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Parashat Vayetzei

וַיֵּצֵא · Genesis 28:10 to 32:3, portion 7 of 12 in the book of Genesis.

Next reading

Saturday 21 November 2026

11 Kislev 5787

In Israel and abroad

The year after

Saturday 11 December 2027

11 Kislev 5788

In Israel and abroad

What happens in Vayetzei

On his way to Haran, Jacob dreams of a ladder reaching up to heaven, and God promises him the land. He works for Laban seven years to marry Rachel, is given Leah first and works seven more. Leah, Rachel and their maids Bilhah and Zilpah bear eleven sons and a daughter, Dinah. Jacob's flocks grow, and after twenty years he leaves with his family; Laban follows him, and the two make a pact.

וַיֵּצֵא יַעֲקֹב מִבְּאֵר שָׁבַע וַיֵּלֶךְ חָרָנָה

“And Jacob went out from Beer-sheba, and went toward Haran.”

Genesis 28:10, the opening verse, in the 1917 Jewish Publication Society translation.

This week's portion·All 54 portions

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Frequently asked questions

When is Parashat Vayetzei read in 2026?+

On Shabbat 21 November 2026 (11 Kislev 5787), in Israel and in the Diaspora alike. The year after, it is read on 11 December 2027.

What is Parashat Vayetzei about?+

On his way to Haran, Jacob dreams of a ladder reaching up to heaven, and God promises him the land. He works for Laban seven years to marry Rachel, is given Leah first and works seven more. Leah, Rachel and their maids Bilhah and Zilpah bear eleven sons and a daughter, Dinah. Jacob's flocks grow, and after twenty years he leaves with his family; Laban follows him, and the two make a pact.