B"H

Friday, Kislev 18, 5781 / December 4, 2020

Shabbat we will read Parshat Vayishlach. In the Parsha the Torah tells us about the many tribulations that Yaakov encountered on the way back to his parents, Yitzchak and Rivkah. 

Yaakov hears that his brother, Esau, who wants to kill him, is coming toward him with 400 men. The Torah tells us that, "Yaakov was greatly afraid and distressed."  Yaakov sends gifts to appease Esau so that he would forgive him for taking away the blessings, while at the same time preparing for battle and praying for G-d's help.

The Torah describes a battle between Yaakov and "a man," which our sages say was Esau's guardian angel. Yaakov is victorious. G-d tells Yaakov, "Your name shall not be called any more Yaakov (Jacob) but Israel shall be your name." 

Q. Yaakov is the only one of our forefathers who has two names. At times, the Torah calls him Yaakov and at times, Israel. Why was he also given the name Israel?

A.  His name Yaakov was given to him at birth because he was holding unto the heel of his brother Esau. Yaakov means "heel" and represents a lower level. "Israel" means leadership, which represents courage and strength. 

The two names represent the different stages of the Jewish people. Israel represents the times of Jewish greatness and glory.  Yaakov relates to the times of suffering and exile.

G-d answered Yaakov’s prayers and sent angels to put fear into Esau and his men. When Yaakov and Esau meet, Esau kisses Yaakov.  But he refuses Yaakov’s gifts.  Yaakov insists, saying, "Take my gift because G-d had been gracious with me, and because I have enough."

A Chasid once came to Rabbi Meir of Premishlan and complained that someone in town opened the same business as his.  "I am very worried that he will take away my livelihood," the Chasid said.

"Did you ever see when a horse drinks water from a river, he kicks his hoof in the water.  Do you know why?"  The Rebbe asked.   "No," replied the Chasid. 

"I will tell you why," said Rabbi Meir. "When the horse looks in the water and he sees his own reflection, he thinks there is another horse there. Now he is afraid that the other horse will drink up all the water, so he tries to frighten him away by kicking his hoofs!"

"It is the same with you!" continued Rabbi Meir. "You think that if someone else is trying to make a living, it will take away from you. That is not so. Whatever is destined for the other person will not diminish one bit from that which G-d has destined for you!"

SHABBAT SHALOM

Montrealcandle lighting time: 3:53 / Shabbat ends: 5:01