In this week’s Parsha, the pasuk says Vayivaser Yaakov levado – Yaakov was left alone. As a result of being left alone, Yaakov got hurt. He was injured by an angel, the Shar shel Eisav. The Torah says that because of his injury, Klal Yisroel is prohibited to eat from the Gid Hanesha – from the animal’s sciatic nerve. What is the connection between Yaakov’s injury and the fact that his descendants cannot eat the Gid Hanesha?
I heard from my father, Rav Yitzchok Fingerer shlita, that the Chizkuni says that Yaakov’s children were taken to task for leaving him alone and not accompanying him. This is why they were punished. This shows us that everyone needs companionship and care. Everyone needs love. Everyone needs to be looked after and cared for. Therefore, Yaakov’s children are blamed. They should’ve looked after their father.
The Ma’ayana Shel Torah, Rav Alexander Zusha Friedman zt”l says that the Shar Shel Eisav is synonymous with the Yetzer Hara. When a person is in the company of others and surrounded by positive influences, the Yetzer Hara cannot easily grab hold of him. When someone is in the company of others they are fortified. They are protected. They know that others care about them, and they feel a spirit.
However, when a person is alone, despair can more easily set in, and the person can become easy prey for the Yetzer Hara. These days with all the immorality and terrible things out there we must surround ourselves with good people and be in a positive environment. If we are alone then we are vulnerable. We must also try to think of ways that we can be there for others.
There are so many people who are lonely and need someone in their life. So many people need that warm smile or hug. They are waiting for someone to care. They are waiting for someone to think about them. You can be that one to make a difference! Be there for them. Be the one to help someone who feels lonely or helpless. Make them feel great. You can give that person a chiyus! You can change their life!
There was once a man who came to Rav Avraham Pam zt”l and told him that sadly, his father was sick in the hospital, and he was all alone. He was very lonely and every day for him was a constant struggle. The man wanted to know if Rav Pam could perhaps visit his father. Rav Pam lovingly replied, “It will be my pleasure to go but I’m a Kohen and I can’t visit hospitals. “However, which hospital is he in and what’s his room number?” The man told him the name of the hospital and room number wondering why Rav Pam wanted to know if he couldn’t go anyway.
The very next day, Rav Pam asked the man to arrange that at precisely 2 pm his father should be at the window of his room so that he could look outside. The man was a little confused but didn’t ask any questions. Later that day, the sick man was wheeled to the window, and he was shocked. Down, many stories below, he saw Rav Pam waving to him, smiling from ear to ear. The man felt so great that his condition took a turn for the better!
Rav Pam had every excuse not to visit the sick man. Instead, he made every effort to make sure that the man wouldn’t feel lonely. What a story! It’s so important to be there for each other and make sure no one feels alone. We have to think of ways to make others feel loved and cared for. We must be there for others and let them know that we care about them. We’ve got this! Please check out our podcast, Jewish n’ Joyful available on all streaming platforms. We have some incredible things coming out over Chanukah! To join our email list or group email [email protected] or message 646-2397-2320. Keep smiling and have a wonderful shabbos!
