“our lives are most meaningful when they contribute to something greater than ourselves”
It has been said that there are two important days in one’s life, the day you were born and the day you find out why you were born. Orrin Woodward writes in his book, “Resolved” !3 Resolutions for LIFE, “No one can choose the day he was born, but everyone can choose responsibility for discovering why he was born”. In Parashat Vayishlach we find a rich narrative filled with encounters that highlight the complexities of relationships and purpose. One of the central themes of the parashah is Yaakov's confrontation with his past, his fears, and ultimately, his own identity as he returns to the land of Canaan. This theme offers profound insights into the concept of purpose.
In one of the most dramatic episodes in the Torah, Yaakov is wrestling with an unnamed "man" through the night (Bereishit 32:25-33). This struggle, traditionally understood as a battle with an angel or a reflection of Yaakov's inner turmoil, culminates in Yaakov receiving the name "Israel," meaning "one who struggles with G-d." This moment is transformative, not only because of the name change but because it defines Yaakov's purpose: to persist in the face of adversity and to seek divine connection even in struggle. He understood that struggles are not setbacks but integral to growth and one’s mission.
Yaakov's wrestling teaches us that purpose is not static; it is discovered and clarified through moments of challenge.This wrestling symbolizes the internal and external challenges we face in life. His insistence on continuing the struggle, even when injured, shows that purpose is not something passively discovered but actively pursued. It is through our perseverance in the face of difficulty that we uncover the deeper meaning of our existence. Just as Yaakov emerges from the struggle with a limp but also with a clearer sense of his mission, we too may carry scars from our own battles, but these experiences shape and refine our understanding of our purpose.
Another key element of Vayishlach is Yaakov's reunion with his brother Esav. After years of estrangement, Yaakov approaches Esav with humility and a desire for reconciliation. The Torah emphasizes Yaakov's careful preparation for this meeting, both physically and spiritually. He sends gifts, prays for protection, and divides his camp to minimize potential losses.
This reunion highlights that living a purposeful life includes repairing relationships and striving for peace. While Yaakov may have feared Esav's reaction, the encounter ends with an emotional embrace, underscoring the transformative power of teshuvah (repentance) and shalom (peace). Purpose often involves facing uncomfortable situations to create harmony and healing.
Later in the parashah, Yaakov establishes altars and reaffirms his covenant with HaShem (Bereishit 35:1-15). These acts symbolize his recognition that his purpose extends beyond personal struggles and relationships. Yaakov understands that he is part of a larger divine plan, one that involves creating a legacy for future generations.
This shift invites us to reflect on how our individual purposes connect to communal and transcendent goals. Just as Yaakov's actions paved the way for the formation of the Israelite nation, our lives are most meaningful when they contribute to something greater than ourselves.
By renaming Yaakov, the angel affirms that his personal journey is not just about him but about the future of his descendants and their relationship with HaShem. The name Israel becomes the identity of the Jewish people, linking their collective purpose to Yaakov’s personal experience.
This teaches that our purpose is often larger than ourselves. It involves contributing to a broader narrative and leaving a legacy that reflects our values and commitments. Yaakov’s journey–marked by resilience, faith, and a determination to seek blessing–becomes a model for his children and for us today.
Parashat Vayishlach invites us to reflect on our own lives:
What are the struggles that define us? Rather than avoiding challenges, we should embrace them as opportunities to clarify and deepen our sense of purpose.
How does our purpose align with our identity? Just as Yaakov’s purpose was inseparable from his role as the father of the Jewish people, our sense of mission should resonate with our core values and relationships.
Parashat Vayislach teaches that discovering and living our purpose involves wrestling with challenges, mending relationships, and recognizing our role in a larger narrative. Yaakov’s transformation demonstrates that purpose is not static; it evolves as we wrestle with life’s complexities. Like Yaakov, we are called to engage with our struggles, to seek peace with others, and to align ourselves with a divine mission that extends beyond the present moment.
By engaging fully with life’s struggles, we not only discover our own purpose but also contribute to something greater than ourselves. May we find the courage to wrestle with life's questions, the humility to seek reconciliation, and the vision to pursue a purpose that resonates with both heaven and earth.
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