Vayishlach

Parshas Vayishlach does not begin with the first verse of a new chapter. Instead, the chapter begins several verses earlier, at the end of Parshas Vayeitzei, with the introduction of what appears to be the theme of the chapter. Although we are enamored and engrossed by the dramatic confrontation between Yaakov and Eisav, the chapter evolves more around angels than anything else.

Vayifga'u bo malachei Elokim...vayikra shem hamakom hahu machanyim. Towards the end of Yaakov's return journey to Eretz Yisrael, he meets angels and, in appreciation of this event, names the place after that meeting. Rashi explains that Machanayim describes Yaakov's two camps: one of his family and the other of the angels. Vayishlach Yaakov malachim - Yaakov sends angels as his messengers. And, finally, we are told of the confrontation between Yaakov and the angel of Eisav and the subsequent blessing of Yaakov by renaming him Yisrael - ki sarisa im elokim v'im anashim vatuchal.

Aside from understanding the meaning for these multiple episodes involving angels, we need to understand Yaakov's apparent fear of Eisav. Hashem promised to protect Yaakov, so why is he so afraid? Even Yaakov's answer to this question is puzzling. Katonti mikol hachasadim - Chazal explain that Yaakov is concerned that his merits have already been leveraged through the success he has already achieved throughout his years away from home. (shema yigrom hachait) However, this is puzzling. The promise from Hashem was not only given upon Yaakov's departure from his parents' home twenty two years earlier, it was also given just a short time ago, prior to his departure from Lavan's home. Is it possible that in that short time Yaakov had done something to eliminate the benefits of the Divine promise?

A third question: early in Parshas Vayishlach we are told that Yaakov splits his camp into two - vayachatz es ha'am...lishnei machanos. A few verses later, Yaakov thanks Hashem for all the kindness bestowed upon him including the fact that he has returned to his homeland with two camps - v'ata hayisi lishnei machanos. If someone has an apple and he cuts it in half, he doesn't think he now has two apples. Yaakov has one camp that he split into two halves. What is the meaning of this statement of Yaakov?

A fourth question: Upon defeating the angel of Eisav, Yaakov requests a blessing from that angel. The angel blesses him by changing his name to Yisrael - ki sarisa im elokim v'im anashim vatuchal. Thereupon Yaakov asks the angel for his name. The angel does not give his name but blesses Yaakov - vayevarech oso sham. Why is the Torah telling us about a blessing that was already given? If it is a new blessing, why doesn't the Torah tell us what the new blessing is?

Immediately after this episode, Yaakov names the place of his confrontation with the angel, Peniel - ki ra'isi Elokim panim el panim. The Torah tells us that even Moshe Rabbeinu cannot see Hashem directly - ki lo yirani ha'adam vachai. So what is the meaning of this phrase by Yaakov?

In truth, Yaakov's fear is not of Eisav. Yaakov fully trusts Hashem's promise assuring him that he will not be harmed by Eisav. Yaakov's fear is that the implementation of the salvation will not be done directly by Hashem but rather through angels. Yaakov's life was dedicated to enhancing and growing his relationship with Hashem, and his desire was to solidify an intimate relationship with the Creator. Yaakov's fear is that he will be disintermediated with Hashem through angels. Therefore, when angels first appear to Yaakov, he is very appreciative. Nonetheless, he immediately sends them on a mission depicting the fact that he controls the angels rather than the reverse. The two camps that Yaakov refers to are not his split camp of people. Yaakov's prayer to Hashem is "I know that I am not worthy of two camps - the camp of my people and the camp of angels". Yaakov appreciates the gift of angelic accompaniment but, nonetheless, reminds Hashem that the promise was v'ata amarta heitev AItiv imach vesamTI - You (Hashem) said I (personally) will take care of you. Yaakov is not satisfied with angelic protection. He seeks intimacy with Hashem and a direct, unencumbered relationship with Hashem.

Indeed, this is the second blessing that Yaakov receives from the angel. It is the blessing that Klal Yisrael will always have direct protection and guidance from Hashem. The statement describing the second blessing from the angel - vayevarech oso sham - is connected to to the naming of the place Peniel. The name is not meant to imply a clear vision by Yaakov of Hashem. Rather, it is a blessing that Klal Yisrael will always be connected to Hashem directly - panim el panim. Thus, Yaakov's actions with the angels, prayers, and battle with the angel, result in the fulfillment of his wishes, assuring an everlasting, direct, intimate relationship between Bnei Yisrael and Hashem.