In Parashat VaYeitzei, Yaakov Avinu, on his path to Charan in an escape from his raging brother, finds himself at the site of one of the most famous dreams in Tanach. He falls asleep on the ground and receives the mysterious vision in which a ladder extends to the heavens with angels going up and down it: “VaYachalom VeHinei Sulam Mutzav Artzah VeRosho Magia HaShamaimah VeHinei Malachi Elokim Olim VeYoredim Bo” (BeReishit 28:12). But what does this mean, and what is its relevance today?
One explanation of Yaakov Avinu’s dream comes from the great Spanish commentator, Ibn Ezra. He explains that there is always a link between heaven and earth, and Hashem always has a complete knowledge and connection to what is going on in the world. The angels going up this link tell Hashem their findings on Earth and the ones going down perform their jobs as instructed by Hashem, or, in other words, “Ki Kol Devar Lo Yechached Min Hashem,” “nothing is hidden from Hashem” (Ibn Ezra, ibid. s.v. sulam).
Ya’akov is seemingly all alone. He is running for his life from Eisav and could easily lose his integrity. But that is not what a Tzaddik does, and perhaps he knew that already, or perhaps Hashem wanted to remind him. Maybe that is the reason the first thing Ya’akov says when he awakes is “Achein Yeish Hashem BaMakom HaZeh VeAnochi Lo Yadati,” “Indeed Hashem is here and I was unaware” (BeReishit 28:16). And so Ya’akov takes action. He declares that this place is the house of Hashem and gate to heaven. He promises that if Hashem protects him, he will give back a portion of what Hashem gives him. Yaakov Avinu then proceeds to become what the Midrash calls the choicest of the forefathers (BeReishit Rabbah 76:1).
In fact, this theme is continued in the Haftarah for Parashat VaYeitzei (Hoshea 12:13-14:10). The prophet Hoshea rebukes Israel for sinning and turning to idolatry, forgetting who their real God always is: “VeAtah Yosifu LaChato VaYaasu Lahem Masechah MiKaspam Kitevunam Atzabim Maaseih Charashim Kuloh Lahem Heim Omerim Zovechei Adam Agalim Yishakun… Va’Anochi Hashem Elockecha Mei’Eretz Mitzrayim VeiElokim Zulati Lo Teida UMoshia Ayin Bilti,” ” “And now they go on sinning; They have made them molten images, Idols, by their skill, from their silver, Wholly the work of craftsmen. Yet for these they appoint men to sacrifice; They are wont to kiss calves!...Only I the LORD have been your God Ever since the land of Egypt; You have never known a [true] God but Me, You have never had a helper other than Me” (Hoshea 13:2, 13:4, JPS translation). The Israelites succumbed to their desires and pursued Avodah Zara, thinking that Hashem is no longer watching them. Hoshea had reminded them that Hashem is their only God, that they must overcome their desires and realize that “Ki Kol Devar Lo Yechached Min Hashem.”
We are frequently taught to watch our actions even if they will go unnoticed amongst others because even when we think no one is watching, “Ki Kol Devar Lo YeChached Min Hashem.” This was always something we had in mind, but how much more significant is it in today’s climate? With the coronavirus pandemic upon us, we cannot always be in public. Sometimes we have to be in quarantine or attend school in the privacy of our homes. However, we must remember that while “privacy” may mean privacy from other people, it never means privacy from Hashem. Yes, many may be challenged by being away from friends, but we must still recognize that we are Jews no matter what, and we must act accordingly. Whether it’s Tefilla, listening to a Shiur, or simply respecting teachers and classmates by listening and being engaged in class, we have to show Hashem that we are still with Him, even when only He is around, and remember who is on the other side of the ladder.