
In Vayishlach, it seems that Jacob had no other choice but to confront Esau if he was going to complete his return to his original home and family. The midrash, however, claims he had another option of a route that would have avoided the whole scenario to begin with. Indeed, the midrash quotes a verse from Proverbs (26:17) and compares him to grabbing a dog by the ear for no reason.The Zohar comes to defend Jacob by saying his intention was that rapprochement had to happen eventually, and would only be fully meaningful if their father was still alive. Hence, Jacob had to force the issue at that time as their father was quite old.
Reconciliation is always a difficult task, but we have to be careful we do not procrastinate past the time when it would be truly meaningful.
Rabbi Glass is away this Shabbat and Harvey Herbert will deliver the Dvar Torah.
We are pleased to join with JCP for a Chanukah candle lighting on our plaza on Thursday December 2, at 6pm. If you would like to join us please register at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdEtYD3xbxa3T7owYUB_lxqB9W-wFbpBqS_-sFSOUggIPC-5A/viewform
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