B"H

Friday, Kislev 15, 5776 / November 27, 2015 – HAKHEL YEAR

In this week's Parsha, Vayishlach, the Torah recounts the hardships Yaakov and his family encountered after leaving his father-in-law, Lavan, and returning to his parents, Yitzchak and Rivkah. 

First they encountered Esau and his army of 400 men.  Esau's intention was to kill Yaakov for getting the blessing from their father. Upon hearing that Esau and his men were coming, Yaakov became frightened.  The Torah tells us that, "Yaakov was very afraid and distressed".  Our sages explain that Yaakov was afraid that he may be killed and distressed that he may kill his brother, Esau.

In response to the danger facing him, Yaakov decided to do the following three things:  He prayed, "G-d of my father Abraham, and G-d of my father Yitzchak, You said to me, 'Return to your country and to your kindred and I will do you good.  Rescue me from the hand of my brother, from the hand of Esau..."

Yaakov's second strategy was to prepare for possible war.  "And he divided the people that were with him and the flocks and the herds and the camels into two camps.  And he said, 'If Esau will come to one camp and smite it, then the camp which is left will escape'".

In addition, Yaakov sent messengers with generous gifts to Esau in the hope that he would have a change of heart.  The Midrash tells us that G-d sent an army of angels to frighten Esau.  In the end, Esau realized that he could not harm Yaakov.

Also in the Parsha, we read that G-d changed Yaakov's name to Yisrael (Israel).

When they finally came to Israel, Yaakov’s wife, Rachel, passed away right after giving birth to his youngest son, Binyamin.  

Instead of burying her in the family burial plot in Hebron, Yaakov buried Rachel by the road on the way to Bet Lechem.  Rachel was 36 when she passed away.

This week's Parsha also records the passing of Yitzchak at the age of 180.  Yitzchak lived longer than the other patriarchs.  Abraham lived 175 years and Yaakov lived 147 years.

Yaakov is the only one of our forefathers who has two names.  At times, the Torah calls him Yaakov and at times, Yisrael (Israel).

Q.  What is the significance of these two names?

A.  They represent two stages in the history of the Jewish people. "Israel," which comes from the word master, represents the times of greatness and glory for our people.  "Yaakov" relates to times of suffering and exile.  

SHABBAT  SHALOM

Montrealcandle lighting time: 3:56 / Shabbat ends: 5:03