What Two Hebrew Words Reveal About Israeli Democracy
In this week’s Torah portion we encounter the epic wrestling match between Yaakov and a mysterious man. Commentaries relate various contrasting explanations. They tell us that Yaakov wrestled with a spiritual being that appeared human. However, the text states that Yaakov was physically wrestling with an actual man. Yaakov overcomes his adversary, but not with- out sustaining a physical injury. This unidentified man beseeches Yaakov to release him, but Yaakov demands a blessing in exchange for doing so. Such an odd request from what appears to be an attacking stranger. The blessing that Yaakov receives will impact him and his descendants for all time. “No longer will your name be called Yaakov, but Yisrael, for you have contended with God and man and have prevailed.”
Thus, Yaakov’s name is changed to Yisrael. The narrative proceeds to state that Yaakov saw God face to face. What does all of this mean? Rich in symbolism, we can better understand these parallel meanings through the structure of pardes.
The Hebrew term pardes, which literally means “orchard,” is an acronym used by our Sages to refer to a system of interpretation in which the Torah can be understood simultaneously on four levels: peshat, literal meaning; remez, hint—veiled allusions, such as gematria, numerology; derash, homiletical interpretation; and sod, mystery, or esoteric interpretation. Pardes fleshes out textual hints to reveal underlying messages alluded to within the text.
Although the literal reading of the text describes Yaakov’s encounter with a human being, there is more to be revealed beneath the surface. Therein lies an interconnecting link that unifies the divergent themes. Each explanation contains facets of an expansive underlying truth. As they coalesce, we become aware of how unity can be found within what appears to be disunity. It’s a matter of perspective, similar to viewing a puzzle. When you focus only on the individual pieces, your perception is fragmented. As you realize that each piece connects to a greater whole, a picture emerges that is greater than the sum of its parts. If even one piece is missing, the puzzle is incomplete. Likewise, the experiences that shape our lives and our Jewish identities interconnect. Taken out of context, like the pieces of a puzzle, the connections may not seem apparent. Yet, by expanding our perspective, we will heighten our vantage point. Oftentimes, it’s only in hindsight that we finally realize how so- called positive or negative experiences were related. Both were actually opportunities for personal and spiritual growth.
In the case of Yaakov, we can see the connection between his wrestling with a man who is also a spiritual being. It is written in the Torah that we are created “in the image of God,” for human beings possess spiritual attributes. The dichotomy of the physical and the spiritual drives of man is an ongoing source of inner struggle. Being human means being at odds with one’s competing higher and lower wills. Try as we may, we don’t always succeed in taking the higher road. Likewise, our Sages tell us that Yaakov’s wrestling match represented an inner struggle with his own identity. He wrestled with self-doubt and conflicting traits within himself. Was he ready and able to assume his role as the spiritual heir to his father, Yitzchak? We also wrestle with spiritual doubts and conflicts. Do you ever struggle with your Jewish identity? Are you ready and able to assume a role in shaping the Jewish future? If not, could it be due to a lack of accurate information or of a better understanding of what it means to be a Jew? Does your affinity with secular culture and values sometimes conflict with your innate sense of what is right? How do you react when struggling with your own competing wills? How often have you prevailed? Anyone who can relate to these questions can likewise identify with Yaakov’s experience. Yaakov’s struggle mirrors our own.
Rashi offers another view that illuminates a different facet of this timeless gem. Yaakov wrestled with a spiritual force and angel that represents his brother, Eisav, and thereby foreshadows the future exiles of the Jewish People. Throughout the unfolding of Jewish history, we have been oppressed by the hand of Eisav, which symbolizes the European gentile nations. Eisav’s diabolical and destructive role has taken on two approaches. The first has been physical extermination through oppression and war. Even more insidious is the second approach: when Eisav appears to reconcile with his brother and reaches out his hand in friendship. This tactic strives to attack and to decimate the Jewish People through assimilation and intermarriage. Both methods have left the Jewish People wounded and limping, much the same way that Yaakov was after encountering his opponent, Eisav’s angel.
