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<h1>Yaakov's Wrestling Match in Music</h1>
<h2>Introduction<br/></h2>
Yaakov's encounter with the "אִישׁ", described in <a href="Bereshit32-23-33" data-aht="source">Bereshit 32</a>, &#160;is one of the more enigmatic episodes in Torah.&#160; Everything from the identity of the assailant to his purpose in attacking is unknown.&#160; The scene is depicted often in the visual arts, but only rarely in music.&#160; One exception is Shlomo Carlebach's song, "וְנִשְׂגַּב ה' לְבַדּוֹ", available <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2vWjQTD_r1M&amp;index=1&amp;list=PL112CB444240B9FF5">here</a>.&#160; His rendition, both in his choice of lyrics and the accompanying tune, makes one question the message behind the original episode.

<h2>An Eschatological Story?<br/></h2>
<p>Carlebach's song combines two distinct verses which at first glance seem totally unconnected. The first line of the song comes from&#160;<a href="Yeshayahu2-11-22" data-aht="source">Yeshayahu 2:11,17</a> which speaks of the end of days when idolatry will be destroyed, the mighty will fall, and Hashem alone will emerge victorious.&#160; The second describes Yaakov's remaining alone and his struggle with the "אִישׁ".&#160; Is there any relationship between the two? &#160;</p>
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<li>Is it possible to read into Yaakov's struggle an eschatological message, relevant not just for Yaakov personally but for future generations as well?&#160; Who was the "אִישׁ"?&#160; Was Yaakov's victory over him a victory for man or for God?&#160; For elaboration, see <a href="Wrestling_With_Angels_and_Men" data-aht="page">Wrestling With Angels and Men</a>.</li>
<li>Carlebach is not the first to connect the two verses, and might have been inspired to do so by Bereshit Rabbah</li>
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<h2>A Cheerful Struggle?<br/></h2>
Carlebach's tune is very upbeat, and at first glance quite incongruous with a mysterious nocturnal attack.&#160; The verses present Yaakov alone, fighting an unknown assailant, and even emerging lame from the struggle, making one wonder why Carlebach chose this tune rather than something more ominous.&#160; Is there anything in the story which is uplifting or cheerful?&#160; This depends on how one understands the message of the encounter.&#160; In fact, commentators have read into it everything from a threatening attack or punishment to encouragement and reassurance.&#160; See&#160;<a href="Wrestling_With_Angels_and_Men" data-aht="page">Wrestling with Angels and Men</a> for more.

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