Jacob and the Angel of The Other
Several weeks ago I taught on the Torah portion where Yaa’kov (Jacob) wrestles with a mysterious figure in the night-time, and I though I’d share what I taught here, a meditation on forgiveness, reconciliation, and trauma as the year ends.
Several weeks ago Jews read the weekly Torah portion “Vayeitze,” where Ya’akov left Be’er Sheva in the Holy Land and went north to Haran. The Hasidic Rebbe the Sfas Emes (Yehudah Leib Alter, 1847–1905) points out that this symbolizes the soul leaving behind the well (be’er) of Shabbat (sheva) to go into the materiality of the world- from the place of p’nimiyut (internal spirit) to the place of gashmiyut (mundane concern). In the following Torah portion, “Vayishlach,” he is returning to the Holy Land and therefore to the place of p’nimiyut, which besides internality can also paradoxically mean the Face (panim).
As we shall see Ya’akov will be tested on the way with a meeting with the face of the Other, the face of his brother Esav.
Ya’akov has sent messengers and gifts along before him to his estranged brother and sent his family along ahead of him. He has prepared for possible battle with him and the men that accompany him. Ya’akov will stay alone for the night.
“Vayivater Ya’akov levado- And Ya’akov was left alone (levado)”(Bereishit 32:25). The Midrash says, “Ya’akov was…
