Parsha Talk Vayishlah 5786 2025

Parashat Va-yishlach [Genesis 32:4-36:43] features Jacob’s reunion with Esau, but not before his fateful encounter with the mystery combatant, sometimes identified as Esau’s guardian angel, sometimes with Jacob himself, and sometimes as some other figure. Jacob reunites with his father ever so briefly, ever so cryptically, at the end of chapter 35:27. There is also the horrific assault on Dinah, Jacob’s only daughter. There was a lot to talk about, including the various family relationships highlighted in this parashah and elsewhere in Genesis. We hope you enjoy it! We continue to keep in mind the two remaining hostages, may they be returned speedily to their families. We are also mindful of the men and women defending Israel as part of the Israel Defense Forces, may they be removed from harm’s way. Shabbat Shalom.