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Esov married Canaanite girls, the very women who Avraham had admonished Eliezer not to take for Yitzchak. The reality that these women were idol worshippers was a source of anguish to Yitzchak and Rivkah. In stating this fact, the Torah mentions Yitzchak’s name before Rivkah’s. The Midrash gives an insightful explanation for this. Yitzchak, having been reared in an environment of holiness and purity, was more intensely provoked by idol worship than Rivkah. Although Rivkah was a devout believer in Hashem, the abomination of idol worship seemed to lose its odium because of her prior exposure to it. Her tolerance…

Eisav was not a simple person who wantonly lusted after his heart’s passions. He was an intelligent human being who had developed his own philosophy of life. Eisav’s ability to “fool” Yitzchak, a feat which even the Satan could not successfully accomplish, provides evidence of this. In distinguishing Yaakov from Eisav, the Torah characterizes their chosen vocations as the manifestation of their divergence. The Torah describes Eisav as “one who understood hunting, a man of the fields,” while, in contrast, it characterizes Yaakov as “a single minded man dwelling in tents.” Yaakov is not presented as the tzaddik, while Eisav…

Rashi explains that the name Eisav is derived from the root word vag (made). Consequently, the name Eisav was given to him because of his appearance. He was completely formed and matured. We may suggest that the Torah is not merely concerned with describing Eisav’s extraordinary physical appearance, but rather in teaching a fundamental spiritual message, as well. Eisav exemplified a unique type of evil, evil disguised as good. The Midrash compares him to a large vessel, externally bejeweled with diamonds, while internally consisting of earthenware. He cared only for the superficial, viewing himself as complete as long as he…