The text goes on to relate that Yaakov’s name is changed to Yisrael. This is the Torah’s first reference to the name by which the entire Jewish People is known for all of time. It is interesting to note that Yaakov’s grandparents also had their names changed by God. Originally known as Avram, the patriarch’s name was changed to Avraham. Sarah’s name previously was Sarai. From the moment that God changed their names, they never again were referred to as Avram and Sarai. In contrast, both the names “Yaakov” and “Yisrael” continue to appear throughout scripture and history, implying that Yaakov hadn’t fully internalized the inherent qualities of the new name into himself. What was the significance of changing Yaakov’s name at this particular time? What did this change imply? As noted earlier, the name “Yisrael” means “one who has contended with God and man and has prevailed.” We are taught that a person’s name expresses his or her spiritual essence and potential. The name “Yisrael” would come to best express Yaakov’s, and every Jew’s, ongoing struggle between self and God, symbolizing the perpetual struggle between one’s ego and one’s spirit. The emerging entity known as “Yisrael” likewise would struggle with its fellow man.
Although we are fortunate to live at a time when it is illegal to openly discriminate against Jews or Jewish practices, diversity and religious freedom have their inherent challenges. Living in friendly coexistence with non-Jewish cultures can threaten Jewish continuity. As we de- velop close relationships, challenging questions may emerge. Powerful, knowledgeable, honest answers to these questions will become crucial to Jewish survival. How would you respond to these frequently asked, heartfelt questions?
All too often, questions such as these are asked to someone who, at best, will provide inadequate answers. These questions represent a search for deeper understanding that both the one questioning and the one answering sadly lack. In essence, they are really asking the fundamental question “Why be Jewish?” Rejecting shallow, irrelevant answers is not an outright rejection of the Torah and of one’s Jewish identity. It’s a plea for deeper insights and explanations that speak to him or her. For, through his or her eyes, Judaism appears to be lifeless, lacking, and static.
Jewish beliefs are being challenged everywhere—on college campuses, in the media, and elsewhere—by attractively packaged alternatives. Assimilation is camouflaged as an inviting, enticing table set to attract you. Do you sit down, relax, and taste the wine? Everyone seems so friendly and nice, but beware, lest you become intoxicated and soon find yourself unable to resist the allure.
Even the belief in one God—the hallmark of Judaism—is being challenged. What is the authentic Jewish view of God? How does the Jewish view differ from that of our neighbors, and why? The answers to these essential questions inform a Jew’s view of himself and of his place in the world. Without them, he is spiritually vulnerable—open to the allure of other beliefs that offer him friendship and a sense of purpose. While it seems that many Jews are submerged within the great American “melting pot,” exposure to the light of authentic Torah can be the inspiring catalyst that will ignite the spark of a Jewish spirit.
Contending with God and with man often initiates a personal search. Every great quest starts with a great question. What is God and what is God not? It continues with refining and redefining one’s perception. Just as you’ve outgrown your childhood clothing, so too has your mind expanded its capacity for understanding. With greater maturity it be- comes necessary to reexamine beliefs that have not been developed or clarified. What does the contemporary Jew need to know and believe in so as to live and thrive Jewishly? How would your life be enhanced by receiving answers to these questions? The answers are to be found within the Torah’s timeless wisdom. To live in our ever-changing world, a Jew must be spiritually inoculated by undiluted Torah truth. This spiritual immunization will help safeguard him or her. It will infuse within him or her a powerful spiritual antidote—the Torah view to counteract other ideologies to which they will be exposed.
By keeping up with the latest technology, the contemporary Jew recognizes the importance of staying informed. He will read the manual that explains how to operate his latest gadget. Yet how much greater is the need for instruction in operating his most valuable possessions: his life and his soul.
