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The Torah study is dedicatedin the memory of
Rabbi Mordechai Tsemach ben mazal Tov
The exchange between Yaakov and Eisav regarding the sale of the bechora (rights of the firstborn) raises many questions. There are different opinions as to whether the sale related to financial rights in Yitzchak’s estate (Rashbam, Ibn Ezra), rights to lead in the service of Hashem (Rashi), or some type of undefined prominence (Ramban). There is also disagreement as to whether the meal Yaakov served was the whole payment, or whether Yaakov paid money and the meal confirmed the deal.
In any case, Eisav said that he did not value the bechora because he was to die and finally disgraced the bechora (Bereishit 25:34). Midrashim say that he denied techiyat hametim (resurrection of the dead). Where do we see this denial? If we follow elements of Eisav’s life, we find a preoccupation with the present and a disregard for that which happens after death. Chazal tell us that the day of the sale was the day that Avraham had died, at which time Eisav started sinning seriously (see Rashi to 25:30). Respect for his illustrious grandfather may have kept him somewhat in check, but with his burial, Eisav felt freer to sin. Later on in the parasha, we find Eisav wanting to kill Yaakov but only after Yitzchak dies (27:41). In other words, he wouldn’t want to cause pain to his father, but after he dies, "what he doesn’t know doesn’t hurt him."
This attitude may explain other things regarding Eisav’s behavior. Taking Rashi’s approach to the bechora, for example, Yaakov wanted to bring korbanot in the Beit Hamikdash. Of course, Yaakov never got to that, as such avoda was hundreds of years away. Eisav remarked: what do I need rights to things that will reach fruition after I am dead? Yaakov’s concern was for his legacy, whether it would be carried out by himself or by his offspring. Yaakov used this distinction to calm Eisav later. Upon meeting, as Yaakov returned to Canaan, Yaakov pointed out that he did not seem to have benefited from his father’s blessing of the fats of the lands and the dew of the heavens (see Rashi to 32:6). Yaakov knew that the blessing would find expression centuries later in the nation that bore his name, but he knew that Eisav was not moved by the future. Eisav’s focus on the present can also explain Yaakov’s use of the word "kayom" (like today) regarding the sale. "From the perspective of today, Eisav, it is a good tradeoff."
This is perhaps the idea of denying techiyat hametim. Techiyat hametim is not just a question of whether something new and miraculous will happen in the future. It is also about whether a person should care what happens to him after he dies. Will he "live" to see, both physically and spiritually, nachat from what he passed on to his children, after his death. For us, the investments that our forefather, Yaakov, made on our behalf are still paying large dividends. Our distant cousins did not merit the same concern from Uncle Eisav.
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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.
Ein Aya Various Universal Stages of the Geula Process
Rav Kook examines the various stages of redemption, explaining how (in addition to the obvious oft-mentioned stages of ingathering the exiles, reviving the Hebrew language, army, state etc.) the messianic dream of world prosperity, the State of Israel and world unity can and are realistically and logically gradually coming true.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 8- "Answering Questions on the Kuzari's Proof from Mass Revelation
How do we know that the "claim" of mass revelation to 2,000,000 witnesses at Mt. Sinai is really true? This important class answers all of the questions skeptics ask about this claim of the Kuzari.
Ein Aya Armies Still Necessary for Balance & the War Against Wars
Rav Kook explains why the world was originally divided into the various seemingly contradicting ideologies and cultures, in order to develop each one respectively. Swords or armies symbolize how each respective ideology defends themselves, as well as deters their opposing ideologies and cultures. On the other hand, the messianic era will be one of peace, and Rav Kook explains the transition to that stage, which mankind is already undergoing.
