Maghen Abraham - Thoughts From Mayer Sasson

"And Yakov went…and angels of G-d met him and were impressed by him." (32,2)

 Why such a reception?

 As Yakov entered the Land of Israel he was encountered by two camps of angels. One group was coming to take leave of him – these were the angels from outside of Israel who had accompanied him until now. The second camp that came to meet him was the angels of the Land of Israel who would now stay with him. The angels sang and danced before him on his return to the Land of Israel.

Why did Yakov deserve such a grand reception? Yakov had spent twenty years in the house of Lavan who was at the source of all powers of impurity and darkness at that time. In spite of the prevailing atmosphere of impurity Yakov had fully overcome his Evil Inclination, even in Lavan's house. When he returned, he was the same righteous man as when he had left - spiritually perfect.

 Yakov later testified about himself, "I dwelt with Lavan but I still upheld all six hundred and thirteen mitzvahs.!"

For this extraordinary achievement Yakov surely merited the honor of being met by two camps of angels.

 SHABBAT SHALOM!!!