A number of commentaries understand Yaacov’s encounter with an “ish”/angel in parshat Vayishlach to be the story of the struggles of the Jewish people with their enemies throughout history. According to this view, what can be learned from Yaacov and applied to the battle against today’s vehement strain of Antisemitism?

The idea that Yacov and Esav are not just individuals, but also the fathers of two nations, is already conveyed by God to Rivka when they are struggling inside her. The midrashic rabbis identify Esav or Edom with Rome and later commentaries with Christianity. Hence, when Yacov wrestles with the “ish,” this is interpreted by the midrash and Rashi to be the guardian angel (representative) of Esav. Many sources read this episode as foreshadowing the continual struggle between Judaism and Rome/Christianity and Yisrael. The Ramban writes that Yaacov’s strife with Esav is a “remez l’dorot” (hint to future generations) – an eternal conflict between the children of Yaacov (the Jewish nation) and the children of Esav (the Christian world) until Yaacov ultimately prevails. These perspectives are understandable given that many of the biblical interpreters lived in exile and suffered persecution or discrimination by the hand of their “Esav.” Today, with our own homeland and army, it may be time to add new perspectives and interpretation to this new stage of our story.

When the “ish” blesses Yaacov with his new name – Yisrael – this too becomes a source of resonance for the commentaries. Rashi writes that he is called Yisrael so that now he can face Esav and the world with noble leadership – “serara.” In contrast, the name Yaacov is connected to duplicity or concealment. Yaacov can only overcome the hate of Esav when he embraces his destiny as Yisrael: Forthright, strong, confident and proud in his identity. 

Today we are feeling the struggle, the sense of discord through the current face of Antisemitism and anti-Zionism. Yet today, with our own homeland, like Yaacov, we can draw on the strength and confidence to embrace and stand strong in who we are: Yisrael. Shabbat Shalom -Karen Miller Jackson