Parashat Vayishlach

This biblical patriarch’s life is marked by an unresolved conflict with his dark side.

Isn’t Jacob’s peace with Esau as important as Joseph’s reconciliation with his brothers?

The Bible focuses on Jacob's and his son's reactions, but not on those of the victim herself.

Like Jacob's struggle, each of us must recognize, confront and struggle with our darker side.

Esau and Jacob are able to reconcile only when each is secure in his achievements.

By asking Jacob his name, his wrestling adversary challenges him to examine himself.

Overcoming your name.

Jacob's reaction to Dinah's rape is puzzling and disturbing.

To be a Jew is to be as Jacob: struggling, transforming, and inspiring to others.

Jacob views material possessions as essential and indispensable.

Jacob is surprised to learn that even with estranged family members, reconciliation is possible.

How do you keep the past alive without becoming its prisoner?

We should learn to react with humanity.

Jacob and the Jewish people have learned powerful lessons from the experience of exile.

Jacob and his family's evolving relationship with God illustrates the complex struggle with faith and monotheism.

We can learn from Jacob's encounter with Esau to meet others as we would meet God.

Amalek's personal history may have fueled his descendants' anger towards the descendants of Abraham.

Jacob sends Esau the message that despite having lived with Laban, he has kept the commandments and learned to stand up to powerful figures.

Jacob’s courage shows that by facing our fears, we can overcome them and move forward.

It is possible to be a good Jew and have questions about God.

Sometimes we simply need a reminder to be appreciative of our lives.

The Weeping Willow.

The fate of the Edomites.

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