December 5, 2024 / Kislev 4, 5785 • Parshat Vayeitzei
Issue 849
Dedicated in loving memory of Mrs. Miriam Friedman

Jacob continued on his way, and angels of G-d went out to greet him. 

Gen. 32:2


When Jacob had left the Land of Israel 20 years earlier, “Diaspora” angels had escorted him to Laban’s home. When he returned to the Land of Israel, angels from the Land of Israel went forth to escort him home.

Like Jacob, the Jewish people were exiled from their homeland in order to fulfill a mission: to refine the world, preparing it for the Messianic Redemption. When G-d sent us into exile, He granted us the spiritual power (angels) to succeed in this mission. In these final days of exile, we now enjoy the added assistance of angels who have gone forth from the Land of Israel in order to escort us back.

Knowing that G-d has provided us with both types of angels affords us a heightened appreciation of the significance of our Divine mission, as well as the strength of purpose to remain focused upon its completion.

--Daily Wisdom Volume 3