Parshas Vayishlach

The relationship of Yaakov and his brother Eisav is developed in this week’s parsha. This association affects us in a great way until this very day. The Gemora in Mesechtas Meggila, quoted by Rashi in Parshas Toldos, teaches us that Yaakov and Eisav are eternally interrelated. When one is up, by definition, the other one is down. If someone claims that both Rome, the descendants of Eisav, and Yerushalayim, the descendants of Yaakov are up – he is mistaken, it simply cannot be! However, if one declares that Yerushalayim was up and that Rome was down or visa-versa – that is more than likely accurate! This association affects the equilibrium of the entire world today with the input of another famous Biblical personality – Yishmael.

The Maharal, based upon an inference of the wording of Rashi, clarifies that Yaakov-Eisav relationship has distinct boundaries and limitations. Yaakov, commands his own destiny, for as he ascends, Eisav will automatically descend. However, in order for Eisav to rise Yaakov will need to have fallen first. Similarly, Chazal teach that in preparation for the initial encounter with Eisav after decades of resentment, Yaakov readied himself in three ways. Yaakov sent Eisav gifts, he davened, and he prepared for war. Preparing for war does not mean that Yaakov sharpened his military prowess for direct combat. Rather, Chazal explain, Yaakov perfected his ways. Yaakov found a way to increase his dedication to HaShem and his precepts, and with such spiritual preparation Eisav had no opportunity to defeat him. When we, the children of Yaakov, daven with ferver and concentration, learn with dedication, and commit ourselves to Torah and Mitzvos, we suppress and inhibit the strength and power of Eisav. 

Today, the world’s perception of Yaakov and his children is not a positive one. In contrast, Yishmael, and his children the Arab nations, are becoming stronger, and Eisav’s children are joining forces with them against us. When we hear that England, France and other European countries are siding and sympathizing with Yishmael, they are actualizing of the words of the Chumash. However, we the Jewish People, must learn from our patriarch, Yaakov. We must re-dedicate ourselves to Torah and Mitzvos. We must consciously and conscientiously re-dedicate ourselves to davening and Limud HaTorah. For it us, the children of Yaakov, that are in control of our destiny and the destiny of Eisav and all who follow him. When we do this, as the Maharal explains, we are guaranteed victory and will hasten the day when והי' ה' למלך על כל הארץ ביום ההוא יהי' ה' אחד ושמו אחד

Have a good Shabbos!

Rabbi Katzenstein

 Parshas Vayishlach

The relationship of Yaakov and his brother Eisav is developed in this week’s parsha. This association affects us in a great way until this very day. The Gemora in Mesechtas Meggila, quoted by Rashi in Parshas Toldos, teaches us that Yaakov and Eisav are eternally interrelated. When one is up, by definition, the other one is down. If someone claims that both Rome, the descendants of Eisav, and Yerushalayim, the descendants of Yaakov are up – he is mistaken, it simply cannot be! However, if one declares that Yerushalayim was up and that Rome was down or visa-versa – that is more than likely accurate! This association affects the equilibrium of the entire world today with the input of another famous Biblical personality – Yishmael.

The Maharal, based upon an inference of the wording of Rashi, clarifies that Yaakov-Eisav relationship has distinct boundaries and limitations. Yaakov, commands his own destiny, for as he ascends, Eisav will automatically descend. However, in order for Eisav to rise Yaakov will need to have fallen first. Similarly, Chazal teach that in preparation for the initial encounter with Eisav after decades of resentment, Yaakov readied himself in three ways. Yaakov sent Eisav gifts, he davened, and he prepared for war. Preparing for war does not mean that Yaakov sharpened his military prowess for direct combat. Rather, Chazal explain, Yaakov perfected his ways. Yaakov found a way to increase his dedication to HaShem and his precepts, and with such spiritual preparation Eisav had no opportunity to defeat him. When we, the children of Yaakov, daven with ferver and concentration, learn with dedication, and commit ourselves to Torah and Mitzvos, we suppress and inhibit the strength and power of Eisav. 

Today, the world’s perception of Yaakov and his children is not a positive one. In contrast, Yishmael, and his children the Arab nations, are becoming stronger, and Eisav’s children are joining forces with them against us. When we hear that England, France and other European countries are siding and sympathizing with Yishmael, they are actualizing of the words of the Chumash. However, we the Jewish People, must learn from our patriarch, Yaakov. We must re-dedicate ourselves to Torah and Mitzvos. We must consciously and conscientiously re-dedicate ourselves to davening and Limud HaTorah. For it us, the children of Yaakov, that are in control of our destiny and the destiny of Eisav and all who follow him. When we do this, as the Maharal explains, we are guaranteed victory and will hasten the day when והי' ה' למלך על כל הארץ ביום ההוא יהי' ה' אחד ושמו אחד

Have a good Shabbos!

Rabbi Katzenstein