Shabbos: The Darkness Inside the Light

Understanding Shabbos through the lens of Parashas Vayishlach

Rav Eliyahu Dessler once showed up to a lecture with a large white oak tag that had a single black dot in the center. He asked the students, “What do you see?” They answered immediately. A black dot. Rav Dessler responded, “Do you not see all the white around it?” His point was simple. Make sure to see the white part of life, the clear and shining candle of life.

The story of Yaakov Avinu is fascinating. Each time he seemed to reach for perfection, for shleimus, something pulled him back. His life hints that his mission was to reveal how growth continues even when life presents endless excuses to remain stagnant.

Two great spiritual movements shape Yaakov’s life. They stand in clear contrast: last week’s parashah, Vayetzei, and this week’s parashah, Vayishlach.

In Vayetzei, Yaakov left his home and entered the uncertainty of exile. He was alone, afraid, penniless, and unprotected. Yet in that very darkness he was forced to search for light. Leah became his guide, teaching him how to unco…