The dramatic encounter between Yaakov and the mysterious malach is often read as a story of struggle and blessing. Yet the words Yaakov utters at this moment—“I will not let you go until you bless me”—are astonishing. We do not normally turn to angels for blessings; blessings flow from HaKadosh Baruch Hu Himself. Why would Yaakov demand a berachah from a malach? Our member Rabbi Paul Bloom offers a convincing answer.
And the malach does—by uttering the single most
transformative word in the entire parashah, perhaps in the entire Tanach: “Yisrael”,
a name that becomes the eternal core of our personal and national identity—Am
Yisrael, Eretz Yisrael, Medinat Yisrael.
A New Name—But Not a Replacement
It is a mistake to assume Yaakov’s name was changed to
Yisrael. Chazal (Berachot 13a) teach the opposite. When Avram’s name changed to
Avraham, the old name disappeared; it was a kind of spiritual rebirth. But
Yaakov remains Yaakov forever. We refer to Hashem every day as “Elokei
Avraham, Elokei Yitzchak, v’Elokei Yaakov.” Yisrael is not a replacement
identity—it is an additional layer, an elevated dimension built upon the
foundation of Yaakov.
What Does “Yisrael” Mean? Three
Dimensions of Destiny
The Kli Yakar offers three interpretations of the name
Yisrael, each revealing another aspect of our mission:
- From “She’er” – To See Clearly
Yisrael means one who sees. Yaakov is now granted a prophetic vision: clarity to perceive Hashem’s hand in history, in redemption, and in the unfolding future.
- From
“Yashar” – Integrity and Uprightness
Yisrael embodies unwavering moral and spiritual integrity—direct, focused, aligned with Divine truth.
- From “Sar” – A Prince of God
A leader appointed by Hashem, carrying dignity, responsibility, and authority.
These meanings are not contradictory; they intertwine to form the
essence of the Jewish mission.
The Two Names: A Map of Human Growth
The alternation between “Benei Yaakov” and “Benei Yisrael”
throughout Tanach points to something deeper. The transition from Yaakov to
Yisrael mirrors the inner development of every human being. Many years ago,
someone described the four stages of personal growth—all beginning with the
letter “S”:
- Survival – Navigating danger, hardship, or
instability.
- Stability – Building home, family, relationships, and security.
- Success – Developing excellence—professionally, spiritually,
intellectually.
- Significance – Contributing to the world;
transforming others; leaving a legacy.
Yaakov’s early life is defined by survival—escaping Esav,
enduring Lavan. He eventually builds stability—a home, a family, a
return to Eretz Yisrael. But the malach reveals that his mission does
not end there. Yisrael represents the stages of success and significance.
Yaakov internalized the Torah of Avraham, Yitzchak, and the Beit
Midrash of Shem and Ever. But Yisrael would achieve something neither Avraham
nor Yitzchak accomplished: building an entire nation of ovdei Hashem,
all righteous, all committed. Yaakov is the foundation; Yisrael is the destiny.
Yaakov and Yisrael Before Hashem
The Shem MiShmuel offers a complementary perspective. Yaakov
and Yisrael express two modes in our relationship with Hashem:
●
Yaakov – the
posture of yirah, awe, humility, and submission.
●
Yisrael – the
posture of ahavah, love, closeness, and uplift.
A Jew needs both. Yaakov remains the bedrock even when one ascends
to the level of Yisrael. Awe does not disappear when love arrives; it becomes
its silent foundation.
The Name of a People—and a Nation
Interestingly, when the State of Israel was being established, the
name “Israel” was not an obvious choice. Early discussions by the Jewish Agency
considered names like “Zion,” “Yehudah,” or “Ever.” But Ben-Gurion insisted
that the only name worthy of the renewed homeland of the Jewish people was the
one bestowed upon Yaakov in this week’s parashah—Yisrael—the name that carries
a Divine promise of future greatness. For just as Yaakov’s life journey moved
from survival to significance, so too the modern State of Israel emerged from
generations of persecution and danger, establishing stability, and now stands
poised to bring Jewish spiritual and moral excellence to the world.
The Blessing Endures
The blessing Yaakov demanded and received was not for himself
alone. It was for his descendants—for us. It was a declaration that the Jewish
people are destined for more than survival. We are called to succeed, to
uplift, to contribute, to sanctify, to bring significance into the world.
May we—and our children—continue to fulfill the promise embedded in
our name,
Yisrael, and merit to see its ultimate
realization.
Yehi Ratzon.
