How Awesome Is This Place! Where Was It That Jacob Became Awestruck?

Although the Torah makes it clear that Jacob's vision takes place in Bet El/Luz, Rashi - based on midrashim - suggests various ways to place the vision in Jerusalem. In this class we discuss the textual challenges that encourage the midrashim to break with the simple reading of the text and analyze the recurring use of the expression "HaMakom" - The Place - in Jacob's story. The analysis is largely based on understanding "the Place that God will choose" as the location where many commandments are to be performed, as taught in Sefer Devarim. Ultimately we will examine the need that human beings have to commune with God in a specific place, and whether we can conceive of God being limited in such a way.

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