Having survived a potentially fatal encounter with Lavan, Yaakov traveled closer to to his homeland anticipating the long awaited reunion with his parents. His brother Eisav did not allow for such a smooth transition and marched towards him with an army of 400 men to exact his long overdue revenge for the blessings he felt were rightfully his.
Distressed by the news, Yaakov prepared for the inevitable encounter by appeasing his angry brother with a large gift, developing a battle plan and offering an impassioned prayer to G-d. The night before the expected showdown, after transporting his family across the Yabok River, he was assaulted by an angel and an epic wrestling match ensued.
Although the struggle played out in a physical reality, it was really a clash of G-dly consciousness and the worship of self. Yaakov represented complete devotion to G-d and the angel was the spiritual representation of Eisav and egotistic human nature.
Yaakov was victorious that night and the angel was obliged to bless his combatant in some capacity. He revealed that in the near future G-d would change his name from Yaakov, which intimates that he received his father's blessings through trickery, to Yisrael, “Because you have struggled with men and angels and prevailed.”
The name change indeed occurred two years later but, curiously, the Torah continues to use both names interchangeably. This is in sharp contrast to Avraham whose previous name “Avram” is never mentioned again after he was renamed by G-d. Why was the Yaakov/Yisrael change not permanent?
The name Yaakov is synonymous with challenge and adversity. This describes the reality of a Jew engaged in the world which is devoid of divine clarity. Revealing the true goodness embedded therein demands creative strategy and nerves of steel.
The name Yisrael describes a spiritually pristine scenario. The aftermath of the victory of good over evil and clarity over confusion is one of continued spiritual growth.
A Jew is always navigating between these two worlds. When faced with challenges of faith, struggling with observing a mitzvah or simply bogged down with life - be Yaakov. Find creative ways to outsmart these powerful forces.
Then there are times of inspirational clarity: Shabbat, High Holy Days, lighting the Chanukah candles, the bris of a child or standing under the chupah. When experiencing these moments, be Yisrael and strive to broaden your spiritual horizons.
But even when you strike the high notes, never lose focus on maintaining your spiritual equilibrium when striking the low notes. After acquiring the name “Yisrael” do not lose your ability of being a competent “Yaakov”.
Being challenged is as Jewish as being inspired and our forefather bequeathed us with a double identity to master them both.