Parshas Vayishlach for Kids
פרשת וישלח
Yaakov prepares to meet Eisav - with gifts, with tefillah, and ready to fight. In the night a stranger wrestles him until dawn and gives him a new name: Yisrael, the one who struggled and endured.
In a Torah Tale book, your own child is the hero of this story - drawn from their photo, on every page, in their own name. Written under rabbinical guidance with strict tznius, printed and shipped to your door in English, Hebrew or Yiddish.
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What happens in Parshas Vayishlach
On his way home, Yaakov Avinu hears that Eisav is coming toward him with four hundred men. Rashi teaches that Yaakov prepared in three ways: he sent Eisav generous gifts, he davened to Hashem, and he got ready to protect his family if needed. That night Yaakov goes back across the river alone, and Rashi says it was to bring some small jars he had left behind. There a stranger wrestles with him until dawn; Rashi explains this was Eisav's malach. Yaakov does not let go until he is blessed, and he is given a new name: Yisrael.
When the brothers finally meet, Yaakov bows to Eisav, and Eisav runs to embrace him. They part in peace, and Yaakov settles in Eretz Yisrael. Rachel Imeinu passes away while giving birth to Binyamin, the twelfth son, and is buried on the road near Beis Lechem. The parsha ends when Yitzchak Avinu passes away and both his sons, Yaakov and Eisav, bury him together.
Lessons and middos for children
Bitachon and preparation
Yaakov davened to Hashem and also did everything he could to prepare. We trust Hashem and still do our part.Shalom
Yaakov sent gifts and spoke gently to make peace with his brother. A kind word or a gift can end an argument.Taking care of what we have
Yaakov went back even for small jars. We take care of our things and do not waste.
Questions for the Shabbos table
- What three things did Yaakov do to get ready to meet Eisav?
- What new name did Yaakov receive, and who else in our family is called by that name?
- If you had an argument with a brother, sister or friend, what could you do to make peace?
- Why do you think Yaakov went back alone just to get some small jars?
How your child steps into the story
Your child helps Yaakov Avinu's household gather the gifts of sheep, goats and camels for Eisav, and watches at sunrise as Yaakov receives his new name. The story ends with the family settled in the land, while Yosef, his favorite son, is growing up and beginning to dream.