Vayishlach

In the service of peace

By Rabbi Bradley Shavit Artson

Dignity and honor are important attributes for most people. We zealously guard our own dignity, and often respond with rage when we feel belittled. Yet, we also value peace and interpersonal harmony. The midrash (medieval commentary) on Parshat Vayishlach explores this inner conflict by analyzing the behavior of Yaakov just before he reunites with his estranged brother. As Esav approaches, Yaakov instructs his servants to greet Esav with the words, "Thus says your servant Yaakov. . ."

Yaakov's language seemed odd to our sages. Generally they criticize Esav for being impulsive, violent, and immoral. And generally they esteem Yaakov as a role model for moral development. Should Yaakov, patriarch of the Jewish people, devoted follower of God, grandson of Avraham, call himself the "servant" of an evil person?

Midrash offers several perspectives. Rabbi Yehudah ben Rabbi Shimon says, "As a troubled fountain and a corrupted spring, so is a righteous person who abases himself before the wicked." Yaakov's act of self-abasement constitutes the degradation of what Yaakov stands for as well--the Torah and the service of God. But Rabbi Yehudah ha-Nasi understands the wisdom and depth of Yaakov's decision. In the interests of human harmony, a willingness to compromise our own dignity may indeed constitute the highest service of God - and a most powerful assertion of the dignity of all humanity.

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