Community Torah Corner - December 5, 2025

Shabbat Shalom. This week's parsha is Vayishlach, where Jacob returns to Canaan after 20 years, to reconcile with his brother, Esav. Jacob is informed by his messengers that Esav is on a warpath with 400 men, so he prepares for war, sending gifts of livestock ahead, to appease Esav. That same night, Jacob leads his family across the Yabbok River, when he encounters a nameless, shapeless opponent in the dark. They begin to wrestle, and when Jacob wins, the being names him Israel, ”He who prevails over the divine." 

As Jacob wrestles this unidentified opponent, he is unsure of what the future will hold. The being represents Jacobs' doubts and fears, which he eventually overcomes with its defeat. Jacob is teaching us a crucial lesson here: He worries for the outcome of his and Esav's reconciliation, as all his hopes and fears surround him. Despite not knowing what the future holds, Jacob wrestles the being and wins, proving to all of us that no matter the obstacle, if we face it head-on just as Jacob did, we can overcome anything we want to.

From winning that sports match to facing your fear of presenting in front of the class, you can confront anything—just like Jacob did—even if the future appears as a big question mark in front of you. As you continue throughout your day, remember Jacob's courage to face the future and how you can embody those values in your daily life. Don’t worry about the future—worry about what you can do now, in the present.