THE FACE OF G-D

בס "ד

UN PENSIERO SU PARSHAT VAYISHLACH 5786

The Face of G-d in Genesis 33:10: A Jewish Perspective and Practical Lesson for Today

In Parashat Vayishlach, we encounter an intense moments in the Torah: Jacob meets his brother Esau, from whom he fears harm. The text reads:

וְלָקַחְתָּ מִנְחָתִי מִיָּדִי כִּי עַל כֵּן רָאִיתִי פָנֶיךָ כְּראת פְּנֵי אֱלֹהִים וַתִּרְצֵנִי
“Please take my gift from my hand, for seeing your face is like seeing the face of G-d, and you have shown me favor.” (Genesis 33:10)

The phrase “seeing the face of G‑d” raises many questions: what exactly does Jacob mean? Jewish commentators offer two major interpretations. 

It is important to note that anthropomorphic phrases like this are never meant to be taken literally; the Torah speaks דברה תורה בלשון בני אדם—in human terms that we can understand. One of the fundamental tenets of Torah is that G‑d has no physical body (Deuteronomy 4:15; Rambam, Yesodei HaTorah, 3rd principle), so “seeing G‑d” should be understood metaphorically rather than as a literal vision.

Seeing G-d’s Face Directly

Some Chassidic sources, such as Likutey Moharan (Rebbe Nachman’s Torah p. 264), emphasize that Jacob sees G-d’s hand at work in Esau’s changed attitude. Esau, once aggressive and threatening, now greets Jacob kindly. Jacob experiences this transformation as a direct response to his prayers and as an expression of divine favor.

Presenting a gift (minchah) reinforces this idea: giving is seen as a manifestation of G-dliness in the world. Jacob’s gift to Esau becomes almost a sacred act, and seeing Esau’s friendly face feels to Jacob like seeing G-d’s own face.

Practical lesson: Our prayers are important, but gratitude must be made visible through action. Through charity or gifts, we connect prayer and action, making our acknowledgment of G-d’s favor tangible in the world.

The Face of an Angelic Being

Another interpretation, offered by Radak e Ramban, emphasizes an angelic aspect. Jacob compares Esau’s face to that of an angel who had previously protected and blessed him in a dream or vision. Ramban explains that Jacob deliberately makes this comparison to impress Esau: by showing that he is protected by higher powers, he prevents potential aggression. Radak adds that Jacob is also referencing his nighttime encounter with the angel, making Esau act cautiously.

Practical lesson for today:

• In potentially tense situations, you can consciously use your resources: knowledge, preparation, and subtle communication can create protection and respect without confrontation.
• Wisdom and tact are often stronger than brute force.
• Using the teachings of the Torah intentionally can guide your actions. By studying the Torah, especially the 7 Noahide Laws and their details, we gain insight into living a moral and just life.
• Refining our midot—character traits such as patience, humility, respect, and self-control—helps prevent conflict and promote harmony.

In short, Jacob demonstrates that spirituality and ethics expressed through words and deeds have tangible effects in the world. His gift to Esau and his careful choice of words show that action and mindful behavior are as important as prayer and intention.

Concrete, Applicable Lessons

Based on this passage, we can identify three practical steps for daily life:

1. Preparation and Mindful Action: Consider potential tensions and how to subtly reduce them through words, demeanor, and deeds.
2. Torah Study and Ethical Reflection: Study the 7 Noahide Laws and other Torah teachings to deepen your understanding of justice, compassion, and ethics.
3. Refine Your Character Traits: Actively develop patience, humility, respect, and self-control. These traits help maintain harmonious relationships and prevent conflicts.

Closing Thought

The story of Jacob and Esau shows that we can apply the deeper lessons of the Torah in our interactions. Through wisdom, tact, study, and character development, we can create protection and respect, prevent conflict, and make our spiritual awareness tangible in the world. Thus, “seeing the face of G-d” becomes not only a spiritual experience but also a practical guide for ethical and mindful behavior in daily life.

Di Angelique Sijbolts
Grazie a Rabbi Tani Burton per il feedback

Fonti:

Noam Elimelekh, Vayetzei 3:8

Toldot Yaakov Yosef, Vayetzei 68

Be’er Mayim Chaim, Genesis 25:23:13

Beit Aharon, Vayetzei 77-79

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