Toldot: Esau's Despised Birthright

The Torah reveals a deep insight into why Esau’s actions became "terribly, terribly immoral": he despised the gift he had been given – the birthright (Bechora). This gift, as the Midrash explains, was symbolized by special garments passed down from Adam HaRishon, signifying the responsibility of serving Hashem and representing the family. Esau's lack of appreciation for this privilege is presented as the root cause of his gravest sins.

The Torah teaches us a crucial lesson here: a lack of appreciation and respect can lead to profound moral failings. If we want to build a better future and ensure our children behave admirably, we must instill in them:

• Respect for the Torah: Every Mitzvah (commandment) should be performed with the utmost respect.

• Privilege in Service: We must see serving Hashem as the greatest privilege.

• Appreciation for Tradition: It is our duty to pass on the importance of appreciating and respecting our traditions and the Mitzvot to our children.

Yitzchak and Avimelech: The Wells of Connection

The Torah then recounts the seemingly strange incidents involving Yitzchak and Avimelech. Yitzchak, having moved to the land of the Plishtim (near modern-day Gaza) at Hashem's command during a famine, encountered issues with Avimelech and later, the blocking of wells.

The Significance of Digging Wells:

• Source of Life: Wells were crucial for irrigation in that region, representing the source of life.

• Avraham's Legacy: Avraham Avinu had dug many wells, not just for himself, but to spread awareness of Hashem. He would name them in connection to Hashem (e.g., Beer Le'Chai), so people seeking water would mention Hashem's name, subtly distancing them from idolatry and recognizing Hashem as the ultimate provider.

• Yitzchak's Mission: When Yitzchak found the Plishtim had filled Avraham's wells with sand, he understood they no longer wanted a connection with Hashem. They preferred avoiding His name. Yitzchak's act of re-digging the wells was a powerful statement: he wanted to influence people to acknowledge Hashem, even if they resisted.

This narrative highlights that building a future isn't just about ourselves; it's about helping others understand and connect with the positive, with Hashem. We must share the "gift of understanding" to build a future together.

The Three Wells: A Prophecy for the Beit HaMikdash

The Ramban teaches that the story of the wells in Sefer Bereishit is a profound lesson for future generations, symbolizing the building of the Beit HaMikdash (Holy Temple). Just as there were three wells, there will be three Batei Mikdash.

• Esek (Dispute): The first well, named Esek due to disputes between Yitzchak's and the Plishtim's shepherds, alludes to the First Beit HaMikdash. Its era was marked by many wars and disputes, eventually leading to its destruction by Nebuchadnezzar after invasions by Assyria and Babylon.

• Sitna (Hatred): The second well, Sitna, meaning "hatred" or "opposition," symbolizes the Second Beit HaMikdash. This period was plagued by deep internal disputes, including conflicts with the Kim and Karaim, and external threats from Greeks and Romans. The Ramban emphasizes that the "sinat chinam" (baseless hatred) among fellow Jews contributed significantly to its eventual destruction.

• Rechovot (Spaciousness): The third well, Rechovot, means "spaciousness" and was blessed by Hashem. This represents the Third Beit HaMikdash. This symbolizes a future of hope and expansion, where, with Hashem's will, the Beit HaMikdash will be rebuilt swiftly, a time free from the disputes and hatred of the past.

Despite the destruction of two Temples, we must maintain hope for a better future, anticipating the swift building of the Third Beit HaMikdash.

Rivka's Wisdom and the Power of Yiten Lecha

The narrative then shifts to Rivka's actions concerning Yaakov and Esau's blessings. Yitzchak initially hoped to give Esau the birthright and material wealth, believing Esau would support Yaakov's Torah learning (Issachar and Zevulun partnership). However, Rivka understood that Esau's character made this impossible.

Rivka's "Mirmah" (Intelligence):

• Protecting the Future: Rivka knew, through prophecy, that Yaakov was destined for the spiritual leadership. Her actions, described as "mirmah" (often translated as "ruse"), were not deceitful but rather an act of intelligence and strategy to protect the future of Am Yisrael (the Jewish people).

• Survival as a Minority: Rashi explains "mirmah" as "intelligence." In a world where the Jewish people are often a minority, there are times when unconventional, intelligent strategies are necessary for survival, especially when direct approaches might fail.

• Respecting Her Husband: Rivka subtly guided Yitzchak to understand Esau's true character without directly challenging his perception or prophecy. Yitzchak ultimately agreed with her assessment, saying, "Gam Baruch Yiheyeh" (he will also be blessed).

The Smell of Gan Eden and Awakening the Divine Spark:

When Yaakov entered Yitzchak's tent, Yitzchak remarked on the smell of Gan Eden (Garden of Eden). Chazal interpret this, not as the smell of "begadav" (his clothing), but "bogdav" (his betrayers). This teaches a profound lesson:

• Hope for All: Even the lowest "traitor" who turns their back on their people still carries a divine spark.

• Never Give Up: We must never give up on a fellow Jew, no matter how far they've strayed.

• Awakening the Neshama: It's our responsibility to awaken this spark through kindness, a smile, or a good deed, guiding them back to their source.

The Vav in "V'yiten Lecha": Sustained Blessings Through Connection:

The blessing Yitzchak gives, "V'yiten Lecha" (And He will give you), uses a "vav" (and) at the beginning, suggesting a continuation. Rashi explains this means blessings will continue "on and on and on."

The letter "Vav" is a connector. This signifies that we deserve blessings when we are connected:

• To Torah and Mitzvot: Adhering to our commandments.

• To Our Past Traditions: Appreciating and respecting the heritage passed down through generations.

By honoring our past and staying connected to our traditions, we build a future deserving of the greatest blessings.

A Story of Perseverance and Divine Timing

A beautiful story illustrates the power of unyielding prayer and divine timing:

A dedicated young man, an orphan, struggled to find a marriage partner despite being an excellent student. His desperate father approached a matchmaker. A promising suggestion for a wonderful girl came, but the other family, upon learning the boy was an orphan, showed no interest.

Weeks later, the matchmaker, missing his bus to Jerusalem, ended up on a packed bus with only one seat—next to the father of the girl he had suggested! He overheard the father dismissing the idea of an "orphan." Realizing this was a sign from heaven, the matchmaker bravely spoke up, extolling the boy's virtues.

Convinced, the father met the boy, and a successful engagement followed. At the engagement, the boy's Rosh Yeshiva (dean) revealed the miraculous timing: the boy, in despair, had poured out his heart at the Kotel (Western Wall), expressing his struggles as an orphan but affirming his faith. He felt a profound calm afterward. The matchmaker realized the boy's heartfelt prayer at the Kotel had occurred at the exact moment he was speaking to the girl's father on the bus.

This story beautifully illustrates the enduring message: "Vayevtar Yaakov Levado" – keep praying, keep striving. Hashem always answers our prayers, perhaps not exactly when or how we expect, but always at the right time.

Have a wonderful Shabbos! All my love from Antwerp.