November 28, 2025
A PEEK AT THE PARSHA
In this week’s parsha, Vayetzei, we read about Yaakov’s journey and many important events in his life. Yaakov left his home in Be’er Sheva because he was afraid of his brother Esav. He traveled to his uncle Lavan’s house in Charan. On the way, he stopped to rest for the night and had an amazing dream. In the dream, he saw a ladder reaching from the earth to the sky, with angels going up and down. Hashem appeared and promised Yaakov that He would be with him, protect him, and give him many descendants. When Yaakov woke up, he realized this place was holy and called it “Bet El,” which means “House of God.”
ONE BIG IDEA
In Parshat Vayetzei, Yaakov leaves home and travels to his uncle Lavan’s house. On the way, he has a dream about a ladder reaching to heaven, with angels going up and down. Hashem promises to protect him and give him many children. Yaakov works very hard for Lavan so he can marry Rachel, and even when Lavan tricks him by giving him Leah first, Yaakov stays patient and honest. This teaches us that no matter what challenges we face, we should trust Hashem, work hard, and do what is right. Hashem always rewards honesty and effort.
Parshat Vayetzei
When Yaakov arrived at Lavan’s house, he met Rachel, Lavan’s daughter, and immediately fell in love with her. Yaakov agreed to work for seven years in order to marry Rachel. The seven years seemed very long to him because he loved her so much! But on the wedding day, Lavan tricked Yaakov and gave him Leah, Rachel’s older sister, instead. Yaakov was upset, but Lavan agreed to give him Rachel as well if Yaakov worked for another seven years.
Yaakov married both Leah and Rachel, and he had children with them and also with their maidservants, Bilhah and Zilpah. Each of these women became mothers of Yaakov’s twelve sons, who later became the twelve tribes of Israel. While living with Lavan, Yaakov worked very hard, and Hashem blessed him with great wealth in sheep, goats, and other animals.
Parshat Vayetzei teaches us many lessons. We learn to trust in Hashem, even when we are far from home. We see the importance of working hard and being honest. And we also learn about the power of love, family, and faith. Yaakov’s life shows us that if we have faith and put in effort, Hashem will always guide and protect us.
CHECKLIST
To be filled out after shabbat and brought to school.
I called ________________________ to wish them a “Shabbat Shalom”
I went to ________________ shul (synagogue)
I did the Shabbat mitzvah of_______________
________ Hadlakat Nerot/Kiddush/Hamotzi/ Birkat Hamazon
I sang zemirot/songs
I wore __________________ in honor of Shabbat
To prepare my home for shabbat, I ____________________________set the table/ cleaned my room/took a shower/took a bath
Full Name: ______________________________
Class: __________________________________
Parent Signature: _________________________
UPCOMING EVENTS & BIRTHDAYS
Upcoming Events
11/27-28 Thanksgiving No School
12/10-12/11 2nd Grade
Chagitat Hachumash
Happy Birthday to:
12/1 Tristan Talel (1)
12/2 Jason Mogyoros (3)
12/3 Jolie Ebrihimzadeh (3)
12/4 Lyla Kashanian (3)
12/4 Leon Forti (4)