Vayishlach (He Sent) B’resheet/Genesis 32:4-36:43

Vayishlach(He Sent) B’resheet/Genesis 32:4-36:43

Haftorah Reading: Hosea 11:7-12:12

Today we study a Torah portion with many twists and turns. We read of Jacob’s return to the land after being gone more than 20 years. We also read of the death of Rachel and her burial. I would first like us to start our discussion talking about Rachel.

What Do You Fear? – Vayishlach, Genesis 32

Torah Portion: Vayishlach Genesis 32:4-36:43

HafTorah: Hosea 11:7-12:12, Obadiah 1:1-21

Matthew 26:36-46, Hebrews 11:11-20

Tonight we look at the Torah section that brings Jacob back to the Land. It covers his reunion with his brother as well as the death of his first love, Rachel.

I want us to look at a couple of things that I think the L-rd has for us tonight. First I want to explore the last question that I sent out to you. Why did Jacob fear Esau? He had heard the promises of G-d and experienced the blessings of G-d so why do we see him here overcome with fear? Remember he had recently dealt with Laban who also persecuted him yet he showed no fear in this meeting. So why here? Maybe he was feeling guilt for what he had done to Esau. Maybe he thought Esau had held on to his anger for 20 + years. Remember Rebecca had said she would send for him when Esau’s anger cooled. Yet she never did. So maybe his anger never cooled. It could have been a number of things. So it is hard to settle on one.