In this week's Torah portion we read about the epic showdown between Jacob and Esav. Before Jacob encounters his evil brother, Esav, Jacob divided all that he had into two camps. The Torah states:
"And (Jacob) said 'If Esau will come to one camp and smite it, the remaining camp will be saved' " (Genesis 32:9).
What lesson do we learn from Jacob's action?
Rav Zelig Pliskin, in Growth Through Torah, quotes Rashi -the great commentator - who tells us that Jacob had three strategies to deal with the threat from his brother: (1) he sent gifts to appease him, (2) he prayed for Divine assistance, and (3) he prepared for war.
Rabbi Yeruchem Levovitz points out that Jacob did not rely on his righteousness; he made every humanly effort possible. The forefathers kept to natural laws in dealing with life situations. After all, the laws of nature are the Almighty's laws (He did set up the universe!). This is our goal - to do all that is in our power, but to realize that our success ultimately depends upon the Almighty.
Shabbat Shalom