...he called his name Jacob (Gen. 25:26)
When Jacob was born, the singular verb "he called" is used; by Esau's birth, the Torah states, "and they called his name Esau." This alludes to the fact that the paths of evil are many, but there is only one truth in the world - the truth of Torah. Throughout his life Esau was surrounded by many sympathizers and friends. Jacob, however, was supported only by the tiny number of rare individuals who appreciated his worth.
(Kli Yakar)
...when Isaac was old, and his eyes were too dim to see (Gen. 27:1)
Rashi explains that Isaac's eyesight was ruined by the smoke of the incense offered up by Esau's wives to their idols. But why was he the only one in the household to be adversely affected by the smoke? "Isaac was too pure to behold evil," our Sages comment. He was therefore unable to withstand witnessing the idolatry of his daughters-in-law.
(the Rebbe)
And his hand was holding onto Esau's heel (Gen. 25:26)
Esau, symbolic of the animal soul and the evil inclination, was born first, as chronologically, a person possesses an evil inclination before he has a good one. (The good inclination is acquired upon Bar/Bat Mitzva.) Jacob symbolizes the Jew's G-dly soul and his good inclination. The Divine service of Jacob consists of keeping his hand on Esau's "heel," as the reason the G-dly soul descends to this world is to correct the animal soul.
(the Rebbe)
...until your brother's fury turns away ... until your brother's anger turns away (Gen. 27:44, 45)
Rebecca advised her son Jacob what to do: "Run away to my brother Laban and wait until your brother gets over his anger. How will you know when that time has arrived and he is no longer angry at you? When you yourself stop holding a grudge against him." Rebecca understood the reciprocity of human emotions: Love is reciprocated with love, and hatred elicits a like response in others.
(Baal Hahaflaah)
From our Sages and Moshiach Now! reprinted from LchaimWeekly.org - LYO / NYC
