The Divrei Torah in this section have been translated by Rav Reuven Ungar, Director of Alumni Affairs
A Struggle For The Generations
By: Rav Yoel Amital
ram in Yeshivat Sha'alvim
All of our forefathers confronted wicked individuals. Avraham dealt with the citizens of
A cursory glance at the conclusion of the sedrah reveals that the issue is not so clear. Prior to the journey of Yaakov to Padan
Yitzchak intended to establish a partnership between Esav (the practical son) and Yaakov (the scholarly dweller of tents). Each would assume responsibility for a specific task. Esav would concern himself with the national and economic needs of the Jewish People, while Yaakov would focus upon education and spiritual matters. All of these items are vital for the Jewish Nation and would be tended to by the brothers in their natural spheres of activity.
Rivkah, however, was aware that Yaakov and Esav were destined to form two separate nations (as she was informed during her pregnancy). The Jewish People must contain within itself men of Torah and men of action. Yaakov, a man of purity who toiled in Torah, must raise children equipped to conquer this physical world and infuse it with spiritual content.
From our entrance on the world scene, we have struggled with wicked adversaries. "A nation that will dwell alone". All partnerships with the nations of the world are destined to fail. Apparently, the descendants of Avraham will not work in tandem until the arrival of the Mashiach.
Categorized under: | 1: Parshat Shavua > Toldot |
Uploaded: | 11/29/2005 12:35:17 PM |