Parashat Vayishlach: Finding Joy and Purpose in Life's Coincidences (2019)

Good morning, everyone! I'm truly trying to keep up with our weekly short meetings in preparation for Shabbos, and while it's sometimes a challenge, I hope to offer some food for thought for your last-minute preparations. I'd like to dedicate this short Divrei Torah to our grandson Moishe, for his Bar Mitzvah, as we begin Sefer Vayikra. This will be a source of Simcha (joy) for all. (A separate message will be sent after Shabbos, Im Yirtzeh Hashem, about our dear friend Shoshana bas Rav Dov, who recently passed away.)

"Katonti": Humility and Gratitude in the Face of Blessing

As Yaakov Avinu prepared to meet his brother Esav, sending messengers with gifts and dividing his camp for safety, his most crucial act was crying out to Hashem: "Hatzileini Na Mi'yad Achi, Mi'yad Esav" (Please save me from the hand of my brother, from the hand of Esav). His introduction is profound: "Katonti Mi'kol HaChasadim U'Mikol HaEmet Asher Asita Et Avdecha" (I am too small for all the kindnesses and all the truth that You have done for Your servant).

• Daily Gratitude: This resonates deeply with us daily. No matter our circumstances, Baruch Hashem (Blessed be God), Hashem does immense good for us, helping us at every step, whether we perceive it or not.

• Personal Blessings: This week, we have special gratitude for the birth of a great-grandson in Curacao and a sweet granddaughter in Manchester, England. These blessings constantly remind us of Hashem's boundless giving.

• The Power of Thanks: We often forget to pause and thank Hashem. As we've discussed, reciting Chapter 100 of Tehillim, Mizmor L'Todah, can bring rightful perspective and make us more appreciative of our abundance. We tend to focus on what we lack, but we truly have so much to be grateful for.

"VaYivater Yaakov Levado": Standing Alone in Darkness

The night before confronting Esav, after moving his family across the river, Yaakov remained alone on one side. "VaYivater Yaakov Levado" (And Yaakov remained alone). He had returned to fetch some pachim ketanim (small jars or small objects).

• "Ma'aseh Avot Siman L'Banim": Whatever happened to our forefathers (Avraham, Yitzchak, and Yaakov) serves as a sign and guide for their descendants.

• The Darkness of Exile: This story unfolds ba'laila (at night), a time of darkness. As we approach Hanukkah, we recall that its theme is profound darkness. The second pasuk of the Torah, "Tohu VaVohu V'Choshech" (chaos, emptiness, and darkness), alludes to various exiles, with "Choshech" (darkness) specifically referencing the Greek exile of Hanukkah. This was a period of "civilized enlightenment" that, paradoxically, was described by Chazal as the greatest spiritual darkness.

• Not Giving Up on Principles: Why did Yaakov return for mere "small objects," endangering himself? The Midrash explains: Tzaddikim never discard anything. Whatever Hashem gives holds immense value, meant for His service. This teaches us that we must never give up on what seem like "small" or "unimportant" principles of Torah. Like the Hashmonaim in Hanukkah, who refused to compromise even on "the little point of the Yud," we must fight for every principle.

"VaYavek Ish Imo": The Struggle for Clarity

In this great darkness, Yaakov was attacked by an "ish" (stranger), whose face he couldn't see. The attacker kept changing his appearance – scholar, sailor, baker, soldier. This was the angel of Esav, "Samael," whose name means "to blind," to remove clarity.

• Blurring Vision: The angel's purpose was to remove Yaakov's clarity, to immerse him in darkness. As Chazal say, when they struggled, dust rose to the Kisei HaKavod (Throne of Glory), signifying how this "dust" blinds our spiritual vision.

• Torah as Light: Torah is our source of clarity and light ("Ki Mitzvah Ner V'Torah Or"). If we lack clarity, darkness will prevail.

• Unwavering Faith: Yaakov's struggle symbolizes our fight against forces that try to diminish our certainty. He held firm, knowing that with the truth and light of Torah, however dark the world becomes, he would never give up.

• The Wound and Future Generations: The angel, unable to overcome Yaakov, wounded him in the hip (yerech). This alludes to future generations who might stray from Torah ("those who stray away"), but Yaakov's perseverance shows that the struggle continues. He held on, demonstrating that we never give in to despair. This is the essence of Hanukkah: despite being a small minority against a mighty army, the Hashmonaim fought, not by the laws of nature, but by the power of Emunah.

The Healing Sun: Divine Timing and Clarity

Yaakov continued to struggle until morning. "VaYizrach Lo HaShemesh" (The sun rose for him). Just as the sun had set early for him at Har Moriah for prayer, now it rose early to heal his wound. This symbolizes divine precision and the return of clarity.

• Clarity and Healing: The "sun" here is not just physical light but the clarity that restores and heals. Yaakov knew, despite his wound, that he was chosen by Hashem, and his descendants would continue the struggle of Torah. His wound would heal, and he would ultimately be victorious through the power of Torah.

Trusting in Unseen Providence: The Unlettered Employee

This reminds me of a poor, unlettered man from an Eastern country who sought his Rabbi's advice. The Rabbi told him to trust Hashem, who provides for everyone. The man applied for a job, helped by someone to fill out forms. He was told to wait in a room for hours. A "normal" person would have left. He waited. After hours, he was hired for a well-paying job: shredding classified army documents. Unbeknownst to him, he was observed to see if he would read any magazines in the waiting room. Since he couldn't read, they knew he wouldn't betray secrets. This is how Hashem cares for each individual, even when paths seem obscure.

Even when times are challenging and dark, remember Hashem is always there. May we merit "VaYizrach Lo HaShemesh," that Hashem brings light and sun into our lives.

Have a wonderful, wonderful Shabbos, and may you add more and more joy to your lives!