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Yaakov and Yisrael are the two names of our beloved nation, stemming from the Patriarch Jacob. They symbolize two different aspects: The first one, Yaakov, is based on the word akev, meaning "heel" – for Yaakov held on to his older twin brother's heel as they were born. The heel, of course, is the lowest part of the body. The second one is Yisrael, which is an acronym of Rosh Li ("my head") – referring to the highest and most important part of the body. As the Sages teach: "There is no reshit [beginning point, from the root meaning "head"] other than Israel."
When did Yaakov receive the name Yisrael? It happened after the nocturnal fight between Yaakov and the minister-angel of Esav, when the latter told Yaakov: "Your name will no longer be said to be Yaakov, but rather Yisrael – for you have become great before G-d and man and you have won" [based on Targum Onkelos] (B'reshit 32,29). Rashi explains that the men Yaakov struggled with were Esav and Lavan, and they were unable to defeat him. Thus, the aspect of "Yisrael" is manifest when Israel defeats its enemies.
G-d, too, agrees to this change, telling him, "Your name will be not only Yaakov, but Yisrael will also be your name" (35,9) [as evidenced by the use of both names in the subsequent verses]. Rashi explains there that the name Yisrael, from the root sar, thus indicates princeliness.
-- The Relevance for Today --
The nation of Israel has been struggling with others, as Yaakov did with Esav and Lavan, for thousands of years. Throughout this time, Israel always held on tenaciously and its enemies could not defeat it. However, when we were in Exile, we were a form of Yaakov – not Yisrael – and we were at our lowest points, the place of the heel.
But finally, with thanks to G-d, we have in these latest generations been privileged and merited to see very close up the revitalization of Israel. We are ascending from the "heel" to the "head," and it is therefore no coincidence that we are called the State of Israel. The words of the Torah are coming true: "You will not be called Yaakov but Israel" – and as our Sages explain: "Not that the name Yaakov will be totally uprooted, but Israel will be the main name, and Yaakov is secondary to it" (B'rachot 12b).
And the higher we ascend along our path to full national Redemption, the more we will recognize our special Israelite identity as a "treasured people, holy nation, and kingdom of priests" (Sh'mot 19,6). Similarly, we will also more clearly understand our national destiny, wherein the Nation of Israel will install G-d as the true King of the world, illuminating and benefiting all of mankind.
With anticipation of a great victory and the complete salvation, Amen!
Translated by Hillel Fendel
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