Yakov’s Dream

Many commentators equate Yakov’s dream of the ladder, with the ברית בין הבתרים, the covenant Hashem made with Avraham, when he was put into a deep sleep.

Aside from Yakov Avinu seeing the angels ascending and descending, he was shown other prophetic ideas. He was able to see that the Beit Hamikdash would one day be built on that spot.

It was revealed to him that his descendants would one day be faced with a long and bitter exile. But he was promised that none of the enemies of the Jewish people would be successful in trying to destroy us.

He woke up from the dream and expressed how awesome that particular spot was. He recognized that this location was the House of G-d, and this was the gateway to Heaven.

He realized that the secret of survival of his children, was fear of Hashem, prayer, and diligence in the study of Torah.

If Jews possessed these traits, we would be invincible. The Torah needed to be observed with Yirat Shamayim, fear of Heaven. Without this, the Torah is meaningless. Everything depends on our level of fear of Heaven. We understand who we are and we are able to acquire the correct priorities.

Yakov’s dream gave him a clear understanding as to how he needed to educate his future children. He was shown what the priorities of what every Jew must be. As a result of the dream, he was better equipped to lead his family on the right path as they fulfilled their sacred mission in this world.