
of his ancestors?  Indeed, the Torah teaches "Because *Avraham*
...observed My safeguards, My commandments, My decrees, and my
teachings" (Bereishis 26:5).  The Pasuk seems to indicate that it was
Avraham Avinu--and no one else--who observed the Torah.  So, once again,
what was being taught in the Yeshiva of Shem and Ever?  We might think
that the Seven Mitzvos of Bnei Noach were being taught there in
tremendous depth.  HaRav Kanievsky, Shlita, however, rejects this
approach.  Instead, he simply and succinctly states that "they studied
Yiras Shamayim."  What an extraordinary teaching!  Yaakov Avinu, the
"Bechir ShebeAvos--Chosen of the Fathers", the last forefather, from
whom came all of the Shevatim--and after whom we are all named as the
"Bnei Yisroel"--studied fourteen years of Yiras Shamayim--the fear of
Heaven--before going to meet the challenges of the world outside him!
We can now well understand why the Mishna Berura (Shulchan Aruch, Orach
Chaim 603, seif katan 2) brings from both the Arizal and the Gra that
one should study a Mussar text every day.  It is certainly an auspicious
time--and Parsha--to rededicate or reenergize ourselves in the daily
study of a classic Mussar work!

--------------------------
Hakhel MIS
--------------------------
THIS MESSAGE IS INTENDED ONLY FOR THE USE OF THE 
ADDRESSEE.  IT MAY CONTAIN PRIVILEGED OR CONFIDENTIAL 
INFORMATION THAT IS EXEMPT FROM DISCLOSURE.  Dissemination, 
distribution or copying of this message by anyone other than the addressee is 
strictly prohibited.  If you received this message in error, please notify us 
immediately by replying: "Received in error" and delete the message.  
Thank you.