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"‘I loved you,’ said Hashem, and you asked, ‘In what way did You love us?’ ... ‘Indeed Eisav is a brother of Yaakov ... and Eisav I despised’" (Malachi 1: 2-3). At first glance, the hatred toward Eisav is understandable, as he is a wicked, bloodthirsty person, through his very essence, as is even evidenced by the Torah’s stressing of his being red. On the other hand, though, if his nature from before birth is to be drawn to blood, shouldn’t the complaint for his behavior be placed on his Maker, not on Eisav?
It would seem that the most critical difference between the brothers is hinted at in Eisav’s name, which comes from the word asuy: done, complete. His characteristics were set and he made no attempt to overcome moral challenges. It is not only that his legs were on the ground, but even his head was on the ground. Yaakov was not content with what he was because he was not a man of trickery. The most important person he did not trick was himself.
The navi tells us: "Lift up your eyes to the Heavens and see" (Yeshaya 40:26). It is possible to see into the Heavens and, if one tries hard enough, to overcome natural limitations. Even one whose legs are on the ground can see to the top of the ladder. It is the realization that there is something higher to strive for that is the key to the ability to obtain it. When self-deception causes one to be satisfied with his present state, he has no interest in looking any higher, and then everything remains according to nature. There is no serious attempt to do more than that which come to him most easily.
When the navi says that Hashem despises Eisav, a basic part of that is that He hates the fact that he is asuy, that he does not see a value in being any more in the future than he is in the past and the present. He is not even willing to admit that there are Heavens to look to.
Yes, Eisav is red, signifying his tendency toward bloodthirstiness. Is that a weakness? It doesn’t have to be. David was also red and that was part of his recipe for success in forming the monarchal dynasty. But he is introduced as red with pretty eyes (Shmuel I 16:12). Yes, David killed, but with permission from Sanhedrin, and not on his own (Bereishit Rabba 63:8). Shaul, who was missing that brash "redness," failed, and David succeeded with the right combination of traits. There is no trait that cannot be used for good, if the top of the ladder reaches to the Heavens.
This is why Yaakov dreamed upon leaving the Land. He was leaving his spiritual incubator under the tutelage of tzaddikim like his father, Shem, and Ever and was going to take on the arch-deceiver, Lavan. Hashem reassured him that He would be with Yaakov, and indeed he succeeded to keep his integrity.
Chemdat Yamim Moreshet Shaul: The Goal of an Agricultural Yeshiva – part I
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the laying of the cornerstone of the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh)
Chemdat Yamim Moreshet Shaul: Twin Foundations
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 690
Rabbis in Midrash
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P'ninat Mishpat P'ninat Mishpat: Realtor’s Fee on Large Commercial Building – part I
(based on ruling 85031 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
(based on ruling 85031 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
Chemdat Yamim Moreshet Shaul: The Goal of an Agricultural Yeshiva – part I
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the laying of the cornerstone of the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh)
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the laying of the cornerstone of the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh)
Re'e NEVER EXTREME EXCEPT ISRAEL
Parshat Re'eh
Judaism is against extremism, so how can we understand the seemingly extreme statements found in our sages in favor of living in the Land of Israel and against living in Chutz laAretz? The article deals with the seeming contradiction between the strength of Free-Will and the strength of being influenced by our surroundings.
Ekev DANCE FOR ISRAEL- FOR YOUR BENEFIT
Parshat Eikev
Description: The 7 Haftarot we read after Tisha B'Av ("Shiva D'Nichemta") surely get us excited that they're coming TRUE, and awaken us to yearn, dance & join the return to Zion! The short article also deals with the problems and solutions facing the American Jewish community as discussed at a recent panel, as well as the question why Jews come from America to Israel to help when we face problems, but Israelis don't come to aid Jews in America when they face anti-Semitism.
P'ninat Mishpat P'ninat Mishpat: Complaints about Contractor’s Work – part II
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
Chemdat Yamim Moreshet Shaul: Twin Foundations
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 690
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 690
D'varim Judaism’s Social Vision
Re’eh
Giving is more than an act of generosity—it is an essential part of human dignity that belongs to everyone, rich and poor alike. The ultimate goal of help is to empower others to stand on their own.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 9 - "Seeing is Believing" (parag. 21-30)
These paragraphs elaborate on the theme that seeing and knowing is better than any attempt to prove logically, and begins explaining the difference between Israel and gentiles.
