The Torah portion of Vayishlach, covering Genesis 32:4 to 36:43, presents a profound exploration of speech and silence, particularly the dynamics of power and voicelessness. Rabbi David Levin highlights the stark contrast between Jacob’s articulate plans and the significant silence surrounding key female figures in the narrative, including Rachel, Rebecca, and Dinah. This juxtaposition raises critical questions about the implications of being heard versus being silenced in contemporary society.
As Jacob approaches an encounter with his brother Esau, he engages in a series of strategic communications, sending messengers and offering prayers. His articulate preparations drive the narrative forward, but the true essence of his voice emerges during a solitary struggle with an angel. This internal battle symbolizes Jacob’s quest for authority and agency. By demanding a blessing and a new name—Israel, meaning “one who struggles with God and man”—he embodies the struggle for leadership and the weight of responsibility that comes with it.
In stark contrast, the women in this story remain largely voiceless, reinforcing their marginalization. Jacob’s wives and concubines are depicted in a passive manner, moving at Jacob’s direction without agency. Rachel’s death during childbirth exemplifies this theme; despite her poignant final words naming her son Ben-oni, Jacob renames him Benjamin, effectively silencing her final expression of sorrow.
The narrative continues with Bilhah, who becomes an object of transgression when Reuben violates her. Following this event, she is excluded from the dialogue regarding its consequences, further illustrating the persistent pattern of women’s voices being disregarded. Their experiences highlight a broader societal issue: the vulnerability of those whose narratives are not valued or recorded.
Dinah’s story serves as one of the most chilling illustrations of this enforced silence. As she interacts with the daughters of the land, she becomes a catalyst for male vengeance, her own voice entirely absent from the ensuing narrative. The violence inflicted by her brothers, Simeon and Levi, under the guise of defending her honor, underscores the tragic consequences of silencing women. Dinah’s absence from Jacob’s final blessings at his deathbed reflects her trauma and exclusion, emphasizing the lasting impact of her voicelessness.
The lessons from Vayishlach resonate deeply in today’s context. The struggle to find and use one’s voice is critical, particularly in light of ongoing issues such as the sexual abuse and trafficking of young women, exemplified by the horrific Jeffrey Epstein case. Rabbi Levin urges individuals to embrace their voices and advocate for justice, as the courage to speak out can significantly influence societal values and structures.
This Torah portion serves as a commentary on the privileges and responsibilities that come with expression. Jacob’s physical and metaphorical wrestling for his right to lead epitomizes the moral authority that emerges from this struggle. The text suggests that while Jacob’s voice reflects a journey of empowerment, the silence of women—from Rebecca’s textual erasure to Dinah’s enforced muteness—reduces them to mere instruments in the narrative.
Ultimately, Vayishlach compels us to consider not only the spoken word but also the weight of what remains unspoken. It highlights the ongoing battle for voice—an essential aspect of the human experience that shapes our society. Rabbi David Levin, who serves as the president of the Board of Rabbis of Greater Philadelphia, emphasizes the importance of recognizing and amplifying these voices, urging readers to acknowledge the significance of both speaking out and listening attentively.
