Jacob & Esau Part 2
Summary
Torah portion: Vayishlach Summary: Jacob (Ya’akov) becomes Israel (Yisrael)
The meaning of Vayishlach is “and he sent.”
Ya’akov had been away from his family for 20 years in Haran. He is now on his way back home with his wives, children and all of his flocks of animals. As they get ready to camp for the night, he sends some of his shepherds ahead with gifts for Esav. He also prayed to God for help. He sent many flocks to Esav as a gift.Ya’akov hopes Esav is still not angry with him after all these years.
When everyone goes to sleep, Ya’akov is awoken by a stranger and they struggle all night long.Ya’akov injures his hip and walks with a limp thereafter. When the sun rises, the stranger stops wrestling and tells Ya’akov ( meaning heel holder) that he has wrestled with an angel of God and God will change his name to Yisrael (meaning one who wrestled with God)
The following day, Ya’akov met up with his brother Esav, and they hugged. Although they reunited, they were never really friends.
Vocabulary
And he sent
Wives
Family
Gifts
Sun
Angel
Brother
Twins
Friends
Angry
Activities
Crossword:
What does the story teach us
- Peaceful relationships with family members.
The mitzvah of keeping peace in the home (Shalom bayit)
- Laws of eating kosher food- It is because of this injury to Ya’akov that many Jews, to this day, do not eat gid hanasheh ( the sinew that travels down the thigh of an animal).
- Many of our hebrew names have a meaning.
- The power of prayer (Tefilah).
To think about:
- How long did Ya’akov live in Haran?
- What happened to Ya’akov during the night?
- Did Ya’akov see his twin brother again?
- Was Esav still angry?
- If you had an argument with your brother or sister, how did you make up?
Kahoo