As Yaakov Avinu prepared to meet his brother Eisav, he sent a gift consisting of many animals with which he hoped to appease Eisav’s anger. The pasuk 32:14 states: "Vayikach min haba b’yado mincha l’Eisav achiv", "Yaakov took that which had come into his hand, a tribute to Eisav his brother." The Torah then lists the the various animals that Yaakov sent to Eisav. This raises a question: Why does the pasuk call the animals “min haba b’yado”—“that which came into his hand”? Animals are not typically described as being "in one’s hand." Several meforshim address this puzzling expression with their own insights.
Rashi offers three peshatim: 1. The phrase haba b’yado does not literally mean "in his hand" but rather refers to his possession. Yaakov sent animals that belonged to him. 2. B’yado is referring to jewels or pearls which people carry in their hands. In addition to the animals, Yaakov also sent Eisav precious gems and pearls. 3. The animals described as b’yado were those Yaakov selected after taking ma’aser. Once ma’aser was given, the remaining animals were considered "in his hand"—fit and ready for use.
The Baal HaTurim adds an intriguing detail. He notes that every word in pasuk 15, which describes the tribute, ends with the letter mem. This hints that all the animals Yaakov sent to Eisav were ba’alei mumim—blemished animals.
The Darkei Moshe quotes the Tashbetz (Yoreh Deah, Siman 35) that there’s a method for determining whether an animal is kosher or a treifa: one places their hand on the animal’s back and observes how it moves. If the animal bends down while passing, it demonstrates humility and is kosher. However, if it refuses to bend, it is considered a treifa, its arrogance marking it as spiritually unfit.
Rav Tzvi Pesach Frank uses this to explain the phrase “min haba b’yado”, that Yaakov Avinu used this method to determine which animals were treifos and therefore fitting for Eisav. Those that did not bow, showing they were treifos, were the ones he chose to send to Eisav. The word haba b’yado refers to animals that were literally tested "by his hand."
