The struggle which appears in the Sedra between Jacob and the stranger who visits him in the middle of the night has been explained in various ways. Whether a prophetic vision, or literal reality however, the incident is clearly as significant as it is baffling. It is clear from the text that the visitor is no ordinary man, for in him, Jacob has "seen G-d face to face", but then who is he?

According to the sages, he is the "Prince of Esau", representing Esau's national genius. He is a personification of the spiritual essence animating Esau and thus needs to be defeated by Jacob. Illustrative of the principle "deeds of the patriarchs are a sign to their descendants", the incident has become symbolic over the ages. The night time during which the struggle takes place, when Jacob repeatedly debates whether to surrender or resist, has come to symbolise the exile in which the Jews in every generation have found themselves. The nations of the world have constantly wrestled with Israel to lead them astray from the path of G-d, at times almost destroying our nation. However, as in Jacob's struggle, the Jews have always triumphed.

However, Jacob paid a heavy price for victory; he disjointed his thigh and came out limping. So too the Jews. Over the ages we have lost many of our number through assimilation and persecution, and others through martyrdom in sanctification of G-d's name. Despite this, we have remained upright just like Jacob, he was deformed but not reformed, and physically, though not spiritually hurt.

But, Jacob did more than survive. With thebreaking of day, came the end of wrestling, and Jacob was a greater person, gaining from the blessing of his adversary. For Jews this is vital to remember, for it signals eventual salvation. However difficult things may become for us, we can grow from our experiences, secure in the knowledge that there will always be a day break to follow the long dark night.