בראשית, פרק ל״ה, פסוק י״ד

After a long journey and years of exile, Jacob returns to the very spot where God first appeared to him at the beginning of his travels. Recognizing the sacred nature of the site, he prepares to fulfill the vow he made years earlier. Although he has just received the new name Israel, he is still referred to as Jacob, teaching that the new identity does not completely replace the old; rather, both names will continue to be used side by side [רבנו בחיי].

Jacob establishes a stone pillar at the site, though commentators differ on exactly when this took place. The primary approach among commentators is that he sets up the stone at this moment. Because twenty-two years have passed, he is unable to locate the original stone he slept on during his journey to Haran, so he selects another stone from the precise location [רד״ק, העמק דבר]. Erecting it anew reflects his profound and absolute certainty that this specific site is uniquely chosen for prophecy [רד״ק]. Conversely, other commentators explain that the pillar was already set up when he first left home, and the event is recalled now simply as background for the offerings he is about to bring [אבן עזרא, רמב״ן, רבנו בחיי, הטור הארוך].

Unlike an altar, which is constructed from multiple stones and used for animal sacrifices, a pillar consists of a single stone and is designated for pouring liquids [רבנו בחיי, רד״ק]. This solitary stone serves as a powerful symbol of unity, hinting that all the tribes of Israel will eventually unite as a single nation in their land [מלבי״ם].

Jacob's actions at this time are driven by the fulfillment of his vow. Because God has just promised him the entire land, Jacob understands he will be able to return to his father's home in peace, free from the fear of Esau. With the conditions of his original vow met, he proceeds to honor his commitment [קונטרס חיבה יתירה]. Through these actions, he prepares and designates the location to serve as the future House of God, much like King David would later prepare the site of the Temple at the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite [ספורנו]. As part of this fulfillment, Jacob also separates a tenth of all his wealth in honor of God, distributing it to worthy individuals of his generation [אבן עזרא, ביאור יש״ר].

To sanctify the stone, Jacob pours a liquid offering in honor of God [רלב״ג]. Some explain that this liquid is wine [רד״ק, ביאור שטיינזלץ], while others suggest it is water [אבן עזרא, ביאור יש״ר]. The use of wine represents the dedication of ultimate joy to God, whereas water symbolizes the recognition that even ordinary moments and daily routines belong entirely to Him [רש״ר הירש].

The purpose of this pouring is also viewed from different perspectives. One approach suggests a practical motive, explaining that the liquid is used to wash and clean the stone in preparation for the oil that follows [אבן עזרא]. However, others see the pouring as a deeply sacred act of worship. It serves as a precursor to the water and wine offerings that his descendants will one day pour in the Temple [ביאור יש״ר, מחוקקי יהודה], and it symbolizes the divine abundance promised to him in his prophecy [מלבי״ם]. Finally, Jacob pours oil over the stone. This acts as a tribute [רד״ק] and a formal anointing to sanctify the stone for the future [רש״ר הירש]. The oil represents the holy anointing oil, marking the profound additional divine revelation that Jacob experiences at this sacred site [מלבי״ם, ביאור שטיינזלץ].