When Yaakov was ready to lie down to sleep next to the ladder the Torah writes that he:
“VAYIKACH ME’AVNE HAMAKOM”, = he took from the stones of the place which he arranged around his head.
And when he awoke he
“VAYIKACH ET HA’EVEN”, = he took the stone that he placed around his head.
Question – why when he went to sleep there were many stones, but when he woke up there was only one?
Rashi's Answer – Brings up what the Midrash answers and says, The stones were fighting with each other, they each wanted the holyness of Yaakovs head resting on them. Hashem then made them into one stone.
*doesn't sound so realistic – meant to teach us a message: there are many different types of Jews but when it comes down to it, we're all united. We are all responsible for each other and should try to be like the single stone that Yaakov awoke to find.
What are some other explanations as to why when Yaakov went to sleep there were many stones, but when he woke up there was only one?
According to the Rabbi of Congregation Israel of Springfield, the Midrash quotes Rav Nechemiah who says that Yaakov started off with three stones but ended up with one. The Midrash goes on to say that these stones then argued over who would be the one that Yaakov would lay his head on. The significance of the three stones connects with Torah, Avodah and Gemillus Chasadim (study, prayer and good deeds). The question is, which one of these is the most important? The Gemara says that Yaakov wakes up with one stone, which suggests that the three stones turned into just one. What is the underlying message? Torah, Avodah and Gemillus Chasadim are all used to connect and maintain a close relationship with G-d and they need to be joined as one, and not separate. Therefore the three stones were combined into one.
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