As Jacob wrestles with the angel that leads to his transformation of taking the name Yisrael, we also must recognize that Jacob was injured in this struggle. Yes, the angel lost, but Jacob was also harmed in the encounter. Rabbi Simon Skopp explains that even when we are strong enough to withstand temptation, the very involvement of spiritual danger makes a lasting impact.

We all face challenging situations and we have no choice but to do our best to overcome.

The Torah tells us a practical impact of this struggle, that the children of Israel will not eat the gid hanashe, the displaced sinew of the hip socket, to this day. Each time we limit ourselves from this piece of food, we remember that Jacob was not injured because he was lacking, but that each contact with evil will have an effect.

And while this is one perspective, we can also look at this prohibition in a positive light. Rashbam suggests that we refrain from eating this piece of food as a sign that God miraculously saved Jacob from this danger. He fought an evil angel bent on his destruction, and he only suffered a minor injury.

How do we walk in this world? With the certainty that evil will find us, or with the confidence that when we do face troubling circumstances, we as a people will have strength not only to survive but to thrive.

Yisrael means struggle with God. But change the vowels around and you get yashar el, straight to God. Our struggle is often our most direct path.