From the week of December 9

Our narrative of Jacob’s adventures now unfolds with a preparation and realization that he must confront Esau, and find a measure of peace. Twenty years have passed and Jacob is a rich man, returning to Canaan. Near the River Jabbok, he meets his brother and detects that Esau is armed with a retinue of four hundred men.

The Genesis story is interested in origins. So this confrontation between brothers leads us to the origin of the name “Israel.”  The text also speaks of the ancient tradition that Jews do not eat the thigh, or sciatica area of an animal. Both of these ideas are described as a result of the wrestling match between Jacob and the river demon.

As a result of the all night bout, Jacob-Israel walks away limping because “the hollow of Jacob’s thigh was strained,” chapter 32: 26. Finally the next morning, Jacob meets Esau and there is a profound reconciliation.

Join us for an exciting discussion this Shabbat morning on zoom.