B"H
Shalom and
Bracha!
This Shabbat we
read the portion of Vayishlach. Two weeks ago we read about
Yaakov receiving the blessings that would have otherwise gone to
his brother Esav, thereby arousing Esav’s wrath. At the
conclusion of last week’s portion, Yaakov was returning to the
land of Israel from Charan, accompanied by his family and
acquired wealth. In the beginning of this week’s portion Yaakov
sent messengers to Esav to greet him. The messengers informed
him that Esav was coming with four hundred troops to attack him.
Upon hearing
this, Yaakov split his camp and animals into two groups, saying
that “If Esav will attack one camp, the second will be saved.”
Thereafter he prayed to Hashem to save him in the merit of his
forefathers and to remember His promises to Yaakov to protect
him. With Hashem’s help, Esav accepted the present and
reconciled with Yaakov.
Seemingly,
Yaakov’s preparations demand a deeper explanation. Why did he
first divide his camp and only thereafter pray? Further, how was
he positive that if one camp were destroyed the other would
remain? Esav was approaching with four hundred men! Further, did
he leave some of his children in one camp as he joined the
second?
Yaakov had been
told by Hashem to return to Israel and that Hashem would bless
him there. He knew that the future of Torah was dependent upon
him and his seed. He had great faith in Hashem’s blessing. He
feared, however, that perhaps his great wealth and stature had
interfered with his connection to Hashem. When Yaakov divided
his camp, he put all of his wealth and servants in one camp, and
his family in the other. He prayed only for his family. Once he
separated himself from his wealth, he was sure that the
remaining camp would be secure. Sometimes we are faced with
difficult choices. Our advancement in wealth and social status
are pitted against our families or our service of Hashem. We
must learn from Yaakov that wealth is only a tool to serve
Hashem and enhance our family lives.
The Torah
concludes the saga of Esav that Yaakov continued in peace and
“complete.” Rashi explains that all that he had given Esav as a
present was replenished. This teaches us that by placing Hashem
and family first, Hashem guards our possessions as well.
Yaakov parted
with Esav with the assurance that he would meet him at mount
Seir. Rashi explains that this will be when Moshiach comes, as
we say in the daily prayers “Redeemers will ascend mount Zion to
judge the mount of Esav and Hashem will rule as King.” May we
merit his coming immediately!
Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Biggs
Dedicated in
memory of Yaakov Hakimian. May Hashem grant him perfect bliss in
Gan Eden and comfort and guard his family. Our mother Rachel
passes in this portion a young and tragic passing. Rashi
explains that her (seemingly) untimely passing and burial was a
necessary prerequisite to the Geulah. May we speedily see the
same in this tragedy.
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