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Let’s look at Hashem’s part in all of this. Rivka was barren and needed a miracle to conceive. Why did the miracle include a twin brother, who anyway is not part of the Chosen Nation? Taking various statements of Chazal, we arrive at an answer. Shir Hashirim Zuta (1:15) indicates that Eisav was born with the possibility of greatness, and the Tachuma (Shemot 1) blames Yitzchak for the failure by not disciplining Eisav. True, Yitzchak’s intentions were good, as he did not want to distance Eisav. However, he could have done what Chazal (Sota 47a) call having one’s left hand push away and his right hand draw close.
So, the two nations in Rivka’s womb could have turned into two tribes, and jealousy between the two could have pushed them toward greater spiritual achievement. However, instead, Eisav, and eventually Amalek, emerged from the lost potential. The epic historical struggle that ensued will end with "Saviors shall come from Mt. Zion to judge the mountain of Eisav" (Ovadia 1:21). However, the blessing of the conception of twins could have ended positively.
Indeed we can find areas of gentleness and goodness in Eisav. His treatment of his parents was legendary (see Bereishit Rabba 65:16). Even his hypocrisy before his father stemmed from his sincere desire to make him happy. On the other hand, his bad attributes grew out of control, which led to transgressing five cardinal sins (Bava Batra 16b). How do these trends go hand-in-hand?
There is such a thing as a nature that one starts off with. Educational work is required to make the most of the nature, bridle it, and direct it. Eisav, the son and grandson of Yitzchak and Avraham, respectively, inherited very positive characteristics. But that is not enough. His personality as a whole had to be kept under a more effective guard. "I have created the evil inclination, and I have created Torah as a remedy" (Kiddushin 30b). That is the only way to restrain the wild side of an Eisav.
There are groups in Israel these days that talk about "Jewish identity." We know they are not happy about the situation; they wanted more than this. However, identity is just not enough. It is not enough for an Israeli to grow up knowing how his father and his grandfather prayed, without following them. Having some respect for his parents is not enough to prevent him from fooling them into thinking that he is more than he really is. We need youngsters to dwell in the tent of Torah, like Yaakov.
"The actions of the fathers are a sign for the children." The mistakes of our parents (i.e., Yitzchak) must also be a warning. Amalekites do not emerge immediately. It starts with Eisav, who at least had an element of embarrassment from sin. His grandson was a full-blown evil person. Pushing away with the left is an effective tool to accompany the drawing near with the right. We need this to fix our generation, as was the case throughout history.
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)
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Shoftim TESHUVA IN COURT OF LAW?
Parshat Shoftim-Chodesh Elul
Why does parshat Shoftim always come out during Elul? This innovative and central explanation is an eye-opener regarding many aspects of Judaism.
The Month of Elul TESHUVA IS THE ANSWER
The month of Elul serves as a vital time for self-reflection and personal accountability to prepare for true repentance.
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)
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: 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)
Chemdat Yamim The Goal of an Agricultural Yeshiva – part II
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the cornerstone laying for the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh – 1938)
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the cornerstone laying for the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh – 1938)
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
