8: Vayishlach
Welcome to TLDR Torah: a synopsis of the weekly parsha based on Robert Alter’s translation, plus a question to spur your Shabbat dinner (or any!) conversation.
Parsha Vayishlach (Genesis 32:4-36:43)
TLDR:
Jacob sends messengers to assuage Esav, who is approaching with 400 men. Fearing for his family’s safety, Jacob strategically splits his camp and sends large gifts to Esav in batches. For Esav, Chanukah came early.
Meanwhile, by the river Jabbok, Jacob wrestles with a “man” (an angel? river demon? Esav’s spirit?) until dawn. The man gives Jacob a new name - Israel. Unlike with Abraham’s name change, the Torah still refers to Jacob as… Jacob.
Jacob and Esav meet. There’s no violence but there’s still bad blood. Jacob implores Esav to accept his gifts, but masters the art of saying no to Esav’s suggestion that they travel together.
Dinah, Leah’s daughter, is travelling about the land when Shechem, a Hivite, “saw her and took her and lay with her and abused her.” The translation, particularly of the term “va’y’aneh” (abused, defiled, violated, etc.) is much-debated, with obvious moral implications. See The Red Tent for a literary view that gives Dinah more of a voice.
Shechem, in love with Dinah, and his father negotiate with Jacob. Jacob’s sons promise to grant the marriage on the condition that Shechem and his tribe get circumcised, which they do. Three days later, Jacob’s sons Simeon and Levi kill all the males and take Dinah away (apparently held captive). Jacob’s other sons follow up by plundering the town. Jacob’s only reaction is to declare, “You have brought trouble on me.” The moral issues here really add up.
Jacob builds an alter to God, who re-commits to the Abrahamic covenant. Rachel dies while giving birth to Benjamin and Isaac dies at 180 years old.
Question:
Jacob reconnects with Esav by ingratiating himself over time. Is that the best approach to repair a friendship (or in this case, brotherly love)? Or is it better to admit wrong-doing and confront the issue head-on? When do you take one approach versus the other?