Torah Portion Land an internship or job Want a competitive edge to land an internship or job next summer? If you are a Jewish college student or recent grad interested in working in metro Detroit, Pro-Detroit is just right for you. We will help you find those great employment opportunities and let you know how to get your foot in the door. I Pro-Detroit Debi Banooni (248) 559-5000, ext. 221 dbanooni@ivsdet.org Pro-Detroit is operated by Jewish Vocational Service and funded by Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Detroit. TATE FLOWERS (248) 559-5424 GIFTS OF NATURE WEDDING & PARTY SPECIALISTS FLOWERS FOR ALL OCCASIONS 29115 GREENFIELD SOUTHFIELD, MI 48076 EMT WARMER TREADMILL SALE!! ASK ABOUT OUR Preventive Maintenance Program • 24 Hour Emergency Service • 40 Vehicles • Radio Dispatch • Quality Installation Du mguuW 68 he became weary of sacrifice, dedica- tion and delayed gratification. But, on the other hand, Jacob was capable of great moral growth and pro- found spiritual achievement; for he had visions of a God whose word he would preserve and whose truths he would transmit to his descendants. n today's Torah reading, Jacob There resides within every Jacob a lit- leaves his Uncle Laban's house to tle bit of Esau. Jacob knows that he is meet his twin brother, Esau, who going to meet his brother the following had previously vowed to kill him. day. He wrestles all night with the possi- Along the way, "Jacob was left alone bility of joining forces with Esau, of giv- and a man wrestled with him until the ing up the struggle of establishing a sep- break of dawn. When he saw that he arate identity and forming an indepen- had not prevailed against him, he dent theology and lifestyle wrenched Jacob's hip at its dedicated to the service of socket ... then he said, 'Let me God and commitment to His go for dawn is breaking.' But teachings. The Torah teaches he answered, 'I will not let you that by having us named go unless you bless me.' Said Israel (one who struggles), we the other, 'What is your will always have to struggle name?' He replied, `Jacob.' with our appetites, desires Said he, 'Your name shall no and impulses. longer be Jacob, but Israel, for Therefore, the moment of you have striven with beings victory is not in Jacob's subdu- divine and human and have RABBI IRWIN ing of the mysterious adver- prevailed.' Jacob asked, 'Pray, GRONER sary. It is achieved in the tell me your name.' But he Special to the bestowing of the blessing, said, 'You must not ask my Jewish News which constitutes the victory name!' And he blessed him over darkness and fear. And there." (Genesis 32: 25-31) what is the blessing? A change of name, The profound mystery: Who which is nothing less than a change of fought Jacob? essence, of personality. Jacob emerges The Midrash and the leading com- mentator on the Middle Ages, Rashi, say transformed as a man, and that transfor- mation is the essential lesson of the story. that Jacob was battling the spirit of This lesson bears renewed emphasis in Esau. Thus, Jacob experienced the entire our day. Modern man has conquered struggle throughout Jewish history nature, but cannot evade the challenge of between the Jew and his enemies, with "How do I deal with my selfhood?" The Jacob representing the Jewish people and lives of many people can be described as Esau representing the hostile nations running away from self-confrontation, who vowed to destroy us. Although they the confrontation that Jacob underwent struggle the whole long night of the bit- ter exile and Jacob is maimed, ultimately which enabled him to achieve a new awareness of his identity. A psychiatrist with daybreak, representing redemption, said, "Our problem is not primarily to fit he emerges victorious. a man to face his environment, but to fit Modern Jewish commentaries, how- a man to face himself!" ever, emphasizing "Jacob was left alone," Each of us needs to discover in expe- believe that the whole episode was an riences of self-encounter those truths internal struggle. Jacob was fighting the that will enable us — as they- enabled spirit of Esau within himself. Esau, who our forefather Jacob/Israel — to move gave up his birthright for a mess of pot- forward on the journey of life victorious, tage, was a creature of impulse, who unafraid and bearing divine blessings. 1-1 required immediate gratification. His desires must be satisfied now; his lust appeased immediately. But Jacob under- stood that one must sacrifice the present to achieve the fulfillment of the future. Who was the mysterious stranger Yet, Jacob, like all humanity, was who fought Jacob: the spirit of a child of two worlds: earth and Esau, the hostile nations, or Jacob heaven. He could be party to a cruel himself? What is the significance of hoax played on his father and broth- the changing of his name from er; he fought Laban's treachery with Jacob to Israel? In what way was crafty schemes of his own; at times, Jacob changed by the struggle with his adversary? Irwin Groner is senior rabbi of Shabbat Vayislach: Genesis 32:4-36.43; Hosea 11:7-12:12. Contact Pro-Detroit today to schedule an appointment during vacation. 11/26 1999 Man's Real Challenge Is Facing Himself (248)335-4555 Carrier Cain PAM INDOOR NEW Manufacturer's Authorized Sale! THE LEADER IN LiNDICE TREADMILLS 31539 W. 8 MILE ROAD Just West of Merriman • Orchard Lake ns Congregation Shaarey Zedek.