Thou Shall Overcome – Parshat Vayishlach
Thou Shall Overcome
A very big part of the human experience is “the struggle”. In life we struggle with various things. Every person, no matter how accomplished or however successful, will find themselves occupied with challenges at various points in their life. That being said, we all react differently to these situations. Some of us enjoy the struggle while others shy away from them. There are also those who are completely overwhelmed as well.
In this week’s Torah portion, we read how Jacob had to struggle with an angel prior to his meetup with his brother Esau. After the initial struggle, Jacob eventually won. When the angel wanted to leave Jacob would not let him go until he received a blessing. It was at that point where the angel told Jacob that his name would now be Israel based on the words “you have struggled and overcome”
Many commentators suggest that this angel represented the “other side” or the evil we encounter in our lives and Jacob’s victory represents our ability to overcome, no matter how great the challenge. Next time you’re faced with a difficulty that appears too great, try channeling your inner Jacob and you will be infused with the strength to achieve your goal.
Embrace the struggle,
Rabbi Mendy Hecht
About Our Shul
Located in a New Haven Landmark building listed on the National Register of Historic Places and honored by the Connecticut Trust for Historic Preservation, Orchard Street Shul was reborn in 2010 as a traditional yet “post label” synagogue after many years of disuse. We continue to build a dynamic community made up of Jewish people of all ages, from all backgrounds and levels of affiliation.
We seek to appeal to the Jewish self in us all, so we can join in a community in which every member of our family finds comfort, meaning, and spiritual connection. We celebrate our Jewishness, and yours. We invite you to join and experience our spiritual haven where you will be welcomed as family, find depth, meaning, and a new appreciation for Jewish life.
Orchard Street Shul
Our beautiful Eastern European Ashkenazi style synagogue was built in 1924 with a unique blend of Federal style and Eastern European architecture seen in our façade. The Shul stands proudly as a symbol of a once vibrant Jewish neighborhood, adjacent to Yale University and both campuses of Yale-New Haven Hospital. Today, the Shul is an anchor of New Haven’s emerging medical and biotech corridor. Jews of all backgrounds make our Shul happen, bringing Jewish life back to an historic neighborhood, in the only synagogue remaining of the dozen that once served our area. Now the only Shul servicing the downtown New Haven community, the sounds of Jewish life are once again regularly heard in this restored gem. You are invited to join your prayers with ours.
Read more About Our Shul, Shul History and Shul Restorations, and check out our Photo Gallery.
Connect With Us
We hold services every Shabbos at 9:30 AM, a Carlebach Kabbalat Shabbat minyan on the First Friday of the secular month (see posted time depending on season).
We welcome your membership, and contributions, but most importantly we welcome you. There are no tickets to attend our services and, please, you should always feel welcome to be part of our family.