Rabbi’s Message

Rabbi Natan Halevy

Parashat Vayishlach 5785, BSD

Shalom Uvracha.

In this week’s Parasha we read about Jacobs reunion with Eisav. Part of Jacob’s message to Eisav is , “I lived with Lavan and I have tarried (delayed up until now)”.

The Hebrew phrase Jacob uses, “גַּרְתִּי” (garti), meaning “I lived,” carries hidden depth. The numerical value (gematria) of גַּרְתִּי is 613, hinting at Jacob’s adherence to the mitzvot (commandments) even while residing in Lavan’s corrupt household. Jacob was conveying to Esav that despite being in an environment of deceit, materialism, and spiritual impurity, he remained steadfast in his connection to holiness and the Divine will. This demonstrates Jacob’s spiritual resilience and his ability to maintain sanctity in a realm of impurity.

The Torah is always speaking in a simple physical sense, however certain verses are much more well understood when we comprehend them in a deeper, more spiritual sense.

Jacob knew that Eisav was intimately intertwined with the side of evil. Although he was his twin brother and the son of the holy Isaac and Rebeccah, Eisav had completely abused his spiritual power and fallen to the lowest depths. So much so that at this point, Eisav was the physical embodiment of the spiritual dominion of evil, which is diametrically opposed to the dominion of holiness.

Jacob’s message to Esav, “I lived with Lavan and I have tarried,” has layers of meaning, both in the straightforward sense and on a deeper, spiritual level. While the plain meaning of Jacob’s words indicates that he was explaining his delay in returning to Canaan, the deeper interpretation reveals his spiritual insight and the strategy he employed in his encounter with Eisav.

Eisav, representing the forces of unholiness (klipah), might have hoped that Jacob, having lived in Lavan’s corrupt surroundings, had been spiritually weakened or tarnished. Jacob’s message counters this assumption. By stating that he lived with Lavan and remained loyal to the mitzvot, Jacob was affirming that he had not succumbed to the influences of evil. He was, in essence, declaring his spiritual strength and alignment with holiness, making it clear that he was not vulnerable to Eisav’s dominion.

The delay Jacob mentions  symbolizes his deliberate process of spiritual preparation. Jacob’s extended stay with Lavan allowed him to extract and elevate sparks of holiness trapped in that environment, a concept central to Kabbalistic thought. By refining the spiritual potential within Lavan’s house, Jacob fortified himself for his eventual encounter with Eisav.

Jacob’s declaration to Eisav also served as a subtle warning. By emphasizing his unwavering faith and moral clarity, Jacob was demonstrating that he was spiritually fortified and not an easy target for Eisav’s dominion of evil. This proclamation of spiritual integrity acted as a defense, ensuring that their reunion would be one of reconciliation rather than conflict.

Jacob’s experience teaches a profound lesson: Even when immersed in a challenging or spiritually hostile environment, it is possible to remain true to one’s values and purpose. By staying connected to holiness and engaging in spiritual work, we too can transform darkness into light and prepare ourselves for encounters with adversity.

Jacob’s message encapsulates his spiritual journey and his ability to maintain integrity in the face of immense challenges—a timeless model of faith, resilience, and the power of holiness.

When Jacob said “he had lived with Lavan”, he was hinting to Eisav that he had merited the mastery of Torah learning and Prayer, which are related to action and mental achievement. Through this Jacob had merited the ‘power of holiness’ which is the opposite of the ‘brazenness of evil’ which Eisav had mastered (as mentioned above). 

Having the power of holiness gives one the ability to defeat and subdue the side of evil, the ‘kingdom of Eisav’. Thus Jacob knew he was able to defeat Eisav at this point.

Jacob’s words, “I have delayed until now”, hold profound spiritual significance, revealing Jacob’s elevated spiritual state and his intent in preparing for his encounter with Eisav. This statement encapsulates Jacob’s aspirations for continuous spiritual growth and his mastery over the forces of holiness, which stand in stark contrast to Eisav’s brazenness and embodiment of evil. Jacob’s delay reflects his recognition of the ever-expanding nature of spiritual attainment. While Jacob had already achieved great heights through Torah learning and prayer—tools that empower holiness—his words indicate that he did not rest on his achievements. Instead, Jacob expressed his deep longing for an even greater connection to Hashem, a yearning that renders all previous accomplishments as relatively insubstantial.

