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Genesis 32:29 - Struggle defines Israel's destiny

Genesis 32:29 - בראשית 32:29

Hebrew Text

וַיֹּאמֶר לֹא יַעֲקֹב יֵאָמֵר עוֹד שִׁמְךָ כִּי אִם־יִשְׂרָאֵל כִּי־שָׂרִיתָ עִם־אֱלֹהִים וְעִם־אֲנָשִׁים וַתּוּכָל׃

English Translation

And he said, Thy name shall be called no more Ya῾aqov, but Yisra᾽el: for thou hast contended with God and with men, and hast prevailed.

Transliteration

Vayomer lo Yaakov ye'amer od shimcha ki im-Yisrael ki-sarita im-Elohim ve'im-anashim vatuchal.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיֹּ֗אמֶר לֹ֤א יַעֲקֹב֙ יֵאָמֵ֥ר עוֹד֙ שִׁמְךָ֔ כִּ֖י אִם־יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל כִּֽי־שָׂרִ֧יתָ עִם־אֱלֹהִ֛ים וְעִם־אֲנָשִׁ֖ים וַתּוּכָֽל׃
וַיֹּ֗אמֶר לֹ֤א יַעֲקֹב֙ יֵאָמֵ֥ר עוֹד֙ שִׁמְךָ֔ כִּ֖י אִם־יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל כִּֽי־שָׂרִ֧יתָ עִם־אֱלֹהִ֛ים וְעִם־אֲנָשִׁ֖ים וַתּוּכָֽל׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

The Transformation of Yaakov to Yisrael

The verse (Bereshit 32:29) marks a pivotal moment in Yaakov Avinu's life, where his name is changed to Yisrael after wrestling with a mysterious figure (understood by Chazal as the guardian angel of Esav, as per Rashi). This transformation signifies a spiritual elevation and a new role in the destiny of Klal Yisrael.

Meaning of the Name Yisrael

The name Yisrael (ישראל) is derived from the root שרה, meaning "to strive" or "to prevail." The Torah explains the name: "כִּי־שָׂרִיתָ עִם־אֱלֹהִים וְעִם־אֲנָשִׁים וַתּוּכָל"—"for you have contended with Divine beings and with men, and have prevailed." Rashi explains that this refers to Yaakov's struggle with the angel and his earlier confrontations with Lavan and Esav.

Spiritual Significance of the Struggle

The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 77:3) elaborates that Yaakov's struggle symbolizes the future challenges of the Jewish people—confronting both physical adversaries (represented by "men") and spiritual trials (represented by "Divine beings"). The Ramban adds that this name change reflects Yaakov's transition from an individual patriarch to the progenitor of the nation of Yisrael, who would endure and triumph through all hardships.

Halachic Implications of the Name Change

The Gemara (Berachot 13a) discusses whether the name "Yaakov" was entirely replaced by "Yisrael" or if both names remained in use. The conclusion is that both names are valid, but "Yisrael" holds greater sanctity. The Rambam (Hilchot Tefillah 1:4) rules that one may use either name in prayer, though "Yisrael" is preferable due to its elevated status.

Lessons for Future Generations

  • Perseverance in Struggle: Yaakov's victory teaches that spiritual and physical challenges are inevitable, but with faith and resilience, one can overcome them (Sforno).
  • Dual Identity: The retention of both names signifies that while Jews must rise to spiritual heights (Yisrael), they must also remain grounded in their human struggles (Yaakov) (Kli Yakar).
  • National Destiny: The name Yisrael foreshadows the Jewish people's eternal role as a nation that "contends with the world" yet endures (Malbim).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Berakhot 13a
The verse is discussed in the context of the significance of name changes in the Torah, particularly focusing on the transformation from Ya'aqov to Yisra'el and its implications for Jewish identity.
📖 Megillah 17b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the names of the patriarchs and their spiritual significance, emphasizing the moment Ya'aqov becomes Yisra'el as a pivotal event in Jewish history.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why was Jacob's name changed to Israel?
A: Jacob's name was changed to Israel (Yisra'el) after he wrestled with an angel (Genesis 32:29). The name 'Israel' means 'one who struggles with God,' signifying his spiritual strength and perseverance. Rashi explains that this name change reflects Jacob's elevated status after proving his devotion and ability to overcome challenges.
Q: What does 'you have struggled with God and with men and have prevailed' mean?
A: This phrase means that Jacob successfully faced both spiritual and physical challenges. The Talmud (Chullin 91a) explains that 'struggling with God' refers to his confrontation with the angel, while 'struggling with men' refers to his conflicts with Esau and Laban. His ability to prevail demonstrates his righteousness and determination.
Q: Is the name 'Jacob' still used after he was renamed 'Israel'?
A: Yes, the Torah continues to refer to him as both Jacob (Ya'akov) and Israel (Yisra'el) at different times. Rashi (Genesis 46:2) explains that 'Jacob' is used in contexts of humility or exile, while 'Israel' is used when referring to his greatness or leadership role.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Jacob being renamed Israel?
A: This teaches us the importance of spiritual growth and perseverance. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 77:1) highlights that Jacob's struggle and name change symbolize the Jewish people's ability to overcome difficulties while maintaining faith in Hashem. It reminds us that challenges can elevate a person to a higher spiritual level.
Q: Why is the name 'Israel' significant for the Jewish people?
A: The name 'Israel' became the eternal name for the Jewish people, as we are called 'Bnei Yisrael' (Children of Israel). The Rambam (Mishneh Torah, Hilchot Teshuvah 3:11) teaches that this name represents our unique relationship with Hashem—one of struggle, devotion, and ultimate triumph in upholding Torah values.