Lessons from Vayishlach Strength and Unity

The Lessons of Vayishlach: Strength, Unity, and the Era of Moshiach

Dear Friends, Shabbat Shalom!

This week we read the Torah portion Vayishlach, and I believe it has very special meaning for us today. It speaks about struggle, return, faith, and unity—things that are important for every Jewish person and for the whole Jewish nation. When I think about this portion, I feel it is connected directly to what is happening now in Israel and to our mission as a people.

In Vayishlach, Jacob returns to the land of Israel after many years away. He knows it will not be easy; he is afraid to meet his brother Esau, who was angry with him in the past. But Jacob prepares in three ways: he prays to God, he sends gifts to Esau, and he gets ready for war if needed. This is very similar to how the State of Israel acts today—always balancing between prayer, diplomacy, and being ready to defend itself. We saw this recently when Israel destroyed dangerous military bases in Syria to protect its borders and expanded the buffer zone on the Golan Heights. These actions remind me of Jacob’s wisdom and determination.

I also feel proud when I think about Ze’ev Jabotinsky, who is from my city, Odessa. He is someone I admire very much. Jabotinsky taught that the Jewish people must be strong to survive. Without defense, he said, there is no peace. He believed in unity and strength, and I see how Israel today follows his ideas. At the same time, Jabotinsky also understood that unity is power. When the Jewish people are divided, we are weaker, but when we stand together, no one can defeat us.

The Torah portion Vayishlach also teaches us something deeper about identity. After Jacob struggles with the angel, he is given a new name: Israel. This name is not only for him but for all of us. Jacob represents every Jew as an individual, with personal struggles and challenges. Israel represents the Jewish people as a united nation, working together for a common mission. This is who we are—we are both individuals and part of a bigger whole. Together, as one nation, we are stronger.

The portion also teaches us about the land of Israel. Jacob builds altars to thank God when he returns. This shows us that the land is not only a physical place; it must also be filled with Torah and holiness. A land without Torah is not truly a Jewish land. Torah gives the land its meaning and its purpose.

Shabbat reminds us of this holiness too. Our sages say that Shabbat is like a taste of the Moshiach Era. When we keep Shabbat, we bring the time of Moshiach closer. I feel very strongly that we are already living in the times of Moshiach. Everything is ready for his arrival. As it is said, Moshiach is about to come.

Shabbat Shalom, dear friends! I hope the lessons of Vayishlach inspire all of us to stay strong, work together, and honor both our personal and collective missions. May we help bring Moshiach closer and see a time of peace, unity, and holiness very soon.