This teaches us that true spiritual mastery requires constant striving and presence. It is not enough to achieve greatness in Torah learning or prayer; one must continuously yearn for deeper understanding and greater connection to Hashem. This process ensures that previous achievements are not an endpoint but a stepping stone to even higher levels of Divine service.

This spiritual striving aligns with the concept of “ratzo v’shov” (running and returning), the dynamic relationship between yearning for the infinite and grounding oneself in the present. Jacob embodies this balance, as his mastery over prayer demonstrates his ability to be fully present in the awe of Hashem while simultaneously reaching for higher perceptions. 

Jacob’s focus on the power of prayer, rooted in awe of Hashem, reveals his secret to attaining true presence in every moment. Prayer, especially when coupled with awe, allows one to transcend the physical and connect with the eternal. This presence, described as “lengthy days” and “authentic life,” reflects a state of living fully aligned with the Divine purpose, free from the distractions and illusions of the temporal world.

Jacob was not only demonstrating his spiritual preparedness but also showing that his delay was purposeful. He had taken the time to refine himself and achieve the highest level of service to Hashem, one in which every moment is imbued with holiness and clarity.

By conveying these ideas, Jacob was signaling to Eisav that his power was not derived from brazenness or material strength but from the holiness he had cultivated through relentless spiritual work. This holiness, rooted in the Torah and prayer, gave Jacob the ability to defeat and nullify the forces of evil, represented by Eisav’s kingdom.

Eisav’s brazenness, as described in Kabbalistic terms as a “king without a crown,” symbolizes unbridled, undeserved power that has no legitimate source. This contrasts sharply with Jacob’s approach, which is rooted in humility and submission to the Divine will. By emphasizing his spiritual mastery through Torah, prayer, and presence, Jacob was declaring his ability to counter and subdue Eisav’s dominion of evil.

Moreover, Jacob’s ability to counter Eisav’s brazenness with humility and holiness reminds us that true power lies in alignment with Hashem’s will. Through Torah, prayer, and presence, we can draw down the “crown” of holiness and establish a realm of righteousness and light in opposition to the forces of darkness.

This is an eternal lesson for all generations about the transformative power of living fully in the moment, anchored in holiness and connection to Hashem.

To live completely connected to the moment is to recognize that the present is the intersection between the Divine and the human. It is only in this moment, not in the past or the future, that we can act, connect, and elevate. When we align ourselves with this understanding, every action—even mundane tasks—becomes an opportunity for sanctification and growth. This is the secret of transforming time-bound moments into experiences that transcend time.

Jacob’s life teaches that holiness and presence are achievable when we stay connected to the righteous individuals of our generation and immerse ourselves in the teachings of the Torah. These connections provide a spiritual framework that enables us to subdue the distractions and chaos of the “kingdom of Eisav” (the forces of unholiness) and instead draw upon the “power of holiness.”

By anchoring ourselves in this framework, we gain the clarity and strength to focus on what truly matters. The presence we cultivate in our lives not only helps us live fully but also empowers us to elevate the material world and bring it closer to its Divine purpose.

The tendency to dwell on past regrets or future anxieties often pulls us away from the present, leaving us fragmented and unable to experience life fully. Jacob’s message to Eisav serves as a reminder that through spiritual connection, we can rise above these tendencies. Guilt over the past or worry about the future can entangle us in emotions that detract from our ability to serve Hashem and fulfill our potential in the now.

Instead, by focusing on the good within our power at this very moment, we create a ripple effect of holiness that extends beyond the immediate. This mindset allows us to approach life with clarity, purpose, and joy.

When we bring holiness into our daily lives—whether through prayer, Torah study, or acts of kindness—we sanctify the mundane. Jacob’s ability to remain steadfast in holiness, even in Lavan’s deceitful and materialistic environment, exemplifies this transformative power. This practice is accessible to us as well: by intentionally infusing meaning into our actions, we lift our lives above the confines of time and align them with eternal truths.

Ultimately, the lesson is this: the present moment is not just a passage of time; it is the gateway to holiness and connection with Hashem. By embracing the good we can do now and letting go of distractions, we open ourselves to a life of spiritual presence and fulfillment. As Jacob hinted, this potential exists in every generation, and it is through our connection to Torah and righteous leaders that we can access it.

Through this way of living, we transform not only ourselves but also the world around us, creating a reality where holiness and presence illuminate even the darkest corners of life.

May we merit to experience these blessings in our lives.

Shabbat Shalom!