Genesis 28: Stairway to Heaven

The highlight of this chapter is Yaacov’s ladder. One interesting take on the story is attached. Jacob's Dream (El sueño de Jacob) is a 1639 oil-on-canvas painting by the Spanish painter José de Ribera.What’s fascinating about this painting, as opposed to the many other depictions of the story, is that the ladder is barely visible. The viewer has the perspective of a third-party walking by Yaacov sleeping on a rock. Only the light shining on Yaacov gives us an idea that something is happening. One must look very closely at the painting to be able to see the faint angelic figures walking up a stairway of light. This painting also matches Rambam’s comparison between the face to face prophecies of Moshe. Yaacov needs to have this prophecy in a dream. It also shows the personal nature of the vision. This image only appears to him. To anyone walking by Yaacov is just a man asleep on some rocks. When Yaacov awakens he is afraid of what he saw because his vision was confusing, unique, and unexpected. It shows Yaacov’s progression from the son of Isaac who receives a blessing to forefather who receives direct personal communication from God.