Parashat Vayishlach/ParashahSummary

Parashat Vayishlach – Summary

• Parashat Vayishlach recounts the story of Yaakov's return to the Land of Canaan.
• Yaakov Prepares for His Encounter with Esav – Chapter 32 describes how Yaakov sent messengers to Esav to propose reconciliation. When Yaakov hears that Esav is coming towards him with 400 men, he simultaneously prepares for battle, prays to God for salvation, and dispatches a generous tribute to Esav. On the night before Esav arrives, a "man" wrestles with Yaakov until dawn and then bestows upon Yaakov the new name Yisrael.
• Yaakov's Peaceful Encounter with Esav – In Chapter 33, Yaakov has a peaceful reunion with Esav, after which they part company. Esav returns to Seir, while Yaakov continues to Canaan and settles on the outskirts of the city of Shechem, the son of Chamor.
• The Rape of Dinah and Retaliation by Shimon and Levi – Chapter 34 recounts the abduction and rape of Dinah by Shechem, who asks to marry her while continuing to hold her hostage. Yaakov's sons devise a plan to rescue their sister by consenting to the marriage, on condition that all the inhabitants of Shechem's city first undergo circumcision. Shimon and Levi then enter the city, kill all of its adult males who were weak from their circumcision, and save Dinah.
• Full Circle: Yaakov Returns to Beit El and Yitzchak – In Chapter 35, Yaakov fulfills his vow of returning to Beit El and building an altar. Rachel then dies while giving birth to Binyamin, Reuven sleeps with Bilhah, and Yaakov finally reunites with Yitzchak in Chevron. The chapter closes with the death of Yitzchak and his burial by Yaakov and Esav.
• Esav's Descendants – Chapter 36 concludes the Parashah with an enumeration of Esav's descendants and the kings who ruled Edom.

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