Page 427 - BERESHIT

Rashi explains that the word can also be translated as prayer.

Yaakov Avinu instituted tefillat Arvit. He encountered that place and

prayed before he lay down, after the sun had already set. The evening

prayer is different from the others in that it was originally unobligated.

Yaakov took from the stones of the place which he arranged around his
head, as he was wary of wild animals. Did Yaakov Avinu think that a pile
of rocks would really protect him from being eaten by bloodthirsty
animals? How could Yaakov have relied on some rocks to protect him
from harm, while sleeping out in the wild?

A person who thinks that every event in life is haphazard can easily sink
into depression. On the other hand, one who puts his trust in Hashem only
anticipates good. By putting himself in the Hands of the Al-mighty, even
if some misfortune does occur, he knows better than to attribute it to his
own failure. There is a One Above Who guides the destiny of man.
Because he claims total dependency on the One Above, he leads a tranquil
and serene life.

The Avot instituted daily prayer, three times a day. Thrice daily, we need
to muster our strength anew in order to face the challenges of life. Prayer
puts our focus on the most important ingredient of success. As we pray,