B"H

Monday, Kislev 8, 5785 / December 9, 2024

This week's Parsha is Vayishlach, which is the eighth Parsha in the book of Genesis (Breishit). In this Parsha, we read about many of the trials and tribulations which Yaakov encountered while returning home, to the land of Canaan, from his father-in-law, Lavan, who lived in Charan. 

On the way, Yaakov hears that his brother, Esau, who wanted to kill him and was the reason he had to flee his parents’ home, is now coming with 400 men towards him. Yaakov knew that this was not a welcoming party coming to greet him, but they were coming for war. 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 their father’s blessings, but, at the same time he prepares for battle and prays for G-d's help.

Even though G-d had promised him to watch over him and bring him back to the land of Canaan, Yaakov was still afraid. He was afraid that he may have lost the merit of G-d's protection due to the fact that he was away from his parents for so many years. Whereas Esau, who was with his parents all this time, observed the great mitzvah of Honoring his father and mother, by taking care of them.

The Parsha describes a battle between Yaakov and "a man" which our sages say was Esau's guardian angel. Although he was slightly injured, Yaakov wins the battle with Esau’s angel. G-d tells Yaakov, "Your name shall not be called Yaakov anymore, but Israel shall be your name."

The 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 master and leader.  It is due to this story that the Jewish people are called Israel.   

In the end, Esau realized that he wouldn’t be able to defeat Yaakov. Yaakov presents Esau with gifts. He tells Esau, "Take my gift because G-d had been gracious with me, and because I have enough."

Yaakov tells Esau to accept his gifts. "Because G-d had been gracious 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 I will lose my livelihood," said the Chasid.

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

"When the horse looks in the water and sees his own reflection in the water, 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," replied Rabbi Meir. "It is the same with you!" the Rebbe went on. "You think that if someone else is trying to make a living, it will take away from you. That is not so. G-d has enough for you and for the other person. Whatever is bashert (destined) for the other person will not diminish one bit of that which is destined for you!"

HAVE A VERY GOOD, HAPPY, HEALTHY & SUCCESSFUL DAY

UNITED WE STAND WITH OUR BROTHERS AND SISTERS IN CAPTIVITY. MAY THEY ALL BE RELEASED NOW