Parashat Vayishlach
וַיִּשְׁלַח · Genesis 32:4 to 36:43, portion 8 of 12 in the book of Genesis.
Next reading
Saturday 28 November 2026
18 Kislev 5787
In Israel and abroad
The year after
Saturday 18 December 2027
18 Kislev 5788
In Israel and abroad
What happens in Vayishlach
Jacob sends messengers and gifts ahead to Esau and prepares to meet him. At night he wrestles with a stranger until dawn and is given the name Israel. The brothers meet in peace. Then comes the episode of Dinah in Shechem. Jacob returns to Bethel, Rachel dies giving birth to Benjamin and is buried on the road to Bethlehem, and Isaac dies. The portion ends with the line of Esau.
וַיִּשְׁלַח יַעֲקֹב מַלְאָכִים לְפָנָיו אֶל־עֵשָׂו אָחִיו אַרְצָה שֵׂעִיר שְׂדֵה אֱדוֹם
“And Jacob sent messengers before him to Esau his brother unto the land of Seir, the field of Edom.”
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Frequently asked questions
When is Parashat Vayishlach read in 2026?+
On Shabbat 28 November 2026 (18 Kislev 5787), in Israel and in the Diaspora alike. The year after, it is read on 18 December 2027.
What is Parashat Vayishlach about?+
Jacob sends messengers and gifts ahead to Esau and prepares to meet him. At night he wrestles with a stranger until dawn and is given the name Israel. The brothers meet in peace. Then comes the episode of Dinah in Shechem. Jacob returns to Bethel, Rachel dies giving birth to Benjamin and is buried on the road to Bethlehem, and Isaac dies. The portion ends with the line of Esau.