Steadfast

Anticipating his brother’s hostility, Jacob sent Esau a message of peace. Jacob’s message, however, began not with words of conciliation, but with the declaration, “I lived with Laban for 22 years, yet I scrupulously fulfilled all 613 Mitzvos.”

Some believe that in order to draw an estranged Jew closer, they must compromise – abandon some facet of Judaism – to find favor in his eyes and influence him. Just the opposite is true: Your first message must be, “I am a firmly devoted Jew, and you too are a Jew – ‘a believer the descendant of believers.’”

When you are open and honest from the start, others will trust you. Ultimately, any hostile feelings will transform – as Esau’s did – to deep love and affection.