Final Answer:
In Judaism, the biblical patriarch Jacob is a central figure linked to the concept of 'Israel.' Jacob, renamed Israel after a divine encounter, is considered the progenitor of the Twelve Tribes of Israel. His descendants, known as the Israelites, formed the nation of Israel, playing a pivotal role in Jewish history and identity.
Step-by-step explanation:
The relationship between the biblical patriarch Jacob and the concept of 'Israel' in Judaism is deeply rooted in the narrative found in the Book of Genesis. Jacob, the son of Isaac and grandson of Abraham, encountered God in a transformative episode, leading to his renaming as 'Israel,' which means "he who struggles with God" or "God contends."
The renaming of Jacob to Israel symbolizes a profound spiritual transformation and signifies his elevated status in the divine plan. As Israel, Jacob became the patriarch of the Twelve Tribes of Israel, each descended from his twelve sons. These tribes collectively formed the nation of Israel, and their descendants, known as Israelites, played a crucial role in shaping the history and identity of the Jewish people.
The concept of 'Israel' in Judaism, therefore, is intrinsically linked to Jacob's role as a patriarch and the subsequent development of the Israelite nation. The Twelve Tribes, representing the descendants of Jacob, became integral to the formation of the Jewish people as a distinct and cohesive community.