Ya'akov's Reaction
Yaakov's immediate reaction to this "hitgalut" is his realization of the unique, sacred quality of this site (see 28:16). He thus declares that:
"This [site] is none other than a Bet Elokim [a house of God], and this is the gate of heaven." (see 28:17)[The deeper meaning of this realization is also discussed in Part II.]
It is specifically because of this realization that Yaakov, upon awakening from his vision of God's promise, makes a promise [a "neder"]. If this site is indeed a 'gate of heaven,' then upon his return he is determined to make it a Bet Elokim!
In fact, every action that Yaakov takes at this point relates to his sudden awareness of the unique, spiritual quality of the spot where he slept. Immediately upon awakening, he sets a 'marker' to remind him later of the precise location of this site:
"Yaakov woke up early in the morning and took the stone that was under his head and set it up as a 'matzeyvah' (monument); he then poured oil on it." (28:18-19)[At the end of his vow, Yaakov promises that this stone will become the cornerstone of a Bet Elokim. He therefore pours oil onto it as a type of dedication ceremony (similar to "chanukat ha'Mishkan" in Bamidbar 7:1).]
Yaakov then makes a "neder," promising (upon his return) to establish a Bet Elokim at this very site (see 28:22). However, before making this promise, Yaakov first establishes some 'conditions' that must be met for his neder to take effect ["If God will be with me..." (see 28:20)].
Why does Yaakov make his promise conditional?
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