In this week's parsha we read about Yaakov Avinu and his encounter with the angel that battled him. The Torah relates that in the middle of the night when Yaakov was alone "a man" which is explained to be the ministering angel of the wicked Esav fought Yaakov. The angel was unable to overpower Yaakov and he finally struck Yaakov in the sinew of the thigh. The Torah then tells us that therefore the Jewish People do not eat from this sinew.

It is interesting to understand that this was a battle which Yaakov didn't seem to win. He was struck and wounded, yet we have a mitzvah which basically commemorates that he was struck in battle. We generally do not commemorate negative things so why do we have a mitzvah in this case?

The commentators explain that this ministering angel of Esav is representative of the evil inclination. When we are enticed by all sorts of negative urges and desires, when we are faced with all sorts of trials and tribulations. We might not win them all but it is important that in every single case we fight.

May we all follow in the ways of Yaakov Avinu and never give in, never give up but always continue to fight the Yetzer Hara!

Shabbat Shalom,

Heath