Community Blog

In this week’s Torah Portion, Jacob wrestles with “a man”. There is a noticeable lack of details in the scene. Is this man some random assailant? An angel? A dream? Jacob’s inner turmoil? Some combination of the above?

These answers may be unknowable or only knowable through our own lens of understanding – whether we are struggling with our own psyche, whether we feel that the world is against us, whether we feel we must wrestle with God to better understand ourselves and the world. All such struggles have the potential for great hardship, but out of these dark and painful moments can come life-changing realizations and blessings, such as Jacob’s becoming Israel.

Take a moment now to check in with yourself – what combination of these struggles are you facing now, and what is the blessing you demand out of the encounter? May you come through your struggles with blessing and inner peace, satisfied with new knowledge and with the eternal not-knowing, and may you lead your people with strength.