In this week’s parsha, Vayishlach, we encounter a powerful lesson on anxiety and faith from Yaakov Avinu. As he prepares to face his brother Esav, who approaches with a formidable army, the Torah describes Yaakov as being “exceedingly frightened and distressed” (Bereishit 32:8). Once again, one of our forefathers had his faith tested. This dual expression—“frightened and distressed”—captures the depth of his emotional turmoil.
The Gemara in Brachot (4a) is puzzled by this. How could Yaakov—who had already received divine promises of protection—feel such anxiety? Was his fear a failure of faith? The Talmud, Rashi, the Zohar and the Rambam all explore this tension. If even Yaakov—one of our greatest patriarchs—felt anxious, what does that say about us, who struggle with far less?
The Talmud in Brachot (60a) discusses whether anxiety and fear are inherently negative emotions. The conclusion is that fear itself is not inherently wrong—it is part of being human. What matters is how we respond to it. Yaakov did not succumb to despair or panic. Instead, he took proactive steps: He prepared for war by dividing his camp, he sent gifts to appease Esav and he prayed to Hashem for deliverance.
In the end, Yaakov prevailed. He emerged not only victorious but transformed. He received blessings from both the angel he struggled with and from God himself. He passed the test. His name was changed to “Yisrael,” symbolizing his spiritual elevation and the reaffirmation of Hashem’s promises for the future (35:9-13).
Still, we are left with the question of why we need to struggle, constantly pass tests and face challenges in our lives which may leave us anxious. One analogy that might help explain this is as follows: Growing up, we often had to take examinations in school. On the day of the test, the teacher would hand out the questions and remain silent up front, proctoring the examination. At that time, he would offer no explanations or instruction. On the previous several days, however, he was fully available to teach us, to explain the materials and to prepare us for the examination. On the day of the test, however, he remained silent. While the teacher appears absent, he is actually present—observing and ensuring the students succeed. Passing these tests led to our promotion and growth.
Similarly, Hashem prepares us for life’s challenges. During times of difficulty, it may seem as if He is silent. But just as the teacher is present in the classroom, Hashem is always with us—observing, guiding from a distance and ensuring that we have the tools we need to succeed and grow.
Like Yaakov, we may feel tested but we need not be paralyzed with anxiety. We need to prepare to do what we can, hope for the best and pray to God for help—demonstrating our faith and bitachon in His divine providence.
The Maggid of Dubno offers a parable that beautifully illustrates the concept of faith and trust in Hashem: “A poor man was traveling on foot, carrying a heavy sack. A kind carriage driver stopped and offered him a ride. The man gratefully accepted and climbed aboard. Yet, even as he sat comfortably in the carriage, he continued to hold his sack on his shoulders.
The driver noticed this and asked, ‘Why don’t you put down your sack and rest?’
The man replied, “I don’t want to burden you with my load. It’s enough that you’re giving me a ride!”
The driver smiled and said, ‘Foolish man! Don’t you realize that I am already carrying you and your load? Whether or not you hold it, it makes no difference to me.’”
The lesson is clear. We often carry the burdens of life on our shoulders, feeling that we alone are responsible for everything. Yet, Hashem is the one driving the carriage of our lives. He carries not only us, but also our burdens. When we fully trust in Him, we can set down our anxieties and find inner peace.
The Lubavitcher Rebbe often spoke about strengthening our “bitachon,”—our sense of complete trust in God—whose benevolent divine providence extends to everyone. He once wrote that “a person need not carry everything on their own shoulders, feeling an overwhelming responsibility for everything. When a person connects with their inner fount of faith and bitachon, it gives them an inner calm, enabling them to go through life in a healthy manner,” (Igrot Kodesh, volume 4, page 248).
May we learn from Yaakov and the Maggid of Dubno to lay down our burdens and trust in the One who carries us through life. May we face our challenges with faith, take action when needed and rely on Hashem’s guidance. In doing so, may we merit the blessings of health, success and inner peace—as we pass the tests of life and ascend to greater heights of spiritual and personal growth.
Rabbi Dr. Avi Kuperberg is a forensic, clinical psychologist and a member of the American Psychology-Law Society. He is the coordinator of Bikur Cholim/Chesed at Congregation Torah Ohr in Boca Raton, Florida. He can be reached at [email protected].
