יעקב, known as יעקב אבינו (our Forefather Jacob) and also called Yisroel (also called Yeshurun[1] and referred to by Chazal as the choicest of the Patriarchs[2]), is the third of the Three Patriarchs. He was the son of Yitzchok and Rivka, grandson of Avraham and Sarah, and great-grandson of Terach. As the twin brother of Esav and father of the Twelve Tribes of Israel, יעקב is the patriarch after whom the Jewish People are named. In Kabbalah, יעקב is associated with the Sefirah of תפארת.
This entry is severely incomplete.
Definition
Man of Perfection
The quality of תם (perfect/simple) is identified with יעקב, as the verse states, "ויעקב איש תם" (And Jacob was a perfect man). This describes him as a "גבר שלים" (a complete man) who harmoniously combines and connects the divine attributes of חסד (kindness) and גבורה (severity).[3] This profound concept is reflected in the מצוה of ציצית, which similarly involves the unification of opposites—specifically the תכלת (blue wool) and לבן (white linen). The fulfillment of this מצוה connects a person to the spiritual ideal of being "bound to יעקב, for a דור תם (a perfect generation)."[4]
עפר יעקב
The Torah is referred to as עפר יעקב (the dust of Jacob). This designation reflects the Torah's nature as a complete and ultimate unity, comparable to a single clump of earth (גוש אחד) that exists without any inherent division or numerical limitation. This corresponds to the exalted spiritual level of ז"א דאצילות.[5]
References
- ↑ As stated in the recitation of the Korbanos of Shacharis: "And from Your love for him and Your joy with which You rejoiced in him, You called his name Yisroel and Yeshurun."
- ↑ Midrash Rabbah, Parshas Vayishlach 76:1.
- ↑ Ohr Hatorah, Bamidbar, Vol. 2, p. תקסב
- ↑ Ohr Hatorah, Bamidbar, Vol. 2, p. תקסב-תקסג
- ↑ Likkutei Torah, p. ע,א