After Davening, There Is Nothing to Fear
When the Torah lists animals, tzon (sheep and goats) are usually mentioned first. An example is the way the Torah describes the wealth of Avraham, Yitzchak, and Yaakov. Regarding Avraham's wealth, it states (Bereishis 12:16) צאן לו ויהי בעבורה היטיב ולאברם וגמלים ואתנת ושפחת ועבדים וחמרים ובקר, "Avraham... had tzon (goats and sheep) and cattle and donkeys and servants and maidservants, and female donkeys and camels." Tzon is written first. Regarding Yitzchak's wealth, it states (Bereishis 26:14) בקר ומקנה צאן מקנה לו ויהי, "He had possessions of tzon and possessions of cattle." Once again, tzon is written first. Also, the pasuk that refers to Yaakov's wealth states (Bereishis 30:43), רבות צאן לו ויהי וחמרים וגמלים ועבדים ושפחות, "He had prolific tzon, maidservants and servants, camels and donkeys."
Rabbeinu b'Chayei (32:5) writes, "It is proper to write צאן first because tzon is the most honored and preferred type of cattle (מין הבהמות מכל והנבחר הנכבד)."
There is one exception, and that is in this week's parashah. Yaakov Avinu sent a greeting message to Eisav, and he said to Eisav (32:6) וצאן וחמור שור לי ויהי, "I have acquired oxen, donkeys, and tzon." Why did Yaakov Avinu switch the usual order and mention tzon last?
Rabbeinu b'Chayei answers that Yaakov didn't want the malachim to begin his message to Eisav by telling him about the many tzon he acquired, for it was with tzon (the two goats that Yaakov brought to Yitzchak, see 27:9) that Yaakov received his father's brachos. Yaakov didn't want to remind Eisav of that incident, as he feared this would arouse Eisav's anger.
However, a few pasukim later, when Yaakov sent animals as a gift to Eisav, tzon is mentioned first, before the other animals (see 32:15). Why wasn't Yaakov afraid that the tzon would incite Eisav's anger?
Rabbeinu b'Chayei (32:14) answers that Yaakov prepared the gift after he had davened. He said (32:12), ירא כי עשו מיד אחי מיד נא הצילני אתו אני, "Save me from my brother's hand, from the hand of Eisav because I am afraid of him." After the tefillah, Yaakov was no longer afraid.
From here, we learn the incredible power of tefillah. Tefillah totally changes the situation. After the tefillah, Yaakov was no longer afraid of Eisav.
Reb Nechemya Beker told the Chazon Ish zt'l that his wife suffered complications after childbirth, and the doctors recommended surgery. The Chazon Ish replied, "So, then what's the question? Certainly, she should have the surgery. It is pikuach nefesh." The Chazon Ish asked Reb Nechemyah to remain for Minchah. After Minchah, the Chazon Ish called him over, told him that he thought it over, and decided that his wife didn’t need the operation.
Reb Nechemya asked, "Just a few minutes ago, you clearly said that surgery was necessary and that it was a matter of life and death, r'l. Why did the rav change his mind?" The Chazon Ish zt'l replied, "I said that before I davened Minchah. But now is after Minchah..."
Rebbetzin Beker had another eight children, and she lived past the age of eighty.
