Three personalities, three Galus perspectives: 1) Yaakov, he was not in the Galus at all. 2) The Shvatim, they are a part of the Galus and only survive it by being in (relative) isolation, as Shepherds. 3) Yosef, he is in the Galus and very much at it’s epicenter, but it makes no difference on…

Ya’akov wanted Shalva (serenity) but to get it he had to go through much more hardship, but in the end he got what he wanted.

The particulars of Yosef’s two dreams (the bundles and the stars) teach us things about serving Hashem and Golus. 1) We go in order from lower to higher (even in Golus), 2) Work, nothing real is free, 3) We gather many into one, 4) We must listen and bow to Yosef (the Nassi) or we…

Potifar’s wife seduction, The wife of Potifar sees that she must contribute to the future of Yosef and believes that God may work even in strange ways. Yosef’s perspective the ends don’t justify the means one must follow the law to the letter.

Dina’s leaving home ended in disaster, but that does not mean that what she intended on doing was wrong. She was social like her mother and that was very good, it allowed the two of them to influence others to be better people.

Supplement, a Maamar from the Alter Rebbe about our Galus Edom (Aisav) lasting so long! Overt and covert enemies. Aisav, an outright evil is dealt with, while the devious Lavan took twenty years to subdue. In our Galus it is Aisav that is so devious and difficult to subdue.

The return of Yaakov to Eretz Yisroel found him whole not only according to the promises Hashem gave him, but that he didn’t even suffer (in a lasting way) for the Avoda sacrifices he needed to make in Golus.

Malachim before, Malachim after; When Yaakov leaves Eretz Yisroel, the local angels cannot lead him into Chutz La’aretz and new Malachim appear, while on his return, the Eretz Yisroel angels come out to greet. The reason: in the beginning they are empowering him and at the end they are honoring him.

Ya’akov is involved with many things, but before all, above all and even after all, his primary involvement is with sheep. This teaches two lessons: 1) Bittul: it must be before, in, and after all, 2) Bittul alone is not enough, you must also use your positive strengths.

Ya’akov makes two conditions with Hashem and then two promises. This Sicha shows that the requests were for help at serving Hashem to set up the fulfillment of the two promises. Aliyas HaNeshama and Dira BiTachtonim.