B"H

Friday, Kislev 2, 5777 / December 2, 2016

 

In this week’s Parsha, Toldot, we read about the birth of the twin brothers, Esau and Yaakov, who were born to Yitzchak and Rivkah. Esau becomes a hunter – a man of the field, while Yaakov is a man who dwells in the tents – a scholar.

 

At the age 123 and stricken with blindness, Yitzchak decides to bless his elder son Esau, because he thought that he was righteous. But Rivkah, who knew the true character of her older son, wanted Yaakov to get the blessings instead. She commanded Yaakov to dress in Esau’s clothes, pretending that he was Esau and get the blessings from Yitzchak.

 

Yaakov receives his father's blessings and leaves. Shortly thereafter, Esau enters and requests that his father bless him. Yitzchak realizes that he blessed Yaakov instead. However, he reiterates his blessings to Yaakov when he tells Esau, "He [Yaakov] shall be blessed."

 

As a result, Esau plans to kill Yaakov.  When Rivkah learns about Esau's plan, she sends Yaakov to her brother Lavan in Charan.  Before leaving, Yitzchak again blesses Yaakov and tells him to, "take a wife from the daughters of Lavan."

 

The Midrash quotes the verse in Mishlei (Proverbs), "He who spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him reprimands him.."  This, says the Midrash, is what happened with Esau. Since Esau wasn't reprimanded when he was young, he grew up to steal, murder and  plot to kill his own brother.

 

Yaakov and Esau were 63 years old at the time of the blessings. Yaakov’s life was a difficult one for the next thirty six years. Especially the twenty years he spent in Lavan’s home, until he returned to his father Yitzchak. Esau’s life, on the other hand, was trouble-free and enjoyable.

 

At times, the ways of the wicked may seem to be rewarded. However, it is only temporary. The Midrash brings the following parable: A good person and a wicked one were walking together on the road.  As they passed by an inn, they decided to have something to eat.

 

The wicked one ordered fish, various assortments of meats, the finest wine and all kinds of delicacies.  But the righteous man ordered a simple meal of bread, a dish of lentils and a small portion of meat.  The wicked one laughed, "Look what's available in the inn. Why don't you order your heart's desire?"

 

The righteous one replied, "There is a price for everything! How will you pay for all that you're eating?"

 

But the wicked one just laughed at his companion and ordered more.  When they finished the meal, each man was presented with his bill. The good man paid and was ready to continue on his way.  But when the wicked one was given his bill, he almost fainted.  He couldn't make the payment and an argument ensued and he was dully punished.

 

SHABBAT  SHALOM

 

Montrealcandle lighting time: 3:53 / Shabbat ends: 5:01