“… and he touched the hollow of his thigh; and the hollow of Yaakov’s thigh was strained …”
(Vayishlach 32:26)
The Zohar says: “The hollow of his thigh — this is referring to those who support the Torah.” … Eisav’s angel wrestled with Yaakov regarding the brachos that Yitzchak had bestowed on him. Yaakov claimed that the brachos belonged to him because his descendants were destined to receive the Torah and to toil in it. Eisav’s angel couldn’t deny this argument. Thus this verse begins “And when he saw that he could not prevail …”
But in the end Eisav’s angel claimed that a time would come at the end of the Exile meaning “before the dawn ” when most of the Jewish People would be lax about strengthening the Torah scholars and thus their studies would be interrupted. This is hinted by the hollow of the thigh. Just as the thigh supports the body so those who strengthen the Torah keep the scholars standing. Thus it was there that the angel of Eisav overcame and harmed him as it says “and Yaakov’s thigh was strained.” (Chofetz Chaim al haTorah)
Yaakov fought with this being who was not of flesh and blood. Alone. All night. Steadfastly refusing to return the brachos. “But why do you desire Eisav’s share?” the angel asked in wonder. And Yaakov answered that his descendants were destined to learn Torah.
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