Chavarah- Jewish Community Learning

A blog of Jewish study and traditions. Notes from classes: Torah Study with Rabbi Marder, Toledot and Shabbaton as well as other details found of interest.

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Wednesday, March 07, 2012

Food / Disguise / Blessings - Rebecca's Doing

Torah Study with Rabbi Janet Marder

Genesis 27:14-29 Food focus... Disguise... Blessing...

V14. Hebrew three verbs..he went he took he brought.. Sarna says staccato shows he is nervous. Other interpretation...Midrash that Jacob is eager to do this. Doesn't include the word run..midrashm says this is significant

Different Midrash gives a different twist to this.

Clothing...Esaus clothes on Jacob. A special occasion may have been his "clean"clothes...the ones saved for his father. Esau known to be devoted to his father.
This is exemplified by this interpretation based on the clothing that Rebecca picked for Jacob to wear as a disguised.

Our best energies are often given to strangers and we are too often lax when around our family and close friends..

Clothes in her house...why? Rashi...Esau had multiple wives...he suspected his wives not really trust them (idolitors) so he kept his clothes at his mothers house...

Some people justify the deception based on the goal.

Cathexis...word about learning from parents.

She dressed her son..put his clothes on..dress child to create the image you want. Jacob allowed her to dress him showing his reluctance to do it himself...

Women's Commentary...Rebecca is in control of what happens in the family...she is in a position of authority and control.

What is the difference between birthright and blessing? Unclear.
Birthright more material and blessing more spiritual...except this particular blessing does relate to material..

She covers him with the skins of the goats and covers the smooth parts of his body..

V17. Gives the food and bread...

Robert Alter...like Greek drama only two characters at a time.

V 18. One word."father" - Sarna. Jacob is afraid... Contrast to what Esau says when he arrives. Jacob can only say one word.
Kimkee a courteous way to announce himself...
Or it was a test to see if Isaac recognizes him.. He still had a chance to change his mind.

V18 response from Isaac...here I am ...ref to the Aikidah. Who Are you? Many interpretation....
Some translations say, "Which son are you?" This translation may gives erroneous interpretation.

Rather "who are you my son?" is asking more for an interpretation of his life. Jacob continues to think of this question for the rest of his life.

Jacobs answer, I am Esau your first born.
Rashi..I am the one who is bringing this to you...Esau is your first born...by changing punctuation they show how Jacob is trying not to lie.

Heneni ... The word can be read that Isaac is there for both of his sons.

Theme that Isaac had blessings for both of his sons... Rebecca didn't know this.

Sit up and eat my game... Reflects that Isaac is bed ridden.

Now Isaac asks how did he got back so quickly?
Jacob lies...and he attributes this to God.

Isaac is used to God intervening..Jacob is saying that God intervenes for him as well.

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