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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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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.
