Conventional wisdom portrays Yitzchak as a doting father, blinded by his love for Esav. It seems that we all see what he does not, that Esav was a wicked child who did not deserve the blessings in the first place.
However, it’s very possible that Yitzchak was light years ahead of the general approaches to Chinuch HaBanim, raising children to serve Hashem and live the best way possible.
Instead of being fooled by Esav, Yitzchak saw exactly what his son was, and was not. He recognized the boundless potential and capabilities which existed in his older son.
He knew Esav was not a tzaddik, but felt he was not too far to reach. He therefore showed him love and tried to train him properly.
Knowing Esav’s dedication to his father, Yitzchak used that as a tool. He told Esav, “Bring me a hunting, and make me savory food,” which sounds like something Esav can appreciate, the physical pleasures of fresh meat.
However, he ended by saying, “so that I can bless you before Hashem, before I die.” He was teaching Esav that the purpose of material things was as a stepping stone to eternity. “See that when I eat tasty meat, it is for a purpose. I keep in mind my mortality and seek a higher goal in all I do.”
Perhaps, seeing that the father he idolized lived this way, Esav just might get the message and turn his life around. That was Yitzchak’s plan, and while he certainly wasn’t fooled by outward appearances; neither was he discouraged by the challenge at hand.
Thought of the week:
Your time is limited; don’t waste it living someone else’s life.
