The Parsha opens this week with a very tense scene. Yaakov was returning to his homeland with his family. He had been a fugitive for the past thirty four years running from his brother Esav who swore to avenge the blessings that Yaakov stole.
He sent scouts to ascertain whether Esav is still angry after all these years. They reported that Esav is on his way to greet Yaakov with an army of 400 men. Apparently, Esav was determined to retaliate. Yaakov prepared himself for the encounter.
Our sages have spilled much ink examining the strategies of Yaakov as they are seen as the model for how the descendants of Yaakov are to confront the descendants of Esav for all time.
Yaakov sent gifts to Esav. Many gifts. He instructed that they be delivered in such a way that as soon as Esav received one gift he could already see the next gift approaching on the horizon. He was attempting to show his brother that if Esav forgave him, he could expect Yaakov to share the blessing.
Ideally, this is the only interaction that needs to take place. Yaakov sets up a financial arrangement in which he pays a regular fee to Esav to ensure his ‘protection.’ If this plan fails Yaakov has a backup plan.
Yaakov split his family and assets into two camps. He hoped that if Esav ignored the bribe and instead attacked Yaakov and his family, he would anticipate finding them together. If either camp is attacked the other would have the opportunity to escape. Had Yaakov been blessed with the physical strength necessary for war, he may have created a battle strategy. This was an attempt to mitigate his losses.
After preparing in every way possible Yaakov resorted to his final weapon. Yaakov prayed. The Torah records Yaakov’s prayers to afford us a deeper analysis.
Save me, please, from the hand of my brother, from the hand of Esav; for I fear him, lest he come and kill us all, mothers and children alike.
(Bereishis 32:12)
The Bais Halevi (Rabbi Yosef Dov Soloveichik 1820-1892) asks why it was necessary to describe Esav as his brother. Did Yaakov have any other brothers? The prayer should have been either, “Save me from the hand of my brother” or “Save me from the hand of Esav.” Even if Yaakov was articulating in the clearest way possible, he could have prayed, “Save me from the hand of my brother Esav.” Why repeat “hand?”
The Bais Halevi deduces that Yaakov was concerned about Esav approaching him with multiple ‘hands’. He was concerned that Esav may attack him, as Esav had sworn to do. Yet, he was equally concerned that Esav would play the ‘hand’ of brotherhood. This is the hand that offers full acceptance into Esav’s society. It is the hand that coaxes Yaakov to slowly integrate into the world of Esav. Yaakov would not compromise his morals and standards and therefore prayed to be saved from both tactics.
The Bais Halevi concludes that for all of history the Jews will need to be vigilant against both hands of Esav. When Jews are not being threatened physically, they are at risk of assimilation. We continue to pray to be saved from both these perils.
There seems to be another lesson in this Parsha with a more direct approach to combat assimilation.
Shortly after these prayers, Yaakov found himself entangled in another battle. Yaakov remained alone and was attacked by a man. He succeeded in defending himself and the assailant gave up and attempted to run away. Yaakov was not prepared to let him go.
“I will not let you leave unless you bless me.’ The man asks, “What is your name?” “Yaakov.” “Your name will no longer be Yaakov, rather Yisrael. You have become great before man and God. You have won.” Yaakov asks, “What is your name?” The man responds, “Why do you need to know my name?”
(Bereishis 32: 27-30)
The blessing the man gave our father Yaakov was the secret to winning battles. Yaakov learned that the opponent’s name and which tactics will be employed are not relevant. Victory hinges on how well one knows their own name and strengths.
Survival of the Jewish nation will always depend on how cognizant the Jews are of their own Jewish identity. The strongest tool we have to fight assimilation is a strong connection to our heritage.
