Weekly Dvar Torah: Yaacov and Eisav – A Story of Redemption and Purpose

When Yaacov (Jacob) met his brother Eisav (Esau) after 22 years of separation, their conversation carried layers of profound meaning. Eisav suggested, “Let’s travel, and I will come along with you,” to which Yaacov replied, “The children are tender, and the growing herds depend on me; if we push them too hard, the flocks will die. You go ahead before me, and I will move at a slower pace, according to the work and the pace of the children, until I come to your place in Seir.”

This encounter marked the culmination of Yaacov’s transformative journey. After fleeing Eisav, who sought to kill him for taking the blessings meant for the firstborn, Yaacov spent 22 years in the house of Lavan (Laban), a man known for deceit and manipulation. Against all odds, Yaacov built a family and amassed great wealth, elevating the sparks of holiness embedded in his challenging circumstances. This reunion was not merely a familial reconciliation but a critical moment in Yaacov’s mission to refine the world and uplift the G-dly sparks concealed within it.

The concept of G-dly sparks is rooted in the mystical understanding of creation. When G-d created the world, He concealed Himself to allow for existence as we know it. However, the world still requires divine energy to exist. The rule is: the higher something originates, the farther it falls. This explains why the most elevated G-dly sparks can be found in the lowest places. For example, human beings, the pinnacle of creation, derive sustenance from animals and plants, which contain higher spiritual sparks.

Yaacov’s mission was to retrieve and elevate these sparks. In Eisav, the bloodthirsty hunter, and Lavan, the conniver, Yaacov saw potential for holiness. His time with Lavan allowed him to refine these sparks spiritually. However, as Yaacov told Eisav, the process was incomplete. While major challenges had been overcome, smaller sparks remained to be refined. Yaacov recognized that true refinement required physical observance of mitzvot, something only possible after G-d gave the Torah at Sinai.

Yaacov left the task of complete refinement for future generations. Our mission is to engage with the physical world—putting on tefillin, lighting Shabbos candles, giving charity, and maintaining ethical behavior—to elevate the remaining sparks and prepare the world for Moshiach (the Messiah). Each mitzvah brings us closer to the ultimate redemption.

Yaacov’s pursuit of Eisav exemplifies his recognition of Eisav’s high spiritual source. Though Eisav had fallen far, his origin was lofty. Like bricks falling from a high wall, the highest ones end up the farthest away. Yaacov sought to reconnect Eisav to his divine source, using gifts, prayers, and strategies to win his favor. Their eventual embrace symbolizes the potential for unity and redemption.

Their agreement to meet in the future hints at the ultimate redemption, when Moshiach will gather all souls, even those that have fallen the farthest, and bring them back to their source. Yaacov’s efforts teach us never to give up on anyone, no matter how far they seem to have strayed.

This mission is echoed in the lives of the Chabad Rebbes, who faced immense challenges to illuminate Judaism with new depth and vitality. The Alter Rebbe, imprisoned by the Russian czar for his revolutionary teachings, was miraculously freed, signaling divine approval of his work. His son, the Mitteler Rebbe, carried this torch, emphasizing the importance of settling and farming the land as a G-dly mission to unite the spiritual and physical worlds.

The Rebbe, whose 96th wedding anniversary we celebrate this week, a day the Rebbe declared as “the day that connected me with you (the Chassidim) and you with me,” by virtue of him becoming the successor to his father-in-law, the Previous Rebbe, took this mission to new levels. He did this by teaching us the value of every mitzvah and every Jewish soul. Even one act can tilt the world toward redemption. This mission, passed down through seven generations, continues to inspire us to create a dwelling place for G-d in this world, fulfilling His ultimate desire.

Yaacov’s life teaches us to embrace our mission with perseverance and faith. From refining sparks to engaging in mitzvot, we contribute to a grand tapestry leading to the final redemption. Let us seize the opportunity to elevate ourselves and our world, fulfilling Yaacov’s vision and hastening the arrival of Moshiach.

I write these words from Ellenville New York, where I am visiting with my daughter, the Shlucha Chaya Mushka Raskin (author of “The Gift of Children”), on the occasion of the Bris of her new baby boy who will eventually help with the Minyan in their beautiful Shul. May we merit to see much Nachas from him and all her other beautiful children for many many years to come as they fulfil their part of the mission of our holy Rebbe’s, to help bring Moshiach Now!!!

Mazal Tov!!!

Have a refined and redemptive Shabbos,
Gut Shabbos

Rabbi Yosef Katzman