Torah Thoughts

by Rebbetzin Lauren Levin

Parshat Vayishlach opens replete with tension and anxiety. Jacob is returning with his family to Canaan and preparing to meet his brother Esau once again. Knowing that Esau is approaching, Jacob crosses his family over the Jabok river, preparing for the encounter the next day. In the black of the night Jacob leaves the rest of the group and goes back to the other side of the river. It is unclear why he leaves them and is suddenly all alone in the night. There are those commentators (like the Rashbam) who contend that this was a planned strategy. Read more…