Parshat Toldot: Shiur by Menachem Leibtag Presentation by Ronni Libson Yitzchak’s Blessing of Yaakov and Esav

Sefer Breishit – Bechira: Hashem promises Avraham numerous times that his offspring ("zera") would become a great nation in a special land ("aretz"): Nation is to emerge only from Yitzchak:

Hashem makes this promise to Yitzchak: 2 Possibilities: EsavYaakov Tribes Yishmael and Bnei Keturah Avraham Yitchak ChosenRejected Yishmael and Bnei Keturah Avraham Yitchak ChosenRejected EsavYaakov Tribes

No apparent reason for Yitzchak to assume that only one son is to be chosen and the other rejected: Yitzchak & Yishmael: Different mothers Yaakov & Esav: Same motherTwins! If one son is chosen: God’s choice, not Yitzchak’s   If both sons are chosen, why does Yitzchak intend to bless only one of them?

Two types of blessings: BrachaBechira  Hashem’s blessing of “zera v’aretz” to the Avot  Chosen to become forefathers of Hashem’s special nation  One son is chosen, all other children rejected Yishmael and Bnei Keturah Avraham Yitchak ChosenRejected  When will this process end?  Blessing of personal destiny given by a father to his sons  Examples:  Noach blesses (or curses) each son based on his potential.  Yaakov Avinu, prior to his death, blesses each of his twelve sons Bestowed by the fatherBestowed by Hashem

Yitzchak’s blessing for Esav: Bracha or Bechira?  No reason for Yitzchak to choose only one son  Promises prosperity and leadership: Bracha  No mention of “zera v’aretz”

Yitzchak’s assumption: Both children will become God’s nation Need for political leadership Esav – Most suitable candidate:  “Ish sadeh” [a man of the world]  Yaakov & Esav are over sixty years old, Esav is married with children, has a job, and can take of himself and others; while Yaakov is still single, and 'living at home.' Yitzchak must appoint one of his sons to be the family leader Yaakov – Spiritual leadership

Rivka knows something that Yitzchak does not: Whether the blessing Yitzchak is going to give is bechira or bracha, the results would be disastrous Rivka must act on this prophecy

The Aftermath Yaakov gets bracha of leadership intended for Esav Esav comes and wants a bracha But leadership can only be granted to one son! There is no other bracha for Esav, since he is not suited for the bracha of spirituality intended for Yaakov Gives Esav the bracha of prosperity - something that can be shared by both brothers. The blessing of political leadership (“hevei gvir l’achich”) can only be given to one son thus Yitzchak tells Esav that he will be able to obtain this blessing only should Yaakov fall

After the entire episode, Yitzchak finds out the truth. Blessing to Yaakov before he leaves to Padan Aram in search of a wife: Bechira