When Avraham Avinu sent Eliezer to find a wife for Yitzchok, he took with him ten laden camels with presents and delicatessen, and a document that all of his possessions were given to Yitchok.
When Yitzchok sent Yaakov to Charan to find a wife, he surely gave him a large dowry and presents too. However, Yaakov arrived in Charan penniless. The Passuk writes that Yaakov crossed the river Yarden with his walking stick.
Rashi explains that Yaakov had nothing else with him besides his walking stick.
Why?
Rashi continues and explains that Eisav sent his son Elifaz to kill Yaakov (for stealing the blessings). However since Elifaz grew up in the arms (in the home) of Yitzchak, he withdrew. He said to Yaakov, "what should I do to my father’s commandment?" Yaakov replied "take all my possessions and a pauper is like a dead man."
Yitzchak Avinu was a navi - a prophet. When Eisav came in for the blessings he shook when he saw the Gehinom under Eisav, and the smell of Gan Eden with Yaakov.
Elifaz, Yitzchak's grandson transgressed grave immoral sins and even married his father's wife.
How could Yitzchak the pillar of Yiras Shamayim allow Elifaz to remain in his home.
The Steipler explains that we see from here the foresight of Yitzchak Avinu. Even though Elifaz was such a terrible person but by educating him, he gained that Elifaz just robbed Yaakov and never killed him, and through that he saved the whole future of the Jewish nation!
The Steipler continues.
How many times do we see children who don't fit into the normal educational system and end up being throw out!
Why? What have they done wrong?
If they are not having any bad influence on their friends then even an Elifaz is worth keeping in class and at home, even if our only gain was that he became a thief instead of a murderer!
Parshas Vayeitze 5784
BS"D
By Rabbi Dovid Caro
