QUESTION
We are told that the Avos kept the Torah. The Ramban says, they only kept it in Israel, therefore you find that Yaakov was only married to two sisters outside Israel, because Rochel died before they entered Israel. What does this mean, what would Yaakov have done if Rochel had not died then?

ANSWER
Rav Yaakov Kaminetsky answers, they only kept the Torah voluntarily. They were not obliged to do so. However Yaakov had given his word to marry Rochel and had also become married to Leah. The obligation to keep his word, would have overridden any other practices he had taken apon himself, such as keeping the laws of marriage we have in the Torah. Therefore he would have remained married to them in Israel too. However Hashem ordained that he would not need to break the practices he had taken apon himself, and Rochel died outside Israel. .

SOURCES; Sefer Tetein Emes Leyaakov..

QUESTION
Which episode in this week’s Sedra is referred to in a song we sing on Seder night?

ANSWER
The episode of Hashem appearing to Lovon in a dream, and telling him not to do anything to Yaakov. In the song “Vayehei Bachatzi Halaylo” in the words “Hifchadeto Arami Bemesh Laylo.

SOURCES; The Hagodoh...
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Have a wonderful Shabbos
Jacob Rubinstein (Rabbi)