Why didn't Yaakov Avinu make Lavan frum - A Moment with Rabbi Avigdor Miller Zt"l #836

Why didn't Yaakov Avinu try to make Lavan frum?

And the answer is, he certainly did. And the best way of doing it was by behaving to Lavan with kindliness, and that's what he did.

I am certain that Lavan gained a great deal from associating with Yaakov Avinu. No question in my mind. Only, he had much more to go. He didn't learn enough from him, and he opposed him.

And therefore, Lavan misused the opportunity, and he became worse and worse. But Yaakov, because he utilized Lavan to become better and better, he was the winner in the contest.

The following Dvar Torah is taken from "The Beginning"

ויגר אברהם בארץ פלשתים ימים רבים
(וירא כא:לד)

AND HE SOJOURNED IN THE LAND OF PLISHTIM MANY DAYS.
(Vayeira 21:34)

This is a continuation of the previous words.

Abraham utilized the Eshel for a long period of time. In this grove of trees which he planted he summoned men to gather, and he spoke of Hashem and proclaimed Him as the ... G-d (E-L) of the world": the word E-L denotes "power".

Abraham taught that all the Universe is a manifestation of the Energy of the Creator. Matter and motion, chemical elements and all their processes, are forms of the Power (or Energy) of the Creator. In the auspicious environment of a garden of fruit trees and pleasant greenwood, Abraham pointed out to his listeners the plan and purpose which were evident everywhere in the world; and he revealed to them the benefits which the Creator bestows in endless bounty. (See above 12:8).

In this Garden of Delight, Yitzchak grew very great as he listened to his father. But Hashem now rewarded them with the opportunity for even more greatness.

Good Shabbos to all!