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In the very first verse of this week's Torah portion, Parashat Vayishlach, we are told that Jacob sends "Malakhim" to meet his brother Asav. While this Hebrew word can be understood to mean messengers or human emissaries, it is literally translated as angels. And, indeed, many commentators of the Torah do believe that Jacob possessed his own personal angels and he did use them to perhaps both impress and even intimidate his hostile and aggressive brother Asav.
Apparently Jacob's angels were available to deliver Jacob's message of respect, peace, and reconciliation to his brother, and they were to offer him great gifts as well. They call Asav "my Lord" and assure him that Jacob has no ill will towards his brother.
It is startling and interesting to discover that Jacob has his own angels. What does this tell us? Was only Jacob worthy of being accompanied by such Divine beings? Or do all of us, human beings, possess our own personal angels who can help us to navigate our lives?
There is a Jewish legend which teaches that our actions in this world actually create angels. When we act righteously we create good angels. And when our actions are wicked or evil, the angels which we create share those negative attributes.
What an enormous responsibility this should make us feel towards our own behavior! If we could actually see these angels which we are creating, surely it would inspire us to do only good!
Jacob's angels are apparently worthy of representing him to his estranged brother. Though we may never truly be aware of our own angels, may we have the blessing to create only the best of angels with our sacred actions here on this earth!
Shabbat Shalom!
Cantor Zachary Konigsberg
cantorzkonigsberg@gmail.com
917-696-0749
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