What to do when confronting a potential enemy? Preparation! In this week’s parsha Jacob is about to encounter his brother Esau after two decades of separation and death threats from him. So, Jacob’s threefold plan – first prayer – acknowledging THAT that truly determines our present and future, asking that Hashem help him through difficulties; second, offering gifts (OK maybe not a wrapped Bundt cake) – Jacob did offer herds of his animals as a peace-making gesture; and third, as a last resort Jacob was ready to fight. Jacob had just left his duplicitous father-in-law Laban compared to a lion and was about to face Esau compared to a bear.