In this week’s torah portion, Vayishlach, we catch a glimpse of the patriarch, Jacob, in a particularly vulnerable place and on the verge of transformation. Jacob’s life was far from simple or easy. His father, Isaac, was emotionally crippled. His relationship with his brother, Esau, was strained. His father-in-law, Laban, was difficult and manipulative. Jacob married competitive sisters, Leah and Rachel, and had to live with the consequences. We can relate to his trials, his insecurities and his pain.
On his way to face his brother, Esau, years after the birthright-stealing incident, Jacob hangs back from the rest of his camp and finds himself alone.
There, in the dark of night, Jacob wrestles with a divine being. He prevails, saying, “I will not let you go until you bless me.” Jacob’s name is changed to Israel and Jacob exclaims that he has come “face to face” with God.
In the end, despite Jacob being physically wounded and emotionally depleted by his struggle, he finds peace. His story gives us hope that we too can find wholeness in the wake of our struggles. Through Jacob and his trials, we learn that the things that hurt us make us more compassionate and more capable of empathy for the trials and pain of others.
As we navigate the tenth month of pandemic, we find hope in Jacob’s lessons. Worn down by our challenges, we too can walk forward to new promise, bruised, but blessed.
