VAYISHLACH

Shalom, Shalom. We commence this DEVAR TORAH by focusing our attention on the opening scenario. The SIDRAH begins with a description of YAACOB’S plan to gain perception on ESAV’S demeanor towards him on his return home. To gain perception, YAACOB sent forth MALACHIM (messengers) to inform ESAV of his return. The MALACHIM were instructed to present YAACOB as an EVED (servant) to ESAV, who had amassed wealth and is seeking his favor. The MALACHIM met with ESAV and returned with the report that ESAV was on the way to meet him with four hundred men. Because YITZCHAK had blessed ESAV with MILITARY MIGHT and along with the anger that he harbored on account of the deception YAACOB had committed in receiving the BLESSING, the meeting was frightful to YAACOB. In response to the fear that he experienced, YAACOB addresses ECHAD concerning the DREAM that he had at BETH-EL, he declared, “Rescue me, please, from the hand of my brother, from the hand of ESAV for I fear him lest he come and strike me down, mother and children. And YOU had said I will surely do good with you, and I will make your offspring like the sand of the sea which is too numerous to count.” Genesis 32:12,13. YAACOB’S response to the EVENT discloses what it means to be a Jew. To be a Jew is to be in BRIT (COVENANT) with ECHAD.

A BRIT is descriptive of a LEGAL RELATIONSHIP, yea, it is a CONTRACT between two parties. When there is a breach between the two parties based upon what seems to be a failure on the part of one in the performance of what has been agreed on, the complaining party has a right to address. A BRIT had been cut between ECHAD and YAACOB, with the promise that He would do good to YAACOB and make his offspring numerous like the sand of the sea. ESAV’S approach was threatening, YAACOB’S response was to remind ECHAD about the BRIT. As aforementioned, this relationship between ECHAD and YAACOB is descriptive of what it means to be a JEW, yea, the JEW is in BRIT relationship with G-d by way of a LEGAL commitment binding to TORAH. When there is seemingly a breach that occurs, the JEW has a right to state the case. The stating of the case is termed HITBODEDUT.

To be a JEW is to have another perspective of G-d. This perspective is based upon the ORAL LAW, that is, the ROOT LANGUAGE of TORAH. Our relationship begins as a personal relationship based upon a LEGAL BINDING to TORAH. This LEGAL BINDING when observed will engender an ASCENSION into that which is IMPERSONAL where we will ACTUALIZE our CONSCIOUS UNION with ECHAD into BEING.