Introduction
In its detail of Yaakov's return to Eretz Canaan, Parshat Va'yishlach describes two instances when he receives his new name, Yisrael:

1) After his struggle with the "mal'ach" (angel), prior to his confrontation with Eisav (see 32:24-30).
2) Later, during God's revelation to him at Bet-El (35:9-13).

We begin our shiur with the second event, as it establishes the connection between the name Yisrael and the "bechira" process - the primary theme of Sefer Breishit.