In this week's parsha Yaakov flees Esav and goes toward Charan. This is when he passes Har Hamoriah and goes to sleep and dreams about the ladder and the Angels. Yaakov went to Charan for two reasons. The first reason was to run away from Esav who was trying to kill him because he “stole” the bracha. The second reason was to build a family, thereby establishing the Jewish people. The first reason is more negative and the second is more positive.
Beraishit Rabba says that this is connected to the descent of the Jewish people into exile. There are a few reasons why we are in exile now. One is because of our sins, the negative reason. Another reason is to make the world a better place, one conducive to holiness.
We are living in this world for the reason of making the world now into one similar to Mashiach.
Rochel Cunin