Parshah Vayishlach

And Jacob was greatly afraid, and he was distressed (Genesis 32:8)

He was afraid that he might be killed, and distressed that he might kill.

And [Jacob] bowed himself to the ground seven times, until he came near to his brother (33:3)

When Mordechai refused to bow to Haman, they said to him: "You're going to get us all killed! How dare you go against the decree of the king?"

Said Mordechai: "I am a Jew."

Said they to him: "Did not [our] forefathers bow to his forefather?"

Replied Mordechai: "I am descendant of Benjamin, who was in his mother's womb at that time. Just as my forefather did not bow, so, too, I shall not kneel nor bow."