Toldot

Toldot – Micha Erwteman

Micha Erwteman is an Anaesthetics Registrar in Amsterdam and is actively involved in Limmoed Netherlands.

Our sages state that the significance of the book of Bereishit lies in what is called "Maaseh Avot Siman LeBanim" (Ramban on Genesis 12:6), which is usually translated as "the deeds of our ancestors are a model for future generations". Usually this refers to the good deeds of Abraham, Yitzchak and Yaakov, as well as Sarah, Rivka, Rachel and Leah. The quote implies that it is essential that we should learn from their good deeds and emulate them in their goodness and righteousness.

If this is so, this week's sidra, Parshat Toldot, is troublesome. It tells us of two occurrences where the deeds of Yaakov can be questioned, if not condemned. Our first occurrence begins on a hot day in the Judean Desert. Esau, Yaakov’s oldest brother and long-term rival, has been hunting in order to try to feed the family whilst Yaakov sits at home cooking. Esau returns exhausted, hungry and most likely dehydrated saying, in 25:29-32: "Please let me gulp down this red potage because I am faint." And Yaakov said, in return: "Please sell me, on this day, your birthright." Esau replied "Behold, I am at the point to die, and what profit shall the birthright do to me?"  Isn’t it our Jewish AND humanitarian duty to feed the hungry and quench the thirst of those who need it? How can Yaakov exacerbate the unfortunate condition of Esau – his brother?

The second occurrence plays out at Yitzhak's death bed. Yitzhak, blind by the end of his life, feels that the end of his days is near and calls Esau in to give him the blessing he deserved as the first born. Rivka, wife of Yitzhak, overhears the conversation and conspires with Yaakov so that the first-born blessing is given to Yaakov instead. And as Esau is out on his father’s request, Yaakov enters his father's room and, dressed as Esau, goes to every effort to trick his father by wearing Esau's coat and sheepskin on his arms and intercepts the birthright. When Yitzhak asks him who is this, Yaakov lies saying: "It is me, Esau, your first born." (27:1-42) Later on he is asked the same question and once again, he lies. Even though Yitzhak remains suspicious, the trick works and Yaakov is blessed with all that's good on earth, including the subservience of his brother.

As Yaakov leaves the scene, Esau enters unaware of what has just transpired and the dramatic events that are about to unroll. He tells his father to get up and eat from his food so that Yitzhak can give Esau the blessing that he so rightfully deserves. At this point Yitzhak understands that he has been tricked by Yaakov but also understands that the blessing, once given to Yaakov, cannot be turned back. The crunch in all of this is that Yitzhak informs Esau that he will now have to live under the yoke of his brother, Yaakov. Esau, after hearing all this, promises to seek out Yaakov and kill him in revenge.

It is hard to imagine that profiting from a dying person or tricking a blind man on his death bed can be an example for future generations. It is my opinion that the word Siman, as used in Maaseh Avot Siman LeBanim, should be read literally meaning "sign" not "model". Signs can point us in the right direction but can also warn us of places to stay away from. And in this case, that is how "Maaseh Avot Siman LeBanim" should be understood. Indeed, Yaakov's deeds should not be revered but points out that Yaakov, like the other Avot, was human. Therefore, it is our obligation, as people, to read the signs correctly, and wisely act according to our judgment of what is good and what is not.