Weekly Parashas 

Vayetze 

And He Went Out- וַיֵּצֵא
Genesis 28:10–32:2

The seventh reading from the book of Genesis is named Vayetze, which means “and he went out.” The title comes from the first verse of the reading, which says, “And Jacob went out from Beersheba” (Genesis 28:10 KJV). This portion tells the story of Jacob’s flight from his brother Esau, his vision at Bethel, his employment with his uncle Laban, and his marriage to the two sisters Rachel and Leah. Jacob’s double marriage results in a baby-bearing contest that gives him eleven sons. At the end of the portion, Jacob leaves Laban and returns to the land of Canaan but not before Laban tries to stop him.

Vayishlach

And He Sent- וַיִּשְׁלַח

Genesis 32:3–36:43

The eighth reading from the book of Genesis is named Vayishlach, which means "and he sent." The title comes from the first verse of the reading, which says, "Then Jacob sent messengers before him to his brother Esau in the land of Seir, the country of Edom" (Genesis 32:3). Jacob prepares to meet Esau as he returns to the promised land, but first he has a mysterious encounter with an angel in the darkness, who changes his name to Israel. The portion follows Jacob's adventures in the land of Canaan, including the loss of his beloved wife, Rachel.