A teaching of the Rebbe on the parsha adapted for children
In the parashah Vayishlach, G-d adds a name to Yaakov Avinu, Israel. And since then he is called by those two names, Yaakov and Israel. With Abraham Avinu it is different; after the change of the name Avram to Abraham, he did not call him again with the previous name, and whoever calls him with that name violates a prohibition: “And your name will not be called Avram”. What is the reason for this difference? And what can we learn from this for our daily service to HaShem?
The name change of Abraham Avinu symbolizes a rise in rank in relation to his previous mission, that of being a single father, spiritual guide of Aram, the land from which he came, to be the father of many peoples of the whole world. In a word, the name change, by embracing a broader meaning, negated the need to use the old name. On the other hand, with Yaakov, when changing his name, two different forms and approaches of his spiritual service are seen: Yaakov indicates the reception of blessings through impersonation and deception. Israel indicates a higher category, to receive blessings with authority and openly. Yitzchak's blessings to Yaakov were on material issues: "May G-d grant you the dew of heaven and the fertility of the earth, much grain and wine." Rivka and Yaakov were prepared to give their souls so that Yaakov would receive these blessings, so that Yaakov could correct and raise the sacred hidden sparks in the materiality of the world.
Every Jew must engage in the service of HaShem in two ways, namely: Yaakov, facing the material world in the manner of impersonation and deception. He eats, drinks, and uses material means, but all this externally, internally is in the name of Heaven. There are times when Jews serve G-d in the category of Israel. There is no need for deception since the material of the world no longer struggles to hide the sacred light. For example on Shabbat, on it, eating material food is a mitzvah and even the materiality of the world shines with a sublime spiritual light. Through his service, the Jew discovers that the material world is also a dwelling place for the Holy One, blessed be He. And with it he hastens the coming of our Righteous Mashiach, soon in our days.
