It is quite interesting to analyze the Torah’s description of Yaakov Avinu. In parshas Toldos, Yaakov is described as an “ish tam yoshev ohalim” – “a simple man, a dweller of tents.” We see from here that Yaakov had a tremendous love for limud haTorah – Torah study – so much so that the Midrash states that he spent fourteen years learning in Yeshivas Shem v’Eiver. The question that can be raised is why the Torah deems it so important to emphasize the fact that Yaakov valued limud haTorah so much.
We do know that Yaakov Avinu serves a role as av b’galus, a leader in exile, as he spent a significant amount of time dwelling in Mitzrayim. In the darkness and depression of galus, one cannot survive without the constant study of Torah. The mida of chesed alone – for which Avraham Avinu was so renowned – would not suffice. This can be borne out very clearly by observing the United States. Despite the fact that there are many philanthropic institutions and the like, they do not preserve our Jewish identity and we watch the rate of assimilation climb with each passing day.
Similarly, the mida of t’fila, for which Yitzchak was so renowned would not be sufficient in galus. Again, by observing modern times, this can be proven to be a factual truth. The flourishing Reform and Conservative movements place a great deal of emphasis on prayer and yet are sadly lacking in their religious observance. Only Torah then is capable of preserving the Jewish people in galus.
The question to be asked is why only Torah is capable of accomplishing this feat. The Torah is intent upon placing emphasis on the past, the present and the future. We always are reminded of past events and warned about what will happen in the future if we do not adhere to the dictates of the Torah. Those who do not live their lives through the Torah, however, live only for the present. Thus, an exile can very easily destroy their world, and this has proven to be the case time and time again. However, a person who lives his life with an eye toward the future can always cling to a belief in the impermanent nature of galus.
The importance of synthesizing events of the past present and future to help us keep a proper perspective while in galus is reflected in the “ha lachma anya” at the beginning of the Hagada. “Ha lachma anya di achalu avhasana” – “This is the bread of affliction that our fathers ate” – reflects a view of the past while “kol dichfin yeisei v’yeichol” – “Whoever is hungry come and eat” – places the stress on the present. Finally, we conclude with a hope for the future: though we are now slaves (“hashta avda”) next year we will be free (“l’shana haba’a b’nei chorin”). We are confronted by the knowledge that the present exile is merely a temporary phenomenon which will soon pass.
Another important aspect of Torah is that it teaches us about the importance of hashgacha pratis, divine providence, a phenomenon by which Yaakov lived his entire life. In parshas Vayeitzei (25:20), Yaakov swears: “If Hashem will be with me and guard me in this path and give me bread to eat and clothing to wear, and I will return to my father’s house in peace, and Hashem will be my God.” We see that Yaakov’s life was one that was dependent upon the intervention of divine providence. This can be clearly reflected in his dealing with Lavan and Eisav, who would have killed Yaakov if not for the intervention of the hashgacha pratis. Similarly, Yaakov would have never been able to endure his arduous journeys and flights without the help of Hashem. Undoubtedly, Yaakov’s limud haTorah provided him with the knowledge that everything is dependant upon the will of Hashem; no other source reflects hashgacha pratis more than the Torah.
How can we apply this lesson to our daily lives? The Jewish people have clearly received a special hashgacha. But we must constantly be aware that it is only because of limud haTorah that we have merited this hashgacha. The midrashic interpretation of Yaakov’s words to Eisav’s messenger, “Im Lavan garti,” – “I lived with Lavan” – is that “I kept the 613 mitzvos.” Yaakov is stating that the observance of the mitzvos is what preserved him in exile. A synthesis of past, present and future events, aided by limud haTorah will allow us to remain optimistic in galus. We must always remain cognizant of the fact that our future is meaningless without limud haTorah. In merit of limud haTorah may we be zoche to see the coming of Mashiach speedily in our days.