YeshivaThe torah world Gateway
Beit Midrash
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- Bereshit
- Toldot
Well, that is almost exactly what we experience in this week’s Sedra – except in the reverse. In a very unusual scene, Rivka is told, by Divine prophecy (either via Shem and Ever, or directly by Hashem) that in the future, her son Esav will turn out to be a rather unsavory character, one clearly undeserving of carrying on the mantle of Jewish leadership when Yitzchak will be gone.
The pasuk says: "Vayitrotz’tzu habanim b’kirba." The strange word "Vayitrotz’tzu" is usually translated as "(the boys) ran (inside her). This leads to the famous Medrash that says Rivka felt a kick both when she passed a house of study as well as a house of idolatry, indicating diametrically-opposed paths for her twins. But I suggest that the word also can be linked to the root "teretz," which can mean to "answer," or solve a problem. Rivka is made aware of a major problem, and she sets out to solve it.
Coming from a home where cunning and conning others was rather common, she – much more than her pure and sheltered husband Yitzchak – can see right through Esav and his holier-than-thou machinations. (In fact, this may be the "blindness" that the Torah says afflicts Yitzchak; his
inability to see Esav for what he really was.)
And so Rivka devises this rather clever but controversial plan to have "good son" Yakov dress up as Esav and secure the birthright blessing for his own. We all know what happens next; Yakov does indeed receive the preeminent bracha, and will lead Am Yisrael into the future.
But alas, it’s not always nice to tamper with Mother Future. While Yakov will go on to wear Yitzchak’s mantle, Esav will turn into an eternal enemy to plague our people throughout history, to this very day. As Chazal say, "It is Halacha, unalterable – Esav hates Yakov." While Rivka
may have done a noble thing, there will be a heavy price to pay for all eternity, until Moshiach-time.
At the end of the story, the pasuk (28:5) inexplicably identifies Rivka as "the mother of Yakov and Esav." But don’t we surely know that already?! Even Rashi is forced to comment, "I don’t know what this is teaching us!" But I suggest we are being told that, when all is said and done, Rivka still loves her twin boys. While she did what she felt she had to do, for the good of the nation and posterity, she wishes that it could all have been solved amicably without subterfuge, and that reconciliation, rather than rivalry, would reign.
Maybe, in the future…..
Rabbi Stewart Weiss
Was ordained at the Hebrew Theological College in Skokie, Illinois, and led congregations in Chicago and Dallas prior to making Aliyah in 1992. He directs the Jewish Outreach Center in Ra'anana, helping to facilitate the spiritual absorption of new olim.
Jewish Laws and Thoughts Shul “etiquette:” can we honor Hashem while respecting our fellow congregants?
The Wisdom of Rabbi Moshe Feinstein Don't Be Afraid of Responsibility
The Wisdom of Rabbi Moshe Feinstein (2)
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
fast navigation
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 5- "Proofs of G-d"
This may be the most important class of the entire book, where we finally get to the Jewish proof of the existence of G-d and truth of the Torah. We should follow His own direction where He tells us how to get to Him: through the Nation of Israel: Jewish history, Jewish prophets (and today, prophecies fulfilled), and national reward & punishment towards Am Yisrael.
Ein Aya One Humanity, One Creator, One Jerusalem
Rav Kook innovatively and beautifully explains this aggadeta where our sages say that after Jerusalem was destroyed her cinnamon fragrance is only found locked in a particular kingdom's treasury.
Shlach Lecha "Why So Many Don't Make Aliya?" - Parshat Shlach
This short article deals with the weird phenomena that every single time Am Yisrael is meant to enter the Land of Israel, throughout the Tanach, 2nd Temple and until today, they "chicken out" and look for excuses. What's the problem with this mitzvah that proves so challenging. The article, based on sources, suggests that the difficulties of Eretz Yisrael is precisely her secret and beauty!
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 4
The class deals with Islam and how the Muslim tries convincing the King of the Khazars, and why he was also rejected.
Beha'alotcha JEWISH STATE= GUIDE TO G-DLINESS & SELFLESSNESS
A Jewish State not only is a good idea, but educates us towards selflessness, altruism and G-dliness in our daily lives.
Ein Aya In Zion Even the Smoke of the Bark is Sweet
Just as Jewish nationalism is different from others, so too our capitol of Jerusalem is totally different than other national capitols. Rav Kook beautifully explains the passage in the Talmud that the trees of Yerushalayim were cinnamon trees.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 3
The second speaker invited to convince the Khazar King is the Christian, who presents their beliefs. Even before the questions of the King, "between the lines", the author R. Yehuda HaLevi already begins disproving them.
Ein Aya "Intimacy: Love, Life & Giving or Egocentric Taking & Expiration"
Today, many confuse between intimacy in marriage, based on love, giving and life which are diametrically opposed to empty "sex", pornography and prostitution which destroyed the Beit HaMikdash. The practical importance of clarifying this topic in today's western society is obvious, especially for young adults.
