Parashat Vayetzei, meaning “He Went Out” (Genesis 28:10–32:3) opens with Ya’acov’s dream as he journeys from Beersheba to Haran. In this dream, Ya’acov sees a ladder reaching up to heaven with angels ascending and descending on it. The L-rd speaks to Ya’acov, reaffirming the covenant made with Avraham and Yitzchak, promising to give him and his descendants the land he is lying on. G-d assures Ya’acov that He will be with him, protect him wherever he goes, and bring him back to this land, pledging not to leave Ya’acov until His promises are fulfilled (Genesis 28:10–15).

Awestruck upon waking, Ya’acov realizes the significance of the place, calling it Bethel, meaning “house of G-d,” and referring to it as the “gate of heaven.” Moved by this encounter, Ya’acov dedicates a tenth of all he has to G-d, vowing to serve Him if G-d provides for his needs and returns him safely to his father’s household (Genesis 28:16–22).

Later in the parasha, Ya’acov meets Rachel at a well and falls in love with her. He agrees to work seven years for her father, Laban, to marry her. However, Laban deceives Ya’acov by substituting Rachel’s sister, Leah, as the bride. Despite this betrayal, Ya’acov agrees to work an additional seven years to marry Rachel, whom he deeply loves (Genesis 29:18–28).

The portion also recounts the births of eleven of Ya’acov’s twelve sons. Despite the challenges of working for Laban, G-d blesses Ya’acov, and he prospers, with his flocks and wealth growing steadily (Genesis 29:31–30:24).

Finally, Ya’acov decides to leave Laban’s household and return to Canaan. Though Laban’s greed nearly deprived Ya’acov of his wealth, Ya’acov acknowledges that G-d’s protection prevented Laban from sending him away empty-handed. Ya’acov sets out with his family and possessions, beginning his journey back to the land of his fathers (Genesis 31:1–21).