Weekly Torah portion
Parascha Vayishlach וישלח
Genesis (Bereschit) · Genesis 32:4-36:43
„And he sent"
Summary
Jacob prepares to meet his estranged brother Esau after twenty years apart. He sends messengers with gifts, prays for divine protection, and physically prepares his family for a potential confrontation.
During the night, Jacob wrestles with a mysterious angel and prevails. As a result, his name is changed to Israel, signifying that he has struggled with the divine and with men and has overcome.
The brothers reconcile peacefully, though they eventually go their separate ways. The portion also records the birth of Benjamin, the death of Rachel, and the complex incident involving Dinah in the city of Shechem.
People
Jacob
The third patriarch who receives the new name Israel after wrestling with an angel.
Esau
Jacob's twin brother who greets him with an unexpected embrace and kiss.
Rachel
Jacob's beloved wife who dies while giving birth to his twelfth son.
Benjamin
The youngest of Jacob's sons and the only one born in the Land of Israel.
Dinah
The daughter of Jacob and Leah who is abducted by the prince of Shechem.
Isaac
Jacob's father who passes away at the age of 180 and is buried by his sons.
Key commandments (mitzvot)
Gid HaNasheh · Genesis 32:33
It is forbidden to eat the displaced nerve (sciatic nerve) of an animal in memory of Jacob's injury during his struggle with the angel.
Full text
Quiz & badge
Answer every question correctly to earn the badge.
1. What new name is given to Jacob after he wrestles with the angel?
2. Which part of an animal are Jews forbidden to eat based on this portion?
3. Who was the youngest of Jacob's twelve sons?
4. How did Esau react when he finally saw Jacob?