(2009/5770)
On his way to meet Eisav, Yaakov encounters and fights an angel, and when describing this struggle, the Torah uses the expression, “VaYeiavek Ish Imo,” “And a man (the angel) wrestled with him [Yaakov]” (BeReishit 32:25).
Rashi explores the root of the word “VaYeiavek,” and offers two explanations. In his first explanation, Rashi quotes Menachem ben Saruk, a great grammarian, who identifies the root origin of the word “VaYeiavek” with that of dust, “Avak,” in that when two people struggle in a field, they tend to kick up dust.
In his second explanation, Rashi associates the root of “VaYeiavek” with the Aramaic word “Avak,” which means intertwine. When two people wrestle, they hold onto each other, and their bodies seemingly interlock. Because they are holding onto each other, it may even seem as if the two are hugging each other and showing affection.
Both of these explanations also apply to the approaches of those who seek to destroy the Jews. Some use the method explained in the first interpretation, as they do not mask their hatred but openly fight the Jews, either with physical hatred or with words of hatred. Others use a different method of fighting the Jews. They exhibit closeness, affection, and acceptance, but in reality, they have ulterior motives. These people wish to destroy the Jewish people through assimilation and other peaceful moves.
Indeed, the Beit HaLevi points out that when Yaakov prays to Hashem, he asks Him save him “MiYad Achi, MiYad Eisav” “from the hand of his brother, from the hand of Eisav”—why the seeming repetition? To refer to these two methods by which his archenemy would attempt to destroy him: pretending to be a beloved brother only to slyly defeat him from behind, or overtly trying to kill his opponent, as per the name and nature of Eisav.
As Jews, we must be aware of both of the approaches of those who wish to destroy us. It is our responsibility to make sure that we do not allow anyone to destroy us through actual war or through assimilation. With the help of Hashem, hopefully we will be able to withstand the desires of those who seek to destroy us and remain a strong Jewish nation.