Parashat Vayishlach: Jacob’s Struggle: Art & Our Moment

In the narrative of Parashat Vayishlach, Rabbi Meir Soloveichik explores the profound struggles faced by Jacob, both in the biblical text and as mirrored in Jewish history. The story of Jacob Curiel, a converso who reclaimed his Jewish identity, serves as a poignant parallel to the biblical Jacob's struggles. Curiel's journey from Portugal to Amsterdam, where he openly embraced his faith and became a leader in the Jewish community, exemplifies the enduring struggle against assimilation and persecution. This historical account is intertwined with the biblical narrative of Jacob's fear and prayer as he prepares to meet Esau, highlighting the dual threats of external persecution and internal assimilation that have persisted throughout Jewish history.