In this week’s Torah portion Vayishlach, we see Jacob as a man of action. He is preparing for possible hostilities from his brother Esau. Jacob took all practical measures possible. He prepared in three separate ways — by praying to G‑d for deliverance, by appeasing his brother with gifts, and he took every possible measure to protect his loved ones.
We learn a very important lesson from this. We can set countless goals and we can claim anything we want to. However, until we take action, our goals will never be achieved. We can pray to G-d all we want, just like Jacob did, but we also have to work hard to acheive our dreams and accomplish the goals we set.
There is a famous Chassidic saying by Rabbi Shalom DovBer of Lubavitch (1860-1920), “A single act is better than a thousand groans.”
There are so many great leaders, but until they take action, they will never affect change.
Shabbat shalom!
By: Michal Cohen (11th grade)