1)

What is the significance of the fact that the trouble began with Lavan's sons?

1.

Oznayim la'Torah: Nothing has changed, just like then, so too now 1 - It always begins with the youth, the students, who start with the demonstrations, claiming that we took everything that belonged to their parents, completely forgetting that it is often thanks to our hard work that they got to where they are in the first place, and it is not long before the older generation joins forces with them - no matter how little they had before we came along and, with the blessing of Hashem, improved the standard of living, and, how, not long before they had themselves admitted that it was we who brought prosperity to their land.


1

'Ma'aseh Avos Siman le'Banim.'

2)

What is "Kol ha'Kavod ha'Zeh"?

1.

It is property (Targum Onkelos) or a vast amount of money (Rashbam). 1

2.

Oznayim la'Torah: "Lakach Yaakov Es Kol Asher l'Avinu" refers to the sheep and goats with which Yaakov set out; "u'me'Asher l'Avinu Asah Es Kol ha'Kavod ha'Zeh" refers to the property that he acquired with the proceeds of those that he sold.


1

Divrei Eliyahu: Bereishis Rabah (73:12) supports this from Nachum 2:10. But Avos 6:3 says that Kavod is only Torah! The only two places where Kavod is spelled Chaser are here and in Nachum. It is fake honor. When the money goes away, also the honor does.

3)

Why does the Torah refer to wealth as "Kavod" (honor)?

1.

Maharal (Nesivos Olam, Nesiv ha'Nedivus Ch. 1, p. 243): If a wealthy man hoards his wealth [rather than using it], he is essentially no different than the pauper. The distinction of a wealthy man becomes apparent when he uses his wealth and grants it to others; this is the "honor."

4)

What were Bnei Lavan's gripes against Yaakov?

1.

Malbim: (a) It is as if he stole - he does not deserve wages! 1 (b) He took everything, and did not leave anything for Lavan. (c) He took also animals he was not entitled to, e.g. they are not spotted and blotched, and sold them. (d) From the sale of what he was not entitled to, he acquired all these slaves.

2.

Ha'amek Davar: (a) He caused the birth of spotted and blotched animals through trickery (the sticks) - this is like theft! (b) He acquired slaves, cattle and donkeys through selling his animals - he neglected guarding the flock at the time he was selling!


1

This is difficult. The Malbim says that another gripe was that he takes animals that are not spotted and blotched (but he deserves what is spotted and blotched)! Perhaps Lavan told his sons 'Yaakov keeps changing the conditions after the animals are born, but I fear to protest, lest he mistreat my daughters.' (PF)

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