And the boys grew up, and Esav [Esau] was an expert hunter (Gen. 25:27)
“Expert at deceiving his father into believing him to be pious and a scrupulous observer of the commandments,” comments Rashi, the great Torah Sage.
Esav’s hypocrisy is symbolic of our present Exile, in which the forces of evil are not as readily identifiable as they were during previous exiles. It is for this reason that our Exile is termed “Galut Edom” (“the Exile of Edom”), for the nation of Edom is descended from Esav.
When Moshiach comes, the “Deliverers will go up to Mount Zion to judge the mount of Esav, and kingship will be the L-rd’s.” (Lubavitcher Rebbe, Toldot, 5750)
And they called his name Esav...and he called his name Yaakov (Gen. 25:25-6)
Why is the plural -- “and they called his name” -- used for Esav, but the singular -- “and he called” -- used for Yaakov?
Esav is the father of all falsehood; many are those who find him attractive and seek him out. Yaakov, however, is the source of truth; only the rare individual desires his acquaintance. (Kli Yakar)
Two nations are in your womb...and one nation will be stronger Than the other nation (Gen. 25:23)
“When one will rise, the other will fall,” comments Rashi. Yaakov is symbolic of the Jew’s G-dly soul; Esav is symbolic of man’s animalistic drives and the Evil Inclination. When the G-dly soul is strengthened (through learning Torah), the Evil Inclination is weakened without effort, as a natural consequence. For just as physical darkness is dispelled when one lights a candle, so too is spiritual darkness dispelled when the light of Torah is allowed to illuminate. (Chasidic Teachings)
