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At the beginning of this week’s Parashah, before Yaakov goes on his journey, he makes a vow to give ten percent of his wealth and establishes a monument: “VeHa’Even HaZot Asher Samti Matzeivah Yiheyeh Beit Elokim Vechol Asher Titain Li Aseir A’asrenu Lach,” “And this stone, which I have set up as a pillar, shall be God’s abode; and of all that You give me, I will set aside a tithe for You” (BeReishit 28:22). But why would Yaakov do this? 

As the Jewish nation, we know we’re blessed by HaKadosh Baruch Hu, but we also understand that we are going to have to face challenges. Even through those challenges, we always have to remember that Hashem will take care of us. Yaakov made a vow that he will give ten percent of his earnings if Hashem protects Him. So too, all of Am Yisrael has an obligation to give ten percent of their earnings to Tzedakah. Oftentimes one might donate for someone to have a Refuah Shelaimah, in memory of family members that have passed away, or during difficult times. 

Our enemies will always try to attack us and bring us down. For example, when Elifaz took all of Yaakov’s money, after being commanded by Eisav to kill Yaakov, he was considered to be dead, since he had nothing. Despite this trial resulting in Yaakov being left with nothing, he stayed strong and had full Emunah that Hashem would take care of him, combined with his Hishtadlut. Yaakov had twelve children, unlike the other Avot who each had two, and is responsible in large part for building and growing the nation.

 In each generation there will always be struggles for Am Yisrael, but we must do our best, and only then will Hashem will do his Hishdalut. Even in these difficult times in Eretz Yisrael, with continued and full Hishtadlut, Be’Ezrat Hashem, we will come out victorious, and be Zoche to see Mashiach BeMeheirah BeYamainu.