Rabbi's Chayva's Chat

This week’s Torah portion, Parashat Vayishlach, begins with Jacob’s heartfelt prayer: “Hatzileini na, please save me”(Genesis 32:12). Jacob prepares to meet his estranged brother Esau, unsure of whether he will be greeted with hostility or warmth. He prays for protection—not just for himself but for his family and future.

Rashi’s commentary on this verse draws out a deeper layer of Jacob’s fear. Why does he refer to Esau both as “my brother” and by name, when just one or the other would suffice? Rashi suggests that Jacob fears not just Esau’s potential violence but the pain of a brother who does not act as a brother should. It’s a tension we feel when those who should treat us with care fail to do so.

This week, our local Jewish community experienced a similar sense that our neighbors and fellow citizens sometimes fail to treat us as siblings. The San Francisco Hillel was defaced with antisemitic graffiti and possible signs of attempted forced entry. I want to reassure you that the safety of our community is a priority. Local authorities and campus leadership are addressing the incident, and we will continue to adhere to the security protocols that have kept us and our building safe and secure.

Despite these challenges, we remain committed to celebrating what is good and meaningful in our lives. This Shabbat, we will come together to mark two joyful occasions: Mira and Ralph Sinick will celebrate their daughter Sarina’s new baby, Lumina, as well as the 95th birthday of Mira’s father, Zaki Jacob! It will be a beautiful celebration l’dor vador, from generation to generation of their beautiful and beloved family.

As we step into Shabbat, may we move from a week of Jacob’s prayer, Hatzileini na (“please save me”) to the Karaite Jewish song welcoming a baby girl, Yaldah Yefefiyah, Beautiful Baby Girl. If you have a moment to listen to the song in that link, please do, so that we can sing it joyfully together on Shabbat morning. May we continue to support one another and draw strength and joy from our community. Shabbat Shalom.