Vayishlach
The epic showdown of Yaakov and Esav, garners most of the attention in this week's Parsha. However, the conversation between the two brothers, following their initial encounter, provides us with a fascinating dialogue, and deserves further examination.
After Esav meets Yaakov's entire family, he offers to assist Yaakov and travel together with him, "Travel and I will go alongside you," Esav says. Yaakov then responds, refusing the offer and explains; "The children are tender and the flocks... depend upon me... If we drive them to hard... all the flocks will die." "Go ahead," he tells Esav, “until I come to (you) at Seir."
While, although, at face value this conversation seems simple and straightforward, the commentators explain how within these short few sentences lie profound ideas and values.
What did Esav really want? Why was he so persistent on accompanying Yaakov? And lastly, why did Yaakov refuse the offer?
The Tzror Hamor explains how Esav, in offering to accompany Yaakov, was attempting to impart his view of the world on his brother Yaakov and his family.
Esav believed in living solely in the present moment. What will be tomorrow, or the results and ramifications of his actions were not important to him. Esav, we are told, did not believe in the world to come.
Yaakov, in refusing Esav's offer, laid down his own principles. Yaakov valued the future, the slow but steady pace of "the children and the flock," is the key to a successful spiritual life full of depth and meaning.
While living this way may be difficult at times; as often happens, we must sacrifice immediate gratification, in favor of our principles and beliefs. However, when you are aware that there is a reason for everything that happens, all the challenges in the world will not sway us from our commitments. That is why Yaakov firmly refused Esav's overtures, choosing his own path, the life of Torah and Mitzvot.
Portuguese Jewish history is a rich tapestry of accomplishment and challenge spanning the centuries. Portugal's shores have produced and housed some of our greatest Rabbis and leaders. From statesman, leader and scholar Rabbi Don Yitzchak Abarbanel to Shulchan Aruch author Rabbi Yosef Karo in the 15th century through to the Lubavitcher Rebbe's time in Lisbon in 1941, Portugal has enabled tremendous developments in strengthening community and Torah.
It is in recognition of the timeless nature of these commitments, and in honor of all of those Jews who have called Portugal home through times of brilliance and darkness, that these Torah insight's from Portugal's great Rabbis is produced - here in Portugal.
Special thanks to Rabbi Shlomo Pereira for the Portuguese translation.