B"H

Friday, Kislev 16, 5777 / December 16, 2016

In Parshat, Vayishlach, which we read on Shabbat, Yaakov and his family return to Canaan.  Yaakov sends "Ma'lachim" to his brother, Esau, to tell him that he is looking for peace. 

The "Malachim" return and tell Yaakov that Esau is not ready for peace. Instead, Esau is coming with 400 men to fight him. Upon hearing this, Yaakov became frightened and makes a plan to counter Esau's threat.

Yaakov prayed to G-d to save them. Yaakov sent gifts to Esau to show that he wants peace. He also prepared for war. In the end, G-d sent angels who frightened Esau so that he did not harm Yaakov.

Yaakov prayed, "G-d of my father Abraham, and G-d of my father Yitzchak…I am humbled by all the kindness and the truth which you have done with your servant... Rescue me from the hand of my brother from the hand of Esau.”  

In describing the messengers which Yaakov sent to Esau, the Torah uses the expression "Ma'lachim" which can be translated as "messengers" or "angels." The Midrash and Rashi explain that Yaakov sent "angels" to convey his message to Esau. The question is asked, who were these angels whom Yaakov sent to go and deliver his plea to Esau? Also, what is the lesson for us?

Rabbi Meir of Premishlan has a very interesting answer. He quotes the Mishna of Pirkei Avot (4:13) which states, "Whoever performs a single mitzvah gains himself an advocate." This refers to the angelswhich are created from the mitzvot we perform. Every mitzvah we do creates an angel, who pleads with G-d and intercedes on our behalf.

Yaakov sent the angels which were created as a result of the many mitzvot which he performed.  The lesson for us is that, we too, must remember that every mitzvah and good deed we perform creates an angel who works on ourbehalf when we need it most.

Yaakov's prayer also teaches us the proper attitude one should have when praying for G-d’s help. Yaakov didn't state that he deserved to be saved. Rather, Yaakov prefaces his request, saying, "I am humbled." When Yaakov came to Lavan twenty years earlier, he didn't posses more than his staff.  Now he had a family and great material wealth. But, instead of crediting himself, or feeling that he deserved it all, which he did, he attributes it to G-d’s kindness, thus leading him to feel humble.

It is an important lesson for us. When we feel that whatever good we have is due only to G-d’s kindness and not because it’s coming to us, then we feel grateful for everything, even the small blessings. We learn to appreciate whatever Hashem does for us, for it is all due to His generosity and kindness.

SHABBAT  SHALOM

Montrealcandle lighting time: 3:53 / Shabbat ends: 5:03