Parsha Vayetze
Finding purpose in life (Genesis 28 - 32)
How do I fulfill my soul’s mission in this life? Am I on the right track? How do I know?
This week’s Torah reading provides us with an archetypal road map to help us navigate life’s most pressing question. Am I fulfilling my destiny?
The Jewish sages teach us that each soul descends from the spiritual realm into the physical. Upon its departure, it is given the strength to succeed in the form of an oath administered by the Heavenly Court, enjoining it to act righteously. [Nidah 30b] Its primary purpose is to elevate physical reality by using it for Godly ends, thereby revealing the Divinity hidden within all physical reality. Thus, the soul’s task is to show the inherent unity of all things by consecrating them to their Godly purpose.
To accomplish this task, we must first “go out,” which is implied in the name of the Parsha, “Vayetz,” meaning “he went out.” For Jacob to begin his own chapter, he had to leave the spiritual and material comforts of home and face the challenges of a hostile world. The ensuing struggle matures and strengthens him, awakening his inner strength and developing him to become the Patriarch that sets the chosen people on their course through history.
As with Jacob, we, too, must accept the challenge of maturity by “going out” and making our unique contribution toward bringing the world to its ultimate fulfillment of God’s plan. Only when we face the world can we awaken our latent powers and utilize our God-given abilities, talents, and gifts to their fullest advantage.
I suggest that there are seven steps by which we can evaluate if we are on the right derech (way or path).
Am I moving towards maturity? Spiritually, mentally, and physically.
Have I “set out (vayeitzei)?” In other words, am I out in the world participating in the struggle of life with faith and perseverance.
Am I making a distinctive contribution to the world?
Am I using my unique and God given talents? We have special gifts. The best way to figure out what those gifts are is to focus on what we enjoy. We will find our sweet spot here.
Rely on the power of God. God requires us to “set out,” in faith. He’s looking for our active participation. At the same time, He promises to strengthen us and empower us in the moment we need Him.
Make space for Holiness. The beauty of following the commandments of God is that each time we perform one, whether it be a blessing after meals, sabbath participation, or the weightier matters of Torah like justice, mercy, and humility, we transform the mundane into the holy and create space for God on earth.
Elevate reality. By transforming the mundane into the holy, we move one step closer to lifting the veil of concealment and ushering in the true reality, fragment by fragment, of the presence of God.
Each of us has the opportunity to fulfill our purpose. The question is not one of opportunity, it’s one of effort. May God bless you as your pursue yours.
[Source for the ideas: The Kehot Chumash, published by Chabad, Parshat Vayeitzei]