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Why does the Torah (תורה) use "vayenashek" when Lavan kisses Yaakov, but "vayishak" when Yaakov kisses Rochel? The shiur develops a grammatical yesod based on Rashi (רש"י) in Shir Hashirim: "vayishak" describes a one-sided kiss (on the head or hand), while "vayenashek" (pi'el form) indicates a mouth-to-mouth kiss that causes the other person to kiss back. This distinction reveals that Lavan's behavior was suspicious — he wasn't greeting Yaakov normally.
Rabbi Zweig addresses a striking Rashi (רש"י) on Parshas Vayeitzei that describes Lavan's greeting of Yaakov in highly unusual terms. The pasuk states, "Vayechavek lo" (he embraced him) and "vayenashek lo" (he kissed him). Rashi explains that Lavan wasn't truly embracing Yaakov — he was frisking him to check for gold. Similarly, the kiss wasn't a normal greeting — Lavan was checking Yaakov's mouth for hidden valuables. This Midrash seems bizarre and requires explanation, since Rashi typically only brings interpretations that are compelled by difficulties in the simple meaning of the verses. The key to understanding this Rashi lies in the grammatical form of the word "vayenashek." Rabbi Zweig begins by citing a Rashi in Shir Hashirim on the phrase "Yishakeini mineshikos pihu" (Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth). Rashi there asks why the verse needs to specify "pihu" (his mouth) — isn't it obvious that a kiss involves the mouth? Rashi answers that there are many different types of kisses: one can kiss someone on the top of the head, on the shoulder, or on the back of the hand. The specification "mineshikos pihu" indicates a mouth-to-mouth kiss, which represents the highest form of intimacy and connection between Hashem (ה׳) and the Jewish people.
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Bereishis 29:11-13, Parshas Vayeitzei
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