It is that thin line between knowing and not knowing that leads to enslavement. But then God hears our cries. Our sufferings become known to God. The Israelites are freed from slavery. Our Passover celebrations are ensured. The distinction between day and night, however, remains in our hands. It is found in the face of a stranger.

Peace between siblings, love between parents and children, is the greatest blessing of all. We need not venture to a sacred destination to discover this blessing. It is always nearby.

Too often we confuse public shaming with the acknowledgment of wrongdoing. Public officials release press releases apologizing for their wrongs. They are shamed in the press but avoid saying “I’m sorry” to the individuals they have wronged.

Our faith increases, the light grows, when we make room for more opinions at our tables, when we include such diversity within our celebrations. Zealousness is antithetical to community. Zealots do not compromise. They are blinded by ideology. They see only their own beliefs.

It is often the unnamed stranger who points the direction and who moves the story forward. And it is upon their shoulders that history turns.

Perhaps forgiveness comes because Esau needs it.  He wants to rewrite his story.  He wants to let go of his justified anger and his understandable resentment.  He wants to heal his own pain.  Esau becomes our unexpected and unlikely hero.