Parashat Va-yishlach (Genesis 32:18 - 36:43)

A weekly Torah exploration for families by Michael S. Raileanu, M.A.Ed.

A weekly Torah exploration for families by Michael S. Raileanu, M.A.Ed.

In Genesis 32:18 - 36:43, Parashat Va-yishlach, the story of Jacob and his family reaches its high point. Jacob is returning from his time away and is just about to be reunited with his brother Esau. However important as that might be, to be sure the big event is when he spends a night wrestling with an Angel and ends-up getting his named changed to Israel.

1. Jacob sends a bunch of gifts ahead to meet his brother. Why does he do this? If someone sent you a ton of gifts out of the blue what might you think? What is the best gift you have ever received? Who gave it to you?
2. Jacob's employees tell him that Esau is headed his way with 400 men. Why is Esau coming with so many people? Can you think of a friendly reason why Esau might be doing this? What do you think Jacob thought when he heard this?
3. Just before meeting his brother, Jacob wrestles with the Angel all night. Who is the Angel? Why does he wrestle with him? Why won't the angel tell Jacob his name?
4. Jacob has his name changed to Israel. What does the name mean? Why does Jacob have to have his name changed? Is there any connection between the kind of guy Jacob was when he left for Haran and the kind of guy he is now as he heads home? Does his new name have anything to do with any changes he might have been through?
5. What does your name mean? If you could change it, what would you change it to? What does your last name mean? What country does it come from?

Copyright 2009 Michael S. Raileanu. All rights reserved.