Vayishlach means, "he sent," which refers to the concept of shlichus, sending an emissary or representative.

In the broader sense, we are all shluchim (emissaries) of the Almighty. He placed our souls into our bodies in order for us to carry out a mission here on earth: to perform the mitzvos of the Torah, and to influence our surroundings positively so that the physical world becomes a "home" for God.

More specifically, this shlichus to affect the outside world can be divided into two phases:

a.) When he is away from the synagogue and study-hall, the Jew spreads the light of Judaism to his surroundings.

b.) He is not satisfied with the shlichus which he alone is carrying out, and he endeavors to make more shluchim-others who. will also be charged with the enthusiasm to spread Torah and Judaism.

These two phases are alluded to in the two Parshiyos Vayeitzei and Vayishlach:

a.) Vayeitzei means "he departed." Ya'akov left his homeland on a shlichus to influence an environment which was alien to Judaism.

b.) Vayishlach means "he sent," alluding to the second phase of shlichus, where a shliach is not satisfied with his own ongoing achievements, and he inspires others to be
shluchim.

Subsequently, we proceed to Vayeishev, which means "he settled," ("Ya'akov wished to settle in peace"-Rashi), alluding to the peaceful harmony of the true and complete redemption.

(Based on Sichas Shabbos Parshas Vayishlach 5748)