The Missing Link
Twenty years had passed since Yitzchak and Rivkah got married, but they still had no children. They both prayed, day after day, for a child who would be the next link in the great chain, continuing the holy traditions of Avraham and Sarah.
Finally, after so many years of waiting, Rivkah found out the good news. “At last! Oh boy! What a joy!”
Pain and Confusion!
Rivkah was excited, but the pregnancy itself was extremely difficult and painful. Her baby was constantly turning and kicking.
A calm walk often turned into a boxing match in her womb! Whenever Rivkah passed a Shul (Synagogue) or a Yeshiva (Jewish study hall), she felt a kick. “What a nice little Tzaddik I am carrying. This baby seems like he wants to come out right now to learn Torah,” Rivkah thought.
However, when she passed a house of idol worship, she would also feel a kick! “What kind of mixed-up baby is in my womb?” she wondered.
Rivkah was very puzzled. “Would this be a good child? Or perhaps a wicked one? Or both?”
Seeking Advice
Frantic for a solution, Rivkah rushed to the Torah Academy. Shem, the wise son of Noach and head of this Yeshiva, could surely help.
She pleaded with him, “PLEASE help me understand. What is the meaning of all this kicking?”
Shem replied, “Rivkah, I have good news and bad news. The good news is, you’re carrying not one, but 2 babies. Twins! But the bad news is, it won’t be easy. One of your babies is striving for good, and the other for evil. And when they’re born, it’s only going to get more complicated!”
Mazel Tov… TWINS!
Pulled in different directions, Rivkah somehow made it through the pregnancy, and finally, THE TWINS WERE BORN!
The first twin was reddish and covered with hair. He was named Eisav, from the Hebrew word Asah, meaning “complete,” because at birth he already looked fully formed, the way an older child would – with plenty of hair. By the way, (contrary to popular opinion) his English name was NOT Harry.
The younger twin had smooth skin, and as he was born he was grabbing onto his brother’s heel, as if he was trying to come out first. They named him Yaakov, from the Hebrew word, Eikev, meaning “heel.”
A Tale of 2 Brothers
You’ve probably heard of sibling rivalry – brothers and sisters often get on each other’s nerves. Regarding Yaakov and Eisav, “sibling rivalry” is a huge understatement.
As Yaakov and Eisav grew up, their opposite personalities became more and more clear. Eisav loved to go out into the fields to hunt animals, while Yaakov loved to stay in the tent to learn Torah. Eisav was cruel, even robbing and murdering innocent people, while Yaakov was thoughtful and well-mannered.
This constant conflict between the twins was like a ticking time bomb about to explode!
Eisav’s Special Mitzvah
Yet, in one special Mitzvah (good deed), Eisav was indeed outstanding. He honored and showed great respect for his father, Yitzchak.
When Eisav returned from hunting, he would prepare the meat and serve his father a grand feast. Before entering the room, he would change from his dirty hunting clothes and put on festive, clean clothes, as if he were serving a king. Yitzchak appreciated Eisav’s care, and loved him dearly.
The truth is that Eisav had successfully tricked his father into believing that he was keeping the Torah laws. In fact, Eisav was the master of trickery and worked very hard to fool his father.
However, these schemes did not work with their mother Rivkah. She was able to see through Eisav’s deceptions. No wonder she loved Yaakov more.
