ויצב־שם מזבח ויקרא־לו אל אלהי ישראל
He set up an altar there, and called it El-elohe-yisrael.

The Parashah Vaishlaj, when examined through the prism of Qabalah, unfolds a rich spiritual tapestry that sheds light on the profound relationship between the material and the spiritual in human life. At the heart of this parashah is Jacob Avinu, whose life is marked by his unwavering dedication to the Torah and his resistance to earthly temptations in Laban's house. His story exemplifies the Qabalistic idea that holiness and spiritual study have the power to transform even the most mundane aspects of existence.

The duality between Jacob and Esau, which develops prominently in this parashah, is a central theme in Qabalah. Jacob represents the constant pursuit of connection with the divine through Torah study and spiritual devotion. In contrast, Esau personifies immersion in the pleasures and material concerns of the world. This dichotomy underscores the perennial struggle between the spiritual and the material that we face in our own lives.

Furthermore, as elucidated in the Zohar, provides an enlightening perspective on the inherent duality of good and evil. According to Qabalah, from the moment of our birth, we are accompanied by the spirit of evil, while the spirit of good is revealed later in life. This constant internal battle between opposing forces is illustrated in the narrative of Jacob wrestling with the mysterious "man" in Peniel. This spiritual struggle embodies the internal conflict that we all face in our quest for truth and connection with the divine.

The Zohar also sheds light on the significance of Jacob's name, which contains the letter "vav." In Qabalah, this letter symbolizes the connection between the spiritual and physical worlds. It is interpreted that negative actions, such as the sexual aberrations mentioned in the Zohar, break this connection, while virtuous behavior and Torah study restore and maintain it.

Isaac's blessing to Esau, despite his choice of the material world, suggests that opportunities for redemption and transformation through meritorious actions exist in all areas of life. This deeply resonates with the Qabalistic teaching that every moment and choice in everyday life can be an opportunity to draw closer to the divine.

Parashah Vaishlaj invites us to explore the depths of spirituality in all aspects of our existence, from our internal struggles to our daily choices. It reminds us that the connection with the divine is an ongoing quest and that our actions and choices have the potential to elevate us to a higher level of spiritual awareness.