Yaakov Was Born Grasping onto the Heel of Eisav
We will begin this essay by focusing on pesukim describing the births of Yaakov Avinu and the wicked Eisav (Bereishis 25, 25): "ויצא הראשון אדמוני כולו כאדרת שער ויקראו שמו עשו, ואחרי כן יצא אחיו וידו אוחזת בעקב עשו ויקרא שמו יעקב." The first one emerged red, all of him was like a hairy mantle; so, they called his name Eisav. After that, his brother emerged with his hand grasping onto the heel of Eisav; and he called his name Yaakov.”
Rashi comments that the wording of the passuk implies that HKB”H Himself named the child Yaakov. The fact that HKB”H Himself named him Yaakov, because he emerged latching onto Eisav’s heel, suggests that this fact is extremely significant. (Translator’s note: The Hebrew word for heel is “akeiv”; hence, the name Yaakov.)
We will endeavor to explain and comprehend why the very first thing Yaakov Avinu did in this world was to grab onto Eisav’s heel. Additionally, why wasn’t he named "עקב", the Hebrew word for heel? Why did HKB”H add a “yud” to his name, transforming it into "יעקב"?
I thought of a wonderful way to answer all of these questions. We will refer to the conclusion of this week’s parsha. The Torah chronicles at length how Yaakov managed to receive the Berachos from his father, Yitzchak, by following his mother Rivkah’s instructions. We learn that Yitzchak initially intended to bestow them upon Eisav, who was a hunter and was adept at trapping and deceiving his righteous father Yitzchak. Upon realizing that Yaakov had managed to undermine him with his kedushah (ibid. 28, 9): "וילך עשו אל ישמעאל ויקח את מחלת בת ישמעאל"—Eisav went to Yishmael, and he took Machalat, the daughter of Yishmael (as his wife).
The Megaleh Amukos (beginning of Vayeitzei) explains his rationale. Eisav HaRasha realized that he could not overcome the kedushah of Yaakov Avinu by himself. This prompted him to associate with Yishmael. He figured that by marrying Yishmael’s daughter, Machalat, the united forces of these two major klipos—the heads of the nations of the world—would possess the power to defeat Yaakov Avinu. The Megaleh Amukos explains the matter by introducing several precious sources. Hence, we will elaborate on his sacred remarks.
