Parashat Vayishlach

Our forefathers were leaders. They acquired and acted and fought as part of the places in which they lived. So too in our parashah it says of Jacob, "and he encamped before the city," and the commentators explain that he found favor, and did business, and was a part of things. When one chooses to be involved and engaged, one pays a price, but it is important to know that when one chooses to be disconnected, the price is usually sevenfold higher. The Rav wrote again and again about our need to be involved in reality, to have influence, to bring our unique letter to reality, and not to shut ourselves within our four cubits. To shine our light as part of the general light of our people in the world.

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