Shalom, Chaverym;

This week's parasha is Vayyishlach - וישלח - "And he sent”

Torah readings: B'reishyth 32:4-36:43

Prophets' readings: Ovadyah 1:1-21

Ketuvym Hatalmidym reading: Ya'aqov 1:2-4

Shalom aleykhem, achym, b’shem YHWH Elohey Yisrael ~ Peace to you, my brothers, in the name of YHWH the Mighty One of Yisrael.

Vayomer, lo Ya’akov yeiameir od shimka, ki im Yisrael; ki sariyta im Elohym v’im anashim vatukal ~ “And He said, ‘Thy name shall not be called Ya’akov anymore, but Yisrael; for thou hast striven with Elohym and with men, and hast prevailed.’”

It is nowhere written, “Thou shalt have an easy life, full of vast material riches and free from all hardship, strife and trials.” Although most of us would like it to be so, such a life would defeat the very purpose of our being here on earth.

The new name that Ya’akov was given, “Yisrael,” which is the name by which we are also now called as a people, has often been translated as “Prince of El.” This is a fair translation, but the reason given to Ya’akov in our pesuk for this name was that he had “striven with Elohym and with men.” The word sariyta, from which the word “prince” also derives, connotes strength in the face of adversity — a powerful striving to succeed.

Ya’akov did not have a life of ease, and it was certainly not free of hardship, strife and trials. Nor will ours be. If it were, we would remain as we are: immature and childish supplanters and heel-catchers, full of deceit and guile. It is only through our hardships and trials that we grow and can be molded into the princes that we are meant to be, ascending from the status of worms to that of men, as it is written: “‘Do not fear, you worm Ya’akov, and you men of Yisrael. I shall help you,’ declares YHWH your Redeemer.” Oftentimes, real help from YHWH can only come in the form of hardship and trials.

Ya’akov was far from a perfect man, and so it is with us. In this life, we will face setbacks and temporary failures, as did he. YHWH knows this and understands. The lesson He teaches us in this parshat, and the significance of the name Yisrael, is that Ya’akov never quit trying. He grasped ahold of Elohym Himself and refused to ever let go. He indeed strove with Elohym and with men until he prevailed.

Yehoshua Hamashiach said, “He who endures until the end shall be saved.” Ya’akov Hatzadyk said, “Blessed is the man who does endure trial, for when he has been proved, he shall receive the crown of life which the Master has promised to those who love Him.” In all your lifetimes, brethren, in all of your strivings with both Elohym and men, may you be one of those who never gives up, but instead endures and prevails. You can. By the grace, mercy and spirit of the Mighty One of Yisrael, you too, through your trials, successes, and even through your failures, can become a prince of El.

B'Shalom, Ovadyah