On his journey to Charan, Yaakov (Jacob) sleeps and dreams of a ladder connecting heaven and earth, with angels climbing and descending it. In the dream, G-d promises Yaakov the land upon which he is sleeping. When he woke up, Yaakov “lifted his feet” and went on his way (29:1). Why does the Torah use such unnatural wording to narrate the continuation of Yaakov’s journey?
Rashi quotes the Midrash that hearing the good news of G-d’s protection uplifted Yaakov’s mood and added a pep in his step. The Lekach Tov further explains that before his dream, Yaakov presumed that his journey was derailed due to his circumstances of having to run away from his brother’s fury. His dream confirmed that the totality of his experiences is, in truth, part of his adventure and the grand plan. The dream taught Yaakov and us an important lesson: Where we are is where we’re meant to be, so seize the present, lift our feet, and move forward.
