In Parshat Vayishlach we read how Yaakov prepares to reunite with his brother Eisav after 20 years of separation. Chazal understands that the confrontation between Yaakov and Eisav serves as the model for all of history as to how the Jewish People should interact with other nations, especially when the other nations is presenting as antagonistic or unfriendly. Rashi quotes the Midrash Tanchuma:
“Jacob prepared himself for three things: for a gift, for war, and for prayer. For a gift, [as Scripture says] (verse 22): “So the gift passed on before him.” For prayer, as Scripture says (verse 10): “God of my father Abraham…” For war, as Scripture says: “the remaining camp will escape.”
This is the blueprint for all time, including today and Israel’s current war with Hamas. We must engage in this battle against evil on three fronts. We must put in our effort, both on the battlefield (ie “war”) but also in supporting our soldiers on the front lines through material and moral support. At the same time we must never lose sight of the fact that our efforts are only part of the picture, and ultimately victory is decided by Hashem. We therefore must increase our efforts in terms of teshuva, tefilah, and tzedaka to create the merits that will tip the scales in Heaven towards victory and the elimination of evil.
Yaakov sends messengers to do reconnaissance on Eisav, and he tells them that Eisav will ask them three questions (32:17-18): “"When my brother Esau meets you, and asks you, saying, 'To whom do you belong, and where are you going, and for whom are these before you?' In a speech in 1964 Rav Soloveitchik explained these questions as relevant for the Jewish People to always ask as we consider our role in the world.
“Jacob anticipated that Esau would ask three questions of him and his family as they approached to take up residence in Canaan. ‘To whom do you belong’- ie to whom do you pledge your ultimate loyalty? ‘Where are you going?’ ie what objectives and goals do you seek for yourself in the future? These two questions relates to Jacob’s soul and spiritual identity. Consequently, Jacob commanded his representatives to reply boldly, clearly, and precisely that their souls, their personalities, their metaphysical identities, their spiritual future and social commitment were the private concerns of Jacob. ‘They are your servant Jacob’s’ and no human power may interfere or attempt to sever this eternal bond with God which had been established in the covenant with Abraham.”
Eisav’s first two questions force Yaakov- and his descendants- to acknowledge the Jewish People’s unique, and sometimes, lonely role within the world. Am Yisrael has a unique relationship with Hashem, with Torah and with the Land of Israel. We must declare this with pride whether the rest of the world is ready or willing to accept this reality.
Rav Soloveitchik continues and suggests that while we must at time stand alone, we have a mandate to contribute to the broader society and world around us:
“The third question is focused on secular aspects of life. To this question Jacob instructed his agent to answer in the affirmative: ‘It is a present to my lord Esau.’ Yes, we are determined to participate in every civic, scientific, political enterprise. We feel obligated to enrich society with our creative talents and to be constructive and useful citizens.”
Even as we remain firm in our Jewish identity, we have a mandate to use those Jewish values to contribute to the broader world. Today it seems that much of the world has no interest in hearing what the Jewish People have to say and have to contribute. But we know that it is through this dual commitment to both our Jewish identity and to positively impacting the world, that will ultimately bring about victory and redemption.
