The Jewish people are worldwide, bound together by faith, history, and shared destiny. We are a people dispersed across the globe, united by the unbroken thread of our tradition. From the land of Israel to the farthest corners of the earth, Jews have maintained their identity through millennia of exile, persecution, and hardship. Our strength, however, does not lie in physical power or numbers but in our resilience, our ability to move "from strength to strength," facing each challenge with faith and determination.

In Parshat Vayishlach, we witness a powerful symbol of this resilience in the life of our forefather Yaakov. After years of separation from his family and struggle with his brother Esav, Yaakov finds himself in a critical moment. As he returns to the land of Israel, he must confront not only Esav but also his past, fears, and inner turmoil. Yaakov’s wrestling match with a mysterious figure through the night symbolizes more than a personal struggle; it encapsulates the very essence of the Jewish experience, one of continuous challenge and transformation.

When Yaakov emerges victorious from this struggle, he is given the name Yisrael, meaning "one who struggles with God" or "one who prevails over God." This new name marks a pivotal transformation — Yaakov is no longer merely an individual; he becomes the father of the Jewish people, who will forever bear the qualities of perseverance and strength in the face of adversity. The struggle with the angel is not just Yaakov’s personal battle but a reflection of the collective struggle that the Jewish people would face throughout history.

The theme of "strength to strength" is evident in this moment and resonates deeply with the experiences of the Jewish people. The Jewish nation has, time and again, been called to overcome unimaginable trials, and just as Yaakov was transformed through his struggle, so too have we been strengthened and refined through the challenges we have faced. From the destruction of our temples to the darkness of the Holocaust, the Jewish people have experienced immense hardship. Yet, in every generation, we have found the strength to rise again.

This resilience is not merely about survival but about spiritual growth. The phrase "from strength to strength," found in Psalm 84, speaks to this idea of perseverance — each challenge is not an end but a step toward greater strength and a deeper connection with God. Just as Yaakov emerged from his battle stronger and with a new identity, so too do we, as a people, emerge from every trial with renewed faith and a deeper sense of purpose.

The story of Yaakov’s struggle teaches us that resilience is not about avoiding struggle but about facing it head-on with faith. Yaakov’s victory was not won through might but through persistence, trust in God, and an unwavering commitment to his mission. Similarly, the Jewish people’s strength comes from our unwavering commitment to our faith, our identity, and our peoplehood, even when faced with the greatest of challenges.

As we reflect on Parshat Vayishlach, we are reminded of our ability to overcome difficulties and continue moving "from strength to strength." We, as part of the Jewish people, are the living testimony of that resilience. Each generation bears the weight of the past but also the strength of the past, moving forward with an unbreakable bond to the generations before us and a deep commitment to the future. May we continue to face the challenges of our time with the same faith and resilience that Yaakov demonstrated, and may we always rise stronger with each trial we encounter.

Shabbat Shalom

Alec Coffey, Eastern: Virginia Councils 34th Regional Aleph Godol