A Jew needs answers to fundamental questions: Why am I here and what is my purpose? How do I achieve it? What makes me different? In the journey of life, “a great quest starts with a great question.” The questions and answers to life’s many challenges are to be found within the Torah and the commentaries of our Sages. Look inside, learn, and integrate its enduring wisdom into your life. Always remember that a great question is more valuable than gold, but a great answer is priceless.
Life’s tests can help us refine our abilities to actualize our inner potential. Adversity can be viewed as the vehicle through which we come to expand ourselves and thereby overcome our self-perceived limitations.
The tough times can ultimately come to reveal our inner greatness. They serve to elevate us beyond what we thought we were capable of being. Conversely, we are equally tested through times of happiness and success. When things are going very well, do we recognize the source of our abundance, or do we arrogantly attribute our good fortunes solely to our own efforts and skill?
Life’s tests are multidimensional. They elevate us and can heighten our vantage point to access the latent inner resources we all possess. Various expressions have been used to describe such experiences, such as “an awakening” or “a defining moment.” The best criteria for evaluating an epiphany, however, are its long-term effects. How much of the initial impact endures? Does it help you develop yourself to become more than you were? Moments of inspiration provide the impetus, but it is the momentum that we maintain that yields positive growth and enduring change. “Seeing God face to face” is a metaphor that illustrates how God’s Presence is revealed throughout life’s details. We need to become mindful of them. God’s involvement in our lives should thereby be clear and obvious to us. Just as we recognize and identify someone by seeing his face, likewise we should recognize and be aware of God’s Presence and involvement within our daily affairs and encounters.
The Jewish struggle includes contending with one’s fellow Jew. Many of us have been wounded by others—in other ways, through hateful, insulting words, or as a result of their improper behavior. Divisiveness corrodes our people. Rather than being unified and strengthened, our lack of cohesiveness weakens the Jewish People from within. By es- tranging one another, we turn against ourselves. There has never been a greater need for Jewish unity than now. Unity is expressed through love of one’s fellow. It is the barometer of our people’s spiritual health. It may seem nearly impossible to genuinely love every Jew, especially one who is very different from you. Perhaps the place to start is simply by trying to relate to one another. When we despise, or worse yet, not even care about, another Jew, it is we who inflict pain and injury. As Yaakov was wounded by Eisav’s angel, likewise we can wound ourselves through acts of callous indignation.
Regardless of our many differences, the name “Yisrael” expresses our common heritage and identity. Whoever you are, regardless of your religious practice or background, at some point you may find yourself immersed in an existential struggle. Whether or not you choose to acknowledge it, the God of Avraham and Sarah, Yitzchak and Rivkah, and Yaakov, Rachel, and Leah has made an eternal covenant with the Jewish People. Collectively known as “Yisrael,” their unfolding destiny includes you. What role will you play? Will it be positive or negative? Or will you play your role at all? Yes, we have been given free choice to activate our spiritual potential. Regardless of upbringing or quality of Jewish education, we all have to make the choice as to whether or not to develop ourselves into optimally functioning Jews.
What do I mean by “optimally functioning”? It means a Jew who identi- fies positively with being Jewish, a Jew who strives to continually grow in understanding and observance of the Torah and mitzvos regardless of his starting point, a Jew who continues to try to strengthen his connection to the Jewish People—beyond his own affiliations and personal preferences. Despite negative past experiences, an optimally functioning Jew will continually strive to develop a deeper relationship with God. Cultivating the attributes of endurance, fortitude, and resilience are tantamount to achieving these goals, for prevailing means overcoming formidable challenges and obstacles. Sometimes it may even require reeducating and redefining ourselves.
We are not meant to all be alike. It is within our diversity that the greatest unity can be achieved. Every Jew possesses the potential to make a unique contribution. The first step is finding and availing oneself of inspiring Torah educators, for they can help you understand the messages that the Torah is conveying to you. Then you can be a positive influence for others as well.
