For Further Iyun
A. Note the emphasis and repetition of the word "ha'Makom" in this Parsha - 28:11,16,17,19. Note the use of the term also in Parshat Lech Lcha, 13:14, at the Akeyda 22:4, and in Sefer Dvarim 12:5,11,14,18.

1. Try to explain the significance of this word specifically in the context of these parshiot.
2. Use this to explain Chazal's identification of this spot as the site of the Akeyda on Har Ha'Moriah, and eventually the site of the Bet HaMikdash in Yerushalayim.
3. Read Ramban on 28:17 (including Rashi whom he quotes). Relate this Ramban and his machloket with Rashi to the above shiur.

B. Read Rashi on Breishit 2:7, and note the two explanations he cites from the Midrash on that pasuk - "vayitzer Hashem Elokim et ha'adam afar min hadama":

a) "afar" from the four corners of the earth
b) "afar" from Har Ha'Moriah

C. See if you can connect the last section of this shiur to two other well-known Midrashim:

1. Opposite "Yerushalayim shel matah" exists a "Yerushalayim shel maaleh" (Taanit 5a). [Relate this to the concept of "shaar ha'shamayim."]
2. Yerushalayim is known in the Midrash Tanchuma as "taburo (navel) shel olam" - the umbilicus of the world. [Relate this to the concept of Bet Elokim and the 'four directions.']

D. Several related questions to think about which relate to next week's Parsha, as well:

1. Does Yaakov actually fulfill this "neder" when he returns?
2. Is this "neder" fulfilled by Am Yisrael? If so, when?
3. Relate Yaakov's "galut" and his "neder" to the principle of "maase avot siman l'banim" and Jewish history.