God’s Camp (Vayeitzei 12/07/24)

God’s Camp

One of the magical things about Judaism is that teachings stated five hundred, one thousand, even more than two thousand years ago, still ring true today.

At the end of our parsha, Jacob concludes his twenty-year sojourn with his uncle, Laban, in the fertile crescent area. Although he arrived as an empty-handed bachelor, Jacob leaves with four wives, twelve children, livestock, and servants. As he approaches the land of Canaan, the land promised to him, a troupe of angels greets him.

וְיַעֲקֹ֖ב הָלַ֣ךְ לְדַרְכּ֑וֹ וַיִּפְגְּעוּ־ב֖וֹ מַלְאֲכֵ֥י אֱלֹהִֽים׃

Jacob went on his way, and he encountered Angels of G-d.

וַיֹּ֤אמֶר יַעֲקֹב֙ כַּאֲשֶׁ֣ר רָאָ֔ם מַחֲנֵ֥ה אֱלֹהִ֖ים זֶ֑ה וַיִּקְרָ֛א שֵֽׁם־הַמָּק֥וֹם הַה֖וּא מַֽחֲנָֽיִם׃

When he saw them, Jacob said, “This is God’s camp.” So, he named that place Mahanaim (camps).

Being greeted by angels on his return is an exceptional kindness. Jacob still has many concerns about his future. However, knowing that he is surrounded and protected by angels, Jacob can confidently propel his family forward.

This story, though, leaves us with a question: Why did Jacob name the place “Mahanaim”-camps? Why would he call the place camps if he only saw one camp of Angels?

The Ramban, a thirteenth-century Sefardic commentator, gives us a beautiful explanation:

“It may be that “Mahanaim” refers both to Jacob’s own camp and also the camp of the Angels, that is to say, that Jacob’s camp on earth is as the camp of the angels: both of them being camps of God, blessing and recognizing God’s unity.”

Jacob was making a powerful statement. Indeed, the angelic camp is God’s camp. Yet, my children, my family are also God’s camp!

And we are the continuity of that family. More than three thousand years later, we, Jews in Plainview, across the diaspora, and in Israel, continue to be God’s camp.

We’re less than ½ of 1% of the world’s population. Nobody should know from us. Yet we are leaders in nearly every industry and field. To this day, God’s blessing to Abraham remains strong with us:

“I will make you a great nation,

And I will bless you;

I will make your name great,

And you shall be a blessing.

I will bless those who bless you

And curse the one who curses you;

And all the families of the earth

Shall bless themselves by you.”

We saw our holiness and unity on display numerous times recently. At Omer Neutra’s funeral and shiva, thousands of people came to mourn and express their pain and condolences. The Neutras’ dashed hopes and loss were ours as well.

On Sunday, more than five hundred people gathered in the Mid-Island Y to show solidarity with the remaining hostages and rally for their return. We won’t give up until they all come home. Giving up is not in our blood.

Jacob taught his children that they are no ordinary family; they are God’s camp. We continue to carry this torch, preserving our faith and unity and standing as a testament to the enduring power of our heritage.