This week’s Torah reading continues the dramatic journey of Jacob, who is fleeing from his brother after stealing his blessing and manipulating him out of his birthright. Now, he divides his family to protect them, as he has heard that his brother is headed to meet him with 400 men. Jacob wrestles some kind of opponent in the night, and he prevails. Tradition identifies the opponent as an angel, some say specifically Esau’s angel, or possibly Jacob’s own conscience. Jacob survives and even wins his request for a blessing.
Much later in the reading, God instructs Jacob to return to Beit El – where his earlier dream of the ladder occurred – and to settle there. Jacob not only does this but he instructs his entire household to engage in a process of cleansing themselves and giving up their foreign idols before they set out for Beth El. Amazingly, they do this immediately.
Maybe the ordeal of facing his own conscience and the reality of needing to face his brother enable him to act with integrity and to lead others. The story of Jacob’s wrestling match is iconic – the idea of a ‘dark night of the soul’ is powerful. One of the great questions of spiritual life is that of what enables a dark night of self-doubt, fear and struggle to turn into one of transformation. While we may face those nights feeling alone, sharing the doubts and fears can give us courage, and knowledge that we are truly not alone. May our community be a place for this kind of support and deep connection, as well as one of celebration, joy and creativity. See you at shul!
Shabbat shalom,
Rabbi Julie Saxe-Taller
Vayishlach (Genesis 32:4-36:43) Torah Reading on Dec. 6, 2025
December 6, 2025 by Rabbi Julie Saxe-Taller • D'var Torah
This week’s Torah reading continues the dramatic journey of Jacob, who is fleeing from his brother after stealing his blessing and manipulating him out of his birthright. Now, he divides his family to protect them, as he has heard that his brother is headed to meet him with 400 men. Jacob wrestles some kind of opponent in the night, and he prevails. Tradition identifies the opponent as an angel, some say specifically Esau’s angel, or possibly Jacob’s own conscience. Jacob survives and even wins his request for a blessing.
Much later in the reading, God instructs Jacob to return to Beit El – where his earlier dream of the ladder occurred – and to settle there. Jacob not only does this but he instructs his entire household to engage in a process of cleansing themselves and giving up their foreign idols before they set out for Beth El. Amazingly, they do this immediately.
Maybe the ordeal of facing his own conscience and the reality of needing to face his brother enable him to act with integrity and to lead others. The story of Jacob’s wrestling match is iconic – the idea of a ‘dark night of the soul’ is powerful. One of the great questions of spiritual life is that of what enables a dark night of self-doubt, fear and struggle to turn into one of transformation. While we may face those nights feeling alone, sharing the doubts and fears can give us courage, and knowledge that we are truly not alone. May our community be a place for this kind of support and deep connection, as well as one of celebration, joy and creativity. See you at shul!
Shabbat shalom,
Rabbi Julie Saxe-Taller