Jacob and Esau

Questions and Answers

What event leads to the massacre of the men of Shechem?

The kidnapping of Dina, Jacob's daughter, by the prince of Shechem.

Who passes away on Jacob's journey to Hebron, and what secret message does Jacob receive about his mother's passing?

Jacob's mother's nurse, Deborah, passes away, and this is a secret way of telling Jacob that his mother, Rebecca, has also passed away.

What happy and sad events occur on Jacob's journey to Hebron?

Rachel gives birth to a second son, whom she calls Ben Oni and Jacob renames Benjamin, but shortly afterwards Rachel passes away and is buried in a place called Beit Lechem.

How does this week’s parshah end, according to the text?

It ends with a list of Esau’s wives, children, and grandchildren. Signup and view all the answers

What three things did Jacob do in preparation for meeting Esau?

Jacob prepared for war, prayed to G‑d, and sent Esau hundreds of cattle and sheep as a gift. Signup and view all the answers

Who did Jacob meet and fight with through the night before meeting Esau?

Jacob met and fought with an angel who represents Esau. Signup and view all the answers

What new name was given to Jacob after his battle with the angel and what does it mean?

Israel, which means “he who wins over the divine” (meaning the angel). Signup and view all the answers

What did Esau invite Jacob to do, and how did Jacob respond?

Esau invited Jacob to travel with him to Seir, but Jacob told him that it takes a long time to travel with the women, children, and all the animals, and that he'll come at a later date. Jacob did not end up going to Seir. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Events Surrounding the Massacre of Shechem

The massacre occurs after the assault on Dinah, Jacob's daughter, by Shechem, the son of Hamor.
Simeon and Levi, her brothers, take revenge on the city of Shechem by killing all the male inhabitants.

Jacob's Journey to Hebron

Rachel, Jacob's beloved wife, passes away during childbirth while on the journey to Hebron, giving birth to Benjamin.
Jacob receives a secret message confirming the death of his mother, Rebecca.

Happy and Sad Events on Jacob's Journey

Happy Event: Jacob reunites with his brother Esau, indicating reconciliation after years of estrangement.
Sad Event: The death of Rachel, which brings grief to Jacob amidst his joyous reunion with Esau.

Conclusion of the Parshah

The week’s parshah ends with the documentation of Jacob's lengthy encounter with God and the implications it has for his family and lineage.

Preparations for Meeting Esau

Jacob divides his family and possessions into two camps to minimize potential loss during the meeting with Esau.
He prays earnestly for protection and guidance from God before the anticipated confrontation.
Jacob sends ahead gifts, including livestock, to appease Esau.

Encounter with the Angel

Jacob wrestles with an angel throughout the night before encountering Esau, symbolizing a struggle for identity and blessing.

New Name Given to Jacob

After the battle with the angel, Jacob is renamed Israel, meaning "He who struggles with God," reflecting his transformative experience.

Esau's Invitation and Jacob's Response

Esau invites Jacob to travel together to his home in Seir.
Jacob declines the invitation, expressing concern for the safety and pace of his children and livestock.