Parshat Vayishlach:

Shiur by Menachem Leibtag

Presentation by Ronni Libson

Yaakov’s Name Change to Yisrael

Difference in name change between Yaakov and Avraham:

Yisrael:

Entirely new name

Entirely new essence

Two instances describing Yaakov’s name change:

After struggle with the “malach”, prior to confrontation with Esav:

Later, during God’s revelation to him at Bet-El

Bet-El:

Place where Hashem first informed Yaakov that he is ‘chosen’, and promised to protect him during his journey

The focal point of Avraham’s ‘aliya’ where he built a mizbayach and called out in Hashem’s name

The last time in Breishit where Hashem confirms the “bechira”:

Thematic connection between this name change to Yisrael and the conclusion of the "bechira" process

Progression of events leading to struggle with “malach”:

Yitzchak plans to bless Eisav with prosperity and power.

Yaakov 'steals' Eisav's bracha. Yaakov 'runs away' to Padan Aram.

Yaakov 'runs away' from Padan Aram.

Yaakov prepares for his confrontation with Eisav. [His plan reflects a total subjugation to his brother.]

God sends a "mal'ach" to confront Yaakov.

Yaakov meets Eisav, bowing to him seven times beforehand.

Life characterized by need to employ trickery to acquire what was rightly his

Lacked experience in 'frontal combat,' the trait that Eisav was best at

Yaakov’s strategy to confront Esav:

Not ready to confront Esav as an “ish sadeh”

Preparation to bow down to Esav

Thematic relationship between struggle and confrontation

Actual confrontation

Order of events:

Struggle with the “malach”

God must test Yaakov's potential to engage in battle with his enemy before he meets Esav

Struggle with “malach”:

Difficult – Yaakov is “untrained”

Continues all night until the “break of dawn”

Yaakov emerges victorious, thus earning his new name:

YisraelReflects the capability to engage head on in battle and be triumphant in battle

In order to become a nation, this trait - represented by the name 'Yisrael' - is crucial

Earning name from “malach” is not sufficient

Confirmed later by God at Bet-El:

“Bechira” also confirmed:

“Yisrael” marks the conclusion of the "bechira" process, as well as a necessary character trait to later become God's special nation.