Parshas Vayishlach

Pesukim: 154

Haftorah: Ovdia 1:1-21

Number of Mitzvos:

There is a total of One Mitzvah in Parshas Vayishlach; Zero positive command and One negative commands. The following are the commands in the order listed by the Sefer Hachinuch.

1. Did Yaakov send actual angels to greet his brother?

Yes. Rashi explains “מלאכים” means actual angels, not human messengers (Bereishis 32:4).

2. Where was Eisav living at the time that Yaakov sent a messenger?

In Seir, the field of Edom (Bereishis 32:4).

3. How many times in the parsha did Yaakov call Eisav his master?

Seven times (Rashi on Bereishis 32:5).

4. Why did Yaakov call Eisav his master and what punishment did he get due to this?

He humbled himself excessively, calling Eisav “my master.” Midrash says this led to future subjugation under Edom (Bereishis Rabbah 75:11).

5. Why did Yaakov tell Eisav that he had lived by Lavan?

To show he had not become a ruler and had not taken the blessings away; he remained a servant (Bereishis 32:5).

6. How many people were traveling with Eisav and where did they spiritually come from?

400 men, considered from the forces of impurity (Bereishis 32:7; Zohar).

7. What preparations did Yaakov do to battle his brother?

Threefold: Prayer, gifts, and readiness for war (Bereishis 32:9–14).

8. Which verse did the Alter Rebbe recite when leaving prison?

“פָּדָה בְשָׁלוֹם נַפְשִׁי” – “He redeemed my soul in peace” (Tehillim 55:19), connected to this parsha’s theme of peace.

9. With what item did Yaakov cross the Jordan and arrive to Lavan with?

His staff (Bereishis 32:11).

10. How many songs are compiled from different verses in this week’s parsha?

Several verses appear in Zemiros and Tefillos, e.g., “Katonti” in Selichos.

11. Which miracle did Yaakov do similar to Moses and Joshua?

Crossing the river miraculously (Bereishis 32:11; Midrash compares to Yam Suf and Jordan crossings).

12. How many animals did Yaakov give Eisav as a present?

550 animals (Bereishis 32:15–16).

13. What was the name of the river that Yaakov crossed?

Yabok (Bereishis 32:23).

14. Explain the story of Yaakov fighting with Eisav’s angel.

He wrestled until dawn; the angel injured his thigh, blessed him, and changed his name to Yisrael (Bereishis 32:25–29).

15. What was the significance of Yaakov’s Gid Hanashe injury and why don’t we eat it?

It commemorates the struggle; Torah forbids eating the sciatic nerve (Bereishis 32:33).

16. What is the meaning of Yisrael vs. Yaakov?

Yaakov = “heel,” symbolizing humility; Yisrael = “prince of God,” symbolizing victory and strength (Bereishis 32:29).

17. What did Yaakov name the area where he fought the angel?

Peniel (Bereishis 32:31).

18. What was the order Yaakov set up his family to greet Eisav and why?

Maidservants first, Leah next, Rachel and Yosef last—for protection (Bereishis 33:2).

19. How many times did Yaakov bow when meeting Eisav?

Seven times (Bereishis 33:3).

20. Why are there dots on top of the word Vayishakeihu?

Indicates doubt whether Eisav kissed sincerely (Bereishis 33:4; Rashi).

21. Why did they cry when they met?

Out of emotion—Yaakov from relief, Eisav from inner conflict (Bereishis 33:4).

22. What did Yosef do to merit protection from the evil eye?

He looked away when Eisav gazed at him (Midrash).

23. Why did Yaakov say seeing Eisav’s face is like seeing God’s face?

To appease Eisav, not literal (Bereishis 33:10; Rashi).

24. Difference in how Yaakov vs. Eisav describe their wealth?

Yaakov: “I have everything” (spiritual sufficiency); Eisav: “I have much” (material focus) (Bereishis 33:9–11).

25. What happened to Eisav’s 400 men and how were they rewarded?

They left peacefully; descendants became chiefs (Midrash).

26. Which holiday is mentioned in this parsha?

Sukkos—Yaakov built booths (Bereishis 33:17).

27. How much did Yaakov pay for the field in Shechem?

100 Kesita (Bereishis 33:19).

28. What did Shechem tell Dina to convince her to marry him?

He spoke to her heart (Bereishis 34:3).

29. Why was Shechem’s city liable for death?

They failed to enforce justice (Rambam, Hilchos Melachim).

30. Why did Shechem want Dina and were they reincarnated?

He lusted for her; Kabbalah says reincarnated as Zimri and Kozbi.

31. What did Chamor and Shechem offer Yaakov?

Intermarriage and trade (Bereishis 34:9–10).

32. What did Chamor and Shechem tell their people?

That it would bring wealth and unity (Bereishis 34:23).

33. What did the brothers capture and who did they spare?

They took spoils, women, and children (Bereishis 34:29).

34. Why did Dina not leave willingly?

She was ashamed; Shimon persuaded her (Midrash).

35. How old were Shimon and Levi?

13 years old (Rashi).

36. What did they do with the booty?

They took it all—cattle, wealth, captives (Bereishis 34:29).

37. Which daily learning cycle is mentioned?

Shnayim Mikra V’Echad Targum (hinted in Yaakov’s preparation).

38. Who was Devorah and where was she buried?

Rivka’s nurse; buried under Alon Bachus near Beis El (Bereishis 35:8).

39. How many times did Hashem appear to Yaakov and why?

Twice—to confirm the name change and bless him (Bereishis 35:9).

40. Why did God bless Yaakov after Devorah’s death?

To comfort him and reaffirm the covenant (Bereishis 35:9–12).

41. What did Yaakov build in Luz/Beis El?

An altar and monument (Bereishis 35:7,14).

42. Where did Rachel give birth to Binyamin?

On the way to Efrat (Bethlehem) (Bereishis 35:19).

43. Why was Binyamin given his name?

“Son of the right” (strength, south) (Bereishis 35:18).

44. What name did Yaakov give vs. Rachel?

Rachel: Ben-Oni; Yaakov: Binyamin (Bereishis 35:18).

45. How many girls were born with Binyamin?

Ten (Midrash).

46. Names of Yaakov’s sons?

Reuven, Shimon, Levi, Yehuda, Yissachar, Zevulun, Dan, Naftali, Gad, Asher, Yosef, Binyamin (Bereishis 35:23–26).

47. Where did Yaakov travel after Rachel’s death?

Migdal Eder (Bereishis 35:21).

48. How long did Yitzchak live and when did he die?

180 years; died in Chevron (Bereishis 35:28).

49. Who buried Yitzchak?

Yaakov and Eisav (Bereishis 35:29).

50. Other names of Eisav’s wives and duplicates?

Adah, Ahalivamah, Basmas; some names overlap with other sources (Bereishis 36:2–3).

51. Who was the mother of Elifaz?

Adah (Bereishis 36:4).

52. Who was the mother of Korach?

Ahalivamah (Bereishis 36:5).

53. Why did Eisav leave Israel?

Land could not support both brothers’ flocks (Bereishis 36:7).

54. Who was Amalek and his parents?

Son of Elifaz and Timna (Bereishis 36:12).

55. How were people of Seir expert farmers?

They mastered land cultivation (Bereishis 36:20–30; Midrash).

56. Which Jewish king and Edomite king shared the same name?

Shaul (Bereishis 36:37; I Shmuel).