Our Middah this week reminds us that it is always important to ”resolve conflicts.”
In Parshat Vayishlach, we witness the powerful and emotional reunion between Ya’akov and Eisav, following years of separation and the deep hostility that had caused their estrangement. Ya’akov, fearing Eisav’s anger, prepares for their upcoming encounter with a combination of tefillah, strategy and humility. He sends gifts ahead to Eisav, bows before him, and addresses him with great respect, using terms of honor and endearment.
The Torah states:
וָאֶשְׁלְחָה לְהַגִּיד לַאדֹנִי, לִמְצֹא-חֵן בְּעֵינֶיךָ.
(בראשית לב:ו)
“…and I send this message to my lord in the hope of gaining your favor.” (Genesis 32:6)
These acts demonstrate Ya’akov’s sincere desire to reconcile and heal the relationship, despite the history of tension and mistrust between them.
Ya’akov positioned himself as a rodef shalom, a pursuer of peace. Being a rodef shalom is not always easy. It requires humility, vulnerability, and a willingness to take initiative, even when the other party may not seem receptive. Ya’akov’s actions teach us that peace is worth pursuing, even at personal cost, because it brings harmony and resolution to relationships that might otherwise remain broken.
In our own lives, we can emulate Ya’akov by striving to resolve conflicts with kindness and humility. Whether it’s through thoughtful communication, acts of generosity, or simply approaching others with an open heart, we too can pursue peace and strengthen the bonds in our communities. At The Toronto Heschel School, we strive to nurture these values in our students, encouraging them to be thoughtful, empathetic, and proactive in resolving conflicts and building meaningful connections within their communities. May we all be inspired to be rodfei shalom and bring peace to the world.
Shabbat Shalom U’Mevorach,
Moreh Alan
