"Like an award-winning movie whose opening scene captivates the attention of the viewer, generating a question whose answer then unfolds over the course of the film, this week’s Torah portion, Vayishlach, opens to a fascinating exchange between Jacob and his messenger “angels.”"
There is still much that Jacob faces what he believes is an existential threat: confronting his brother Esau. This moment could either heal the rifts in their family or threaten his very life. Jacob thinks first about his family and only afterward about himself. After he takes measures to protect those he loves, he undergoes an experience that defines the Jewish people and goes across the river where he “struggles” with the angel.
It is from this brief exchange that the Torah teaches us an important life lesson; it’s not until you face the possibility of losing everything that you realize what’s important to you.
I’m sure these last few years have been extremely hard for you, just as it has been for me. I almost lost two family members and have struggled with major stomach problems (and those of you who know me, know I am doing much better) but I learned who my true friends are and what is important to me. I have realized what I enjoy doing and what I want to do with my life which is why I am graduating two years early and going to Israel because I yearn to be there.
Over Shabbat and Thanksgiving break, I ask you to think about what’s important to you and what your attainable goals are and how you will achieve them. Just how Jacob and I realize what’s important to us, I hope you do as well.
Shabbat Shalom Adina Ichilov :)