Vayishlach, וַיִּשְׁל - And He Sent
Torah Portion: Genesis 32:4-36:43
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.”
Today’s Meditation:
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 an incredible sense of relief and peace. That is just what making amends with someone you love does. Each of us has people in our lives that we have offended or that have hurt us. Some situations appear serious, while others are minor. Either way, it is time to reconcile and receive the same peace that Jacob experienced 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 have hurt someone else, it’s time to take care of it.
Today’s Challenge:
Traditions are important. Jews today do not eat this part of an animal because of the story of Jacob wrestling G-d. As we continue to learn, we discover that there are many more Biblical traditions. Tradition may not be a commandment you have to follow, but it is essential to recognize because of its memory and previous impact on souls. Soon, we will be approaching Hanukkah. This is not a required feast but a time in history when men witnessed a great miracle of Hashem (the victory in reclaiming the Temple and the lights of the Menorah). We recognize it and celebrate it because it reminds us of Hashem’s miraculous love for 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 memorable again and pass them on to your children. It’s essential to do so.
