Parshas Toldos
Rabbi Mordechai Lipskier
When Eisav asked Yaakov for lentil soup, Yaakov proposed that Eisav give him the bechorah (first-born) rights in exchange. Eisav agreed, and the Torah even shares his reasoning: “I’m going to die, so of what use is the birthright to me?”
Why is Eisav’s response important enough for the Torah to share it?
Reb Yehudah HaChossid (12th century) explains:
[1] Eisav often went hunting in order to serve his father the meat that he liked. He literally risked his life by going on these hunting expeditions, and this is what he was referring to when he said, “I’m going to die.” He was prepared to die for the sake of honoring his father. And the Torah writes this so that we may take a lesson from him in how dedicated we must be to honoring our parents.
Eisav was a rasha, and yet the Torah points to something good we can learn from him. Perhaps we can say that we have a modern-day example of this as well. The many Islamic terror organizations, y’mach shemam, that have been attacking us recently, R”l, all claim to be fighting a holy war. “Hesbala” means “the party of god.” Their fundamental ideals and beliefs are evil and warped, but they are prepared to die for what they believe their god wants.
As Yidden, are we prepared to do so?
This past week we were shaken to the core by the murder of Rabbi Zvi HaKohen Kogan, Hy”d. He was murdered shortly before the grand conference of Chabad Shluchim which is to take place this weekend in Crown Heights. Certainly, this is not by chance. Zvi is a testament to the dedication that exists by all Chabad Shluchim and their families. They are prepared to give their very lives for the sake of what Hashem wants—may they be able to continue doing so in good health and long life.
In essence, every Yid is a Shliach of Hashem to bring G-dliness into this world. Let us take inspiration and strength to ask and challenge ourselves. Is there a mitzvah in which I’m being too lax? An opportunity where I should be willing to sacrifice my comforts, preferences or schedule for the sake of Hashem? For the sake of another Yid? What more can I do to dedicate my life to Hashem?
May Hashem see all our efforts and bring an end to all pain and suffering, with the coming of Moshiach, now.
A Gut’n Shabbos,
Rabbi Mordechai Lipskier
[1] Sefer Chasidim 341
