Parsha

Throughout Bereshit our Avos and Imahot (patriarchs and matriarchs) demonstrate wonderful acts of kindness, displaying their closeness to Hashem through their acts of humility to one another. We learn that when one is brought closer to Hashem, attachment to self-importance evaporates like mist from the earth and with Hashem’s warmth we can dissipate the clouds that form. In Parshas Vayeitzei and Vayishlach Rachel and Yaakov demonstrate two critical acts of kindness in which they give from themselves, setting the stage for history as we know it.

Our first example comes from Rachel, wherein Vayeitzei, she shares the secret signal Yaakov had given her with Leah, in order to remove the possibility of humiliation from Leah on her wedding night. This decision, which delayed her marriage to Yaakov, acts as the catalyst for G‑d's assurance that her children would return to Israel hundreds of years later. 

Our second example is from this week’s Parsha Vayishlach and begins with Yaakov sending angels to Eisav. The angels validate his fears that Eisav had not forgiven him, and as a response, Yaakov seeks to solve the problem of danger to his family. Yaakov davens to Hashem for help, invoking the promise Hashem had given him when Hashem was first introduced. Yaakov’s prayers evolve and he recognizes that the crossing of the Jordan was because of Hashem. Yaakov’s self-focus melts away, leading him to a new mindset similar to that of Rachel: Focusing on how his brother might feel, changing his perspective. He comes up with a new solution and sends gifts to Eisav, putting himself in the shoes of his brother by recognizing his brother’s love of wealth and attachment to physical matters. This change in mindset ultimately leads to obtaining the name Yisrael, the perfect marriage in the merit of Rachel.

Bnei Yisrael can learn a lesson from the decisions that Rachel and Yaakov made. In order to overcome their challenges, they showed deep consideration for others through selfless acts of kindness. May we find opportunities to perform the same deeds in our life.