From the Rabbi

Here is something to think about this Shabbat as we read Parashat Vayishlach. Yaakov is preparing to encounter his brother, Eisav, for the first time in more than 20 years. Eisav approaches with an entourage of 400 armed men and Yaakov is understandably discomfited. He is shown strategizing to accommodate every scenario – he plans for the worst (dividing his camp) while hoping (praying) for the best. He does both because prayer alone without commensurate effort will not work.

Yaakov finishes the preparations and is now alone. Suddenly, an angelic being, referred to as the sar shel Eisav, the angel of Eisav, confronts Yaakov and engages him in hand to hand combat. They fight. They argue. They battle all night. Finally Yaakov gets the upper hand. He is tired and he is limping but he has won. The angel disappears.

How did Yaakov manage to defeat a heavenly being? How could an angel lose to a human being?

The answer hinges on our understanding of what the angel of Eisav was trying to do. I am not sure that its goal was to defeat Yaakov. It seems that its goal was to challenge Yaakov. It confronts Yaakov and challenges him to recognize who he really is. The angel asks him his name. The angel changes Yaakov’s name. The angel seeks to enable Yaakov to grow into his name – both names, actually – Yaakov and Yisrael. The encounter enables Yaakov to manifest his inner strength, refine his character, and elevate himself spiritually.

This is an ongoing battle we all face: one where the goal isn't merely survival but transformation. By facing the struggle alone, Yaakov demonstrates that growth often happens in solitude, where we confront our deepest challenges and emerge stronger, closer to fulfilling our unique purpose. May we be blessed to achieve those goals.

Shabbat shalom…and, of course, I will see you in shul!