There is a famous Midrash on this week’s Parsha that many of us are aware of, but don’t fully grasp. It appears on the verse in Vayishlach (33:4) when Eisav runs to greet Yaakov. He really wanted to kill Yaakov but was overcome with feelings of brotherly love and hugged and kissed him instead. Rashi quotes the Midrash: “Says R’ Shimon bar Yochai: It is a well-known law that Eisav hates Yaakov - but in this case his mercy was aroused because of all Yaakov’s bowings.”
Most of us look at the Midrash and take away that no matter what we do the other nations of the world will hate us, but this isn’t accurate.
Why does R’ Shimon call it a law/halacha? Shouldn’t it simply be a well-known truth or fact? Also, the wording of Eisav soneh l’Yaakov, means that Eisav hates “for” Yaakov. R’ Shimon bar Yochai was teaching us WHY Eisav hates Yaakov and WHAT we can do about it.
Eisav hates Yaakov by Hashem’s decree to remind the Jews who they are and how they should behave. No matter how un-Jewish a person might feel or act, a Haman or Hitler will remind them that they are Jews. This is by design. We are special; not like everybody else. We must lead lives of holiness and humility. When we veer from that model, no longer being the voice of Jacob, there will always be someone ready to attack us with the hand of Eisav.