As individuals, we play many roles. Each role expresses a different aspect of who we are. Yet only when viewed in totality can we truly see and perceive ourselves. Our actions put into motion a ripple effect that extends beyond us. The choices that we make can affect generations. We influence and are influenced. Every new generation of Jews is challenged
in ways that previous ones could not have envisioned. The name Yisrael describes a nation that has come to embody disparate beliefs. Yet, no matter what kind of Jew you are, whatever you profess, the name of Yisrael describes your essence—that intangible inner sanctum, where Yaakov’s struggle resounds. It awaits you to activate the spark that will ignite your inner yearning to prevail. This one momentous choice can profoundly change your life and bring about positive—and far reaching—results.
Beneath the surface, within the ever-changing morals and values of the era and place in which you live, runs an undercurrent—an unrelenting current that activates your soul to react in response to the flow of pre- vailing beliefs. You may struggle with yourself—with your thoughts and what others expect you to believe.
You may not yet have experienced your own “moment of truth.” And then it comes—that defining moment in which, as if by surprise, you encounter something or someone with whom you are compelled to wrestle. You might find yourself grappling with a moral dilemma, a test of character, commitment, or identity. The time has arrived. As you engage in what will become a struggle for your very survival, you will also wrestle with yourself.
You will wrestle with your belief in God, or lack thereof, and you will struggle with the doctrines and the philosophies of men. All the while you will question if you have the strength within yourself to actualize your spiritual potential. Just when you suffer what appears to be a crippling blow, you’ll gather all the inner fortitude you’ve got. You will transcend yourself and your limitations to overcome this attacker. Then you will control him—and yourself.
For what initially appeared to be an “actual man” has revealed to you its mission to spiritually overcome you. But, instead, you’ve prevailed, not allowing him to succeed in infiltrating your sanctified core beliefs. Through this defeat, you have generated your own blessing—a blessing that you have earned by virtue of this very struggle. The angel has tested your brawn and your brain, the very mettle of which you are made. In the struggle you were wounded, yet you have emerged intact, victorious, and strengthened by your newfound resolve. You’ve transformed the struggles and the beliefs of your Jewish forebears into your own, by virtue of your own will. You will have wrestled with God and with man and have prevailed. As you come to grips with what this actually means, it will take time to fully integrate it into your soul. Eventually you will grow into your new name and you will come to feel a stronger connection to other Jews, including those unlike yourself.
Like your forefather Yaakov, you too are an integral link in an eternal chain of spiritual warriors. Their spiritual DNA has been passed on to you. Never alone, you need only activate your inner will and you’ll discover the collective strength of generations. The very birthright that once appeared to you as a mere accident of birth will ultimately come to define you.
This is not a capricious fantasy, but a realistic possibility for any Jew who is striving to become more than he presently is. We all have the potential within us to reach great spiritual heights. Those who have succeeded maintain that it was well worth the struggle.
And now, the final questions: Why are we called “B’nei Yisrael”? Why not the children of Avraham or Yitzchak? Surely Avraham’s and Yitzchak’s influence on the Jewish People are equal to that of Yaakov. The answer is relevant to all. Yaakov struggled with the same everyday challenges that we do. Herein exists the eternal link that we all share. Being a Jew requires taking one’s Jewishness into the daily grind. It asks us to infuse Jewish spirituality into the seemingly mundane activities that we do every day. It inspires us to recognize the opportunity for renewal in each moment. Sometimes we will succeed, and sometimes we won’t. Yet as long as we continue to try, as long as we strive to ignite that spark within and direct its light outward, we are growing. Eventually, we will grow into our collective name—the name “Yisrael.” It has become the name and symbol for all Jews—past, present, and future.
Find your unique place within that “work in progress” known as B’nei Yisrael. Recognize your integral role in fortifying the eternal chain. Only you can determine how well you play that role.
The impact of Yaakov’s life-altering encounter continues to reverberate. A profoundly relevant message is being sent to every Jew, every day. But are you able to hear it? How do you access the signal? You need only plug in, recharge, and respond to the Torah’s call. For through actualizing your spiritual potential as a Jew, you will come to experience the ultimate joy—the joy and exhilaration of becoming who you truly are meant to be.
