Vayishlach 5775

The story of Dina's kidnapping is explained by the Ramban. The 11 brothers had agreed to join and intermarry with the people of Shechem on condition that the city's men get circumcised. The brothers assumed that the city would refuse and give Dina back; but if they did follow through, the sons would take back Dina on the third day (when everyone was recovering). However, Shimon and Levi wanted full revenge and killed the entire city. Yaakov cursed them because the city of Shechem had put trust in the brothers. Yaakov saw it as an opportunity for the city to do teshuvah and follow in the ways of Hashem. Shimon and Levi's actions ruined that idea and betrayed the city.

Vayishlach 5774

Yaakov davens to Hashem to save him "from the hands of his brother, the hands of Esav" (32:12). Why does Yaakov need to say both? We know Esav is his brother! The Beis Halevi explains that both terms are necessary. As Jews, we are either befriended by the Gentiles and they become a bad influence on us or we are persecuted by them. Yaakov is davening for protection from both aspects. He puts the term "brother" first because it is worse to befriend a bad person and learn from him.

Vayishlach 5773

The Kli Yakar explains that the Yetzer Hara is like a fly that can't damage one's skin, but looks for an opening. This is how the angel was able to attack Yaakov, he found a small deficiency in Yaakov's middos. Yaakov had gotten very rich by Hashem and this caused him to not be satisfied with what he had (but very slightly). This is why he crossed over the river to retrieve his small items. The angel noticed this "opening" and attacked Yaakov.