Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why was Yaakov left alone before wrestling with the angel?
A: Rashi explains that Yaakov returned alone to retrieve small jars he had forgotten on the other side of the river. This teaches us the importance of not wasting even small possessions, as the righteous value everything Hashem gives them.
Q: What is the significance of Yaakov wrestling with the angel?
A: The Midrash teaches that this angel was the spiritual guardian of Esav. Yaakov's struggle represents the ongoing spiritual battle between the Jewish people and the forces that oppose them throughout history. His victory shows that with perseverance, we can overcome challenges.
Q: Why did the wrestling match last until dawn?
A: The Talmud (Chullin 91a) explains that angels can only function during the night. At dawn, the angel had to leave, showing that spiritual struggles often have set durations, and we must persist until the challenge passes.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Yaakov being alone during this struggle?
A: The Rambam teaches that sometimes our greatest spiritual growth happens when we're alone with Hashem. Yaakov's isolation shows that personal struggles with our yetzer hara (evil inclination) are ultimately between us and Hashem.
Q: How does this story apply to our lives today?
A: Just as Yaakov prepared to face Esav by dividing his camp and praying, then had this spiritual struggle, we learn that major life challenges require both practical preparation (hishtadlus) and spiritual readiness (tefillah and personal growth).
The Isolation of Yaakov
The verse states, "וַיִּוָּתֵר יַעֲקֹב לְבַדּוֹ" ("And Yaakov was left alone"). Rashi explains that Yaakov had forgotten small jars and returned to retrieve them, demonstrating his righteousness—even for seemingly insignificant possessions, as the righteous value their belongings acquired through honest labor (Chullin 91a). This teaches the importance of hashavat aveidah (returning lost items) and avoiding waste.
The Struggle with the Angel
The phrase "וַיֵּאָבֵק אִישׁ עִמּוֹ" ("and a man wrestled with him") is interpreted by the Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 77:3) as the angel of Esav, representing the spiritual struggle between Yaakov and his brother's forces. Ramban adds that this confrontation symbolizes the future challenges Yaakov's descendants would face against hostile nations.
The Significance of Dawn
The struggle lasted "עַד עֲלוֹת הַשָּׁחַר" ("until the break of dawn"). The Talmud (Chullin 91b) notes that angels, who sing praises at night, must depart at daybreak—hence the angel's urgency to leave. This also alludes to the eventual redemption, as dawn symbolizes the end of exile (Sanhedrin 98a).
Key Lessons from the Verse