Vayishlach, וַיִּשְׁל - And He Sent
Genesis 32:4-36:43
Reading #3 - Genesis 32:31–33:5
My Thoughts:
Jacob’s fears were for naught. Hashem answered his prayers and he was greeted with love from Esau. Verse 4 says, “Esau ran to meet him, embraced him, fell on his neck, kissed him, and they wept.” Doesn’t this sound like the most wonderful reconciliation? Jacob must have felt such incredible relief and peace. That is just what making amends with someone you love does. Each of us have people in our life that we have offended or that have hurt us. Some cases are huge and some are small. Either way it is time to reconcile and receive the same peace that Jacob got that special day. The shalom peace that can only come from Hashem and our obedience to make things right. Whether you have been hurt, or you have hurt someone else -- it’s time to take care of it.
Challenge:
Traditions are important. Jews today do not eat this part of an animal because of this story of Jacob “wrestling” G-d. And as we are learning there are many more Biblical traditions. Tradition may not be a commandment you have to follow, but it is important to recognize because of its memory and previous impact on souls. We are coming up on the season of Hanukkah. A time in history where men saw a huge miracle of Hashem (the victory of reclaiming the Temple and the lights of the Menorah). We recognize it and celebrate it because it reminds of Hashem’s miraculous love of His people. Think about the traditions in your family this time of year. Instead of taking advantage of them, take time to ponder their importance. Make them special again and pass them on to your children. It’s important to do so.
Reading #3 - Genesis 32:31–33:5
32:31 The sun rose on him as he passed over Peniel, and he limped because of his thigh. 32 Therefore the children of Israel don’t eat the sinew of the hip, which is on the hollow of the thigh, to this day, because he touched the hollow of Jacob’s thigh in the sinew of the hip.
33 Jacob lifted up his eyes, and looked, and, behold, Esau was coming, and with him four hundred men. He divided the children between Leah, Rachel, and the two servants. 2 He put the servants and their children in front, Leah and her children after, and Rachel and Joseph at the rear. 3 He himself passed over in front of them, and bowed himself to the ground seven times, until he came near to his brother.
4 Esau ran to meet him, embraced him, fell on his neck, kissed him, and they wept. 5 He lifted up his eyes, and saw the women and the children; and said, “Who are these with you?”
He said, “The children whom Elohim has graciously given your servant.”
