The Ancestor Who Taught and Advised
In this Parsha, the Torah reminds us of an ancestor who played a key role in shaping future generations. While his name is not mentioned outright, the text provides subtle hints to his presence.
This figure is Shem, the righteous son of Noach. Shem lived an extraordinarily long life — 600 years — and fathered a large family. His most prominent descendant was Avraham Avinu.
Though ten generations separated Shem and Avraham, Shem outlived Avraham and even lived long enough to see Yitzchak pass the age of 100.
Seeking Guidance — Shem, Son of Noach
When Rivka experiences an unusual pregnancy, the Torah states:
וַתֵּלֶךְ לִדְרֹשׁ אֶת ה׳.
And she went to inquire of Hashem.
Rashi explains that she turned to a spiritual leader for advice. Surprisingly, she did not approach her husband, Yitzchak, nor her father-in-law, Avraham — perhaps to avoid worrying them.
Instead, she sought wisdom from her distant ancestor, Shem, the son of Noach.
The Baal HaTurim finds a numerical confirmation of this connection. The word לִדְרֹשׁ (to inquire) has the same Gematria as מִן שֵׁם בֶּן נֹחַ (from Shem, son of Noach) — 540. This suggests that Shem was the one she consulted for divine insight.
Shem reassured Rivka with a prophecy, revealing that she was carrying twins who would grow into two distinct nations. In time, she gave birth to two sons: Eisav and Yaakov.
Shem — The Teacher of Yaakov
Shem's role in shaping the future of the Jewish people did not end with Rivka's inquiry. He continued to serve as a spiritual guide for generations, including Yaakov Avinu.
The Torah describes Yaakov's character:
וְיַעֲקֹב אִישׁ תָּם יֹשֵׁב אֹהָלִים.
Yaakov was an innocent man, dwelling in tents.
Rashi explains that the "tents" refer to two great centers of Torah study: the Beit Midrash of Shem and the Beit Midrash of Ever, Shem's great-grandson. Ever was also a righteous figure who lived a remarkably long life, passing away about 30 years after Shem.
Once again, the Baal HaTurim finds a textual hint. The final letters of the words אִישׁ תָּם (an innocent man) spell שֵׁם (Shem), reinforcing that Yaakov learned Torah under Shem's guidance.
