5784/2023
In Parashat Toldot, a new era in our nation’s creation begins
with the births of Yaakov and Eisav. Interestingly enough, immediately after the Pasuk describes their birth, the next Pasuk states “VaYigdelu HaNearim Vayehi Eisav Ish Yodeiah Tzayid Ish Sadeh VeYaakov Ish Tam Yosheiv Ohalim,” “the lads had grown up and Eisav was one who knew hunting and a man of the field, while Yaakov was a wholesome person who spent his time in tents” (BeReishit 25:27). The fact that this Pasuk begins by saying “the lads had grown up” before describing their characteristics teaches us that a person should be judged based on his actions.
Regarding Eisav, the Pasuk states, “VaYeitzei HaRishon Admoni Kulo KeAderet Seiar, VaYikriu Shimo Eisav” “The first one emerged entirely red like a hairy blanket, so he called his name Eisav” (BeReishit 25:25). The Mizrachi notes that the only reason the Torah mentions that Eisav had red hair was to indicate that he had a “murderous” nature. However, if this is true, the Torah is judging Eisav when he has just come out of the womb and before he acted negatively. The Torah’s prejudgment of Eisav seems to contradict the Torah’s lesson that one should be judged solely based on his actions?!
The Midrash (BeReishit Rabbah 63) states that when Shmuel HaNavi was ready to appoint David as the future leader of Bnei Yisrael, David’s red hair scared him. Shmuel said, "He too will be a murderer like Eisav." Hashem responded by telling him not to be afraid because Eisav killed only in cold blood, while David would take a life only to carry out the Sanhedrin’s just decisions. Once again, Hashem’s response teaches us not to be quick to judge our fellow man and that our negative qualities can be channeled towards performing good deeds. For example, we learn in the Aseret HaDibrot that one should not be jealous of his fellow man. However, it is permissible to be jealous with regards to the amount of time one spends learning Torah and performing Chesed (Bava Batra 22a).
The main lesson here is that even though we are born with both positive and negative traits, one must try to use his good qualities for good purposes and try to direct his bad qualities for positive purposes as well. The Vilna Gaon taught that a person should not go completely against his nature even if it is bad, for he will not succeed. Rather, he should merely train himself to follow the straight path in accordance with his nature. For example, someone who has an inclination to spill blood should train himself to become a ritual slaughterer or a Mohel.
The Torah is telling us that Eisav had a murderous nature, but in reading the commentaries, we learn that it was important to hope that he would channel that quality in a positive way. Unfortunately, we know that this was not the case. May we all strive to use all of our character traits for the good of Klal Yisrael and ultimately bring about the coming of Mashiach, BeMiheira BeYameinu.