Summary of The Haftorah:
Haftorah Vayeitzei
The Haftorah for Parshas Vayeitzei is from Hosea 12:13-14:10. Following the
death of Shlomo Hamelech, the kingdom was divided between his son Rechavam,
and Yiravam ben Nivat from the tribe of Ephrayim. Yiravam was a man of
extraordinary potential who had it within his power to join with Rechavam,
unite the two kingdoms, and bring Mashiach. Instead, he enacted legislature
that earned him the title Chotay U'machate - one who sins and causes others
to sin. This is why he Talmud relished him among those individuals who have
lost their portion in Olam Habaah - the World To Come. His greatest sin was
erecting two golden calves, one in the north of Israel and one in the south
of Israel, where the people were encouraged to serve the idols rather than go
to the Bais Hamikdash. The prophet cried out against this terrible defection
from Hashem and prophesied the destruction and exile of the 10 Tribes that
followed Yiravam and the tribe of Ephrayim.
The relationship to our Parsha is obvious from the first Pasuk (verse) of the
Haftorah that describes Yakov's journey to Aram in search of a wife. However,
the connection is much more profound. As free willed creations, our decisions
force Hashem to adjust events so that destiny is best accomplished. The end
result will always be as Hashem intended, but the events leading to that
moment can be more circuitous and convoluted than necessary. In the case of
Yakov vs. Eisav and Yiravam vs. Rechavam, the actions of men forced Hashem to
make accommodations. In each instance, a partnership could have been forged
that would have strengthened the leadership of the nation and ushered in the
Messianic era. Instead, Eisav and Yiravam refused to serve Hashem and
distanced themselves and their generation from redemption.
The last Pasuk states clearly that there are many ways for destiny to be
accomplished. Man's way, devoid of G-d, leads to pain, sorrow, and
destruction. Hashem's way, which is righteous, proper, wise , and direct,
leads to healing, love, and prosperity. The ways of Hashem are pleasant,
loving, caring, and respectful. Imagine how different history would have
been, and how wonderful the future should be!
