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The Rabbis over the ages have seen Yaakov’s approach to his tense meeting with Eisav as the prototype for meetings between Jewish leaders and powerful gentile rulers. Although our status has improved somewhat, there is still much to learn from the encounter, not only when approaching a mortal threat, but in dealing with many difficult relationships.
During the brothers’ exchange, Yaakov said: "Seeing your face is like seeing the face of a Divine being" (Bereishit 33:10). The gemara (Sota 41b), dealing with the topic of flattering the wicked, provides two possible explanations for this statement. One is that in this world, one may have little choice and therefore is justified to flatter the wicked. Another possibility is that Yaakov mentioned his encounter with Eisav’s representative angel so that Eisav would think twice before starting up with him. Although the gemara presents these explanations as conflicting, it is possible that Yaakov intended to convey both meanings and let Eisav contemplate each. As Chazal comment on this meeting, Eisav was capable of trying to harm Yaakov, yet he may have sincerely been won over by Yaakov’s display of respect and affection (see Rashi to Bereishit 33:4). Indeed, wisely crafted vague statements seem to have been effective. We find this approach throughout Sefer Bereishit, in such exchanges as Yehudah with Yosef and Yaakov with Lavan.
However, double meanings have their limits. Having one thing in one’s mouth and another in his heart can take away from the message’s credibility. When Yaakov told his messengers what to say to Eisav when bringing him gifts, he told them to refer to Eisav as his master. That is simple. However, even when not feeding them their lines, Yaakov referred to Eisav in their presence in the same way. He realized that he could not describe Eisav as a despised person and then expect his emissaries to convincingly strike the conciliatory, respectful tone.
The matter apparently runs even deeper. When Yaakov turned directly to Hashem, asking for salvation, he referred to Eisav as "my brother, Eisav." Although there are homiletic approaches to the reference to brotherhood, the simple meaning is that Yaakov was honestly, in a "closed door" meeting with Hashem, stressing his feeling of brotherhood for Eisav. This can partially be explained by Yaakov’s preference that the episode end without a need to fight back and harm his brother (see Rashi to 32:8). However, there is likely an element that if Yaakov wanted to himself be able to show respect and brotherhood for Eisav, he needed to train himself to think of Eisav in that light.
Rav Tzi Yehuda Kook is quoted as saying that Aharon did not "love people in order to draw them to the Torah" but rather to actually love them, which results in drawing them to the Torah. If we have trouble applying this lesson, we should train ourselves to look at the positive in an imperfect person rather than try to turn the charm on and off like a light switch.
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The Land of Israel LGBT'S IN ISRAEL
The question was asked, how can one make Aliyah with the LGBT parades?
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 7 - Five Accumulative Proofs of G-d
As a preparation for the Kuzari's classic proof of G-d from the mass-revelation at Sinai, we start here with 5 other directions to strengthen our belief which also contribute to what the Kuzari will present as well.
Ein Aya Muscle & Meaning: The Dual Nature of Gevurah (Physical Strength)
Is physical strength and fitness a necessity or an ideal? Although it if often totally overlooked among topics of Judaism, Rav Kook writes that it clearly is also a necessity to deter the many enemies of Israel, but even in Y'mot HaMashiach, in the Messianic era, to a certain extent, it's ideal continues even after our enemies will have been finished off.
Chukat "HOW ENTEBBE STOLE THE BICENTENNIAL
The Difference Between Historic & Eternal"
As we approach America's 250th birthday, it's worth remembering her 200th Bicentennial birthday, on Jul. 4th 1976, when Israel "stole the show" by shocking the world & miraculously saving 101 hostages in a foreign continent. As Pres. As Pres. Trump decides which countries get priority in his new Middle-East, it's worth reminding him of the difference between historic events and eternally historic ones. This obviously connects with this week's parsha, as well!
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 6 - The Parable of the King of India
The advantages of testimony over circumstantial evidence or philosophical speculation.
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.
