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 National Young Leadership
The Jewish Federations of North America
Parshat Vayishlach

December 5, 2014

This week’s Shabbat Message was written by Co-chair Designate Beth Liss from Kansas City.

Dear Chevre,

Parshat Vayishlach begins with Jacob’s return to see his brother Esau after 20 years apart. They had not parted on good terms as Esau vowed to kill Jacob for stealing their father’s blessing. Rebecca sends Jacob away to wait until his brother’s rage calms down.
 
Jacob is consumed with great fear about seeing Esau. He worries about his brother’s plans for vengeance. According to the Midrash, the rabbis present a more complicated characterization of Jacob than is obvious in the Torah. Jacob fears both his brother’s wrath and what he might have to do to his brother in his own defense.
 
This text teaches us a lesson about responding to violence in the world without compromising our own humanity. Jewish tradition imposes limits on our use of force, even in legitimate self-defense, be it full-scale warfare or interpersonal conflict. This invites us to consider how to fight evil without becoming evil. In the world today, we are confronted with anti-Semitism, hatred and violence. There are times when we face genuine threats to our safety or survival. As Jews, we are required to respond swiftly to instances of injustice. Yet, we are challenged to find a morally responsible stance on the continuum between total pacifism and overpowering aggression. We always aim for peace, especially in the midst of war. Jewish values call us to be unwilling fighters, like Jacob in the midrash, finding a balance between self-preservation and the ethical use of power.
 
In this week’s parsha, it turns out that Jacob ultimately had nothing to fear. When reunited with Esau, they embrace and kiss, but then part ways. As we wrestle with overcoming fears of hatred, violence and the fate of Jewish communities around the world, may we find the strength to create bridges, find partners in peace, and spread hope.
 

Shabbat Shalom,


Beth