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Yaakov and Yissaschar, Esav and Zevulun

We are taught that Yitzchak loved Esav כי ציד בפיו, trapping was in his mouth.[1] That seems strange since a Tzadik like Yitzchak who was ready to give up his life at the Akaida would love Esav because of food?

Ideally, Yaakov and Esav were supposed to have a יששכר זבולון relationship. That is, Yaakov to be the spiritual aspect—Ruchniyos, as he was an איש תם—and Esav to build the world, the Avoda of Gashmiyus as he was an איש שדה. This is one of the meanings in הקל קול יעקב והידים ידי עשו[2] as Yaakov is the קול, that is the קול of Torah and Tefila, and Esav is the one building the world with his hands.

Since Esav didn’t fulfill his purpose it is now Yaakov’s responsibility in addition to his own. Now we can appreciate the depth in ויעקבני זה פעמים[3] referring to the two responsibilities that Yaakov now needs to do. This is alluded to in וידו אחזת בעקב עשו, Yaakov held onto Esav’s heel, meaning now he has his Avoda. This also explains וירח...בגדיו,[4] Yitzchak smelled the fragrance of his clothing which was really Esav’s, as if to say that was the Avoda of Esav that he was now responsible for. This is why Yitzchak loved him—כי ציד בפיו—since he was building the world, thereby fulfilling his purpose.

In light of the above we can comprehend why Yaakov takes Leah as a wife, the intended one for [5]Esav—since he now has his responsibility to fulfill. Another example of this is that Esav’s naturally deceptive nature was supposed to be utilized for the positive. Now that Esav’s responsibility was given to Yaakov, he now had to use this trait in the right way. We therefore see that Yaakov goes to Lavan in order to learn how to be deceitful. This is the deeper meaning in בא אחיך במרמה—he is your brother in deceit. Therefore, Yaakov says if he comes for deceit I am his brother in deceit and if he is an אדם כשר I am also the son of his sister.[6] We now have no problem with how Yaakov could say אנכי עשו בכריך[7] since he now learned how to be deceitful. We should all merit to fulfill our purpose in this world.

Rabbi Alt merited to learn under the tutelage of R’ Mordechai Friedlander Ztz”l for close to five years. He received Semicha from R’ Zalman Nechemia Goldberg. Rabbi Alt has written on numerous topics for various websites and publications. He lives with his wife and family in a suburb of Yerushalayim where he studies, writes and teaches. The author is passionate about teaching Jews of all levels of observance.