Chayei Sarah – Page 16 – Peninim on the Torah

Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Chayei Sarah, 5751

And Eisav said, “Behold I am going to die, what use then is the birthright to me?” (25:32)

Rashi explains that Eisav asked Yaakov questions regarding the nature of the service in the Beis Hamikdash. Upon hearing the many warnings, punishments, and potential for capitol punishment, he responded by saying. “What do I need the birthright for if I’m going to die through it, why bother with it altogether?” Why then does the Torah declare that Eisav despised the birthright? On the contrary, the reason he was reluctant to accept it was due to the overwhelming responsibilities associated with this service. According to Rashi‘s explanation, we learn that one must enter into Hashem’s service knowing full well…

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Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Chayei Sarah, 5751

“Because Avrohom listened to My voice, and guarded that which I gave in his charge, My commandments, My laws, and My teachings. (26:5)

The Sforno comments, that although the Zechus Avos (merit of our ancestors) is a fundamental concept of Judaism, it is only invoked regarding Yitzchok. Among the three Avos, Avrohom had to develop his own merits, while Yaakov like his grandfather, proclaimed the name of Hashem and taught it to others. Yitzchok however, being the Olah Temimah “perfect sacrifice” was very special and practiced his faith in private and never had the opportunity to instill and imbue others with the belief in Hashem. He therefore needed his ancestors merit for his own preservation. This was only before he was inspired to…

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Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Chayei Sarah, 5751

“A son honors his father, and a servant his master” (Haftara)

“A son honors his father, this refers to Eisav who honored his father very much” (Midrash Rabba). When Chazal choose to describe the essence of the mitzvah of honoring one’s parents, they adopt Esov’s performance as the epitome of observance of this mitzvah. They teach us that the honor Eisav showed his parents was so superior, that in its merit alone he nearly superceded Yaakov. If so, we may ask how could Eisav have remained so wicked? Does one not better himself through the performance of mitzvos? Why is this mitzvah so commonly found among people who otherwise place so…

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Sruly Schnair In Chayei Sarah, 5756

“And I asked her and said, ‘Whose daughter are you?’… and I put … and the bracelets on her hands.” (24:47)

Eliezer set out on his journey to find a suitable wife for Yitzchak. His trust in Hashem was so strong that he implored Him to give him a clear sign indicating the worthy girl. No sooner had he completed his request of Hashem than Rivkah entered the scene and demonstrated the very sign that Eliezer had asked of Hashem. Secure in his belief that she was the right girl, Eliezer did not ask to discuss her family background. Rather, he proceeded to bestow upon her the jewelry that had been set aside for Yitzchak’s kallah. Only afterwards did Eliezer question…

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And Eisav said, “Behold I am going to die, what use then is the birthright to me?” (25:32)

“Because Avrohom listened to My voice, and guarded that which I gave in his charge, My commandments, My laws, and My teachings. (26:5)

“A son honors his father, and a servant his master” (Haftara)

“And I asked her and said, ‘Whose daughter are you?’… and I put … and the bracelets on her hands.” (24:47)

YEARS

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