Rashi states that from this pasuk we derive the idea that Yishmael repented and permitted Yitzchak to precede him in their father’s funeral procession. This statement is puzzling. Why did the Torah wait until the end of Avraham’s life to confirm that Yishmael repented? We know that thirty-eight years prior to Avraham’s demise, Yishmael was one of the “young men” who accompanied Avraham and Yitzchak to the akeidah. Why is it imperative to acknowledge Yishmael’s teshuvah once again? Horav Shimon Schwab, z.l., offers a profound insight into the teshuvah process which applies to this situation. Perhaps Yishmael initially repented only…
