No community start suggestion yet.
Why did Yitzchok add conditions to Yaakov's blessing after Esav complained, when the original blessing was given unconditionally? The shiur develops a yesod that blessings inherently carry responsibility. When Yaakov took blessings meant for Esav, the only justification was his commitment to use them for avodas Hashem (ה׳)—creating an ongoing obligation and giving Esav a legitimate claim whenever the Jewish people fail to fulfill that responsibility.
The shiur addresses three fundamental questions about the blessings Yitzchok gave to his sons. First, how could Yitzchok retroactively add conditions to Yaakov's blessing ("v'haya ka'asher tarid") after Esav complained, when the original blessing was given unconditionally? Second, how can Chazal characterize Esav's plea "Ha'bracha achas lecha avi" as coming "balila" (not genuine), when the Torah (תורה) describes his utter devastation with a "tza'aka gedola u'mara ad me'od"? Third, why does Esav's scream at this moment create consequences for the Jewish people fifteen hundred years later, when Mordechai must cry out with a parallel "tza'aka gedola" in response to Haman's decree? Rabbi Zweig develops a fundamental yesod about the nature of blessings. A blessing is not merely a gift or badge of honor—it comes with enormous responsibility. When Yitzchok intended to give Esav the blessings of "mi'tal ha'shamayim" (wealth) and "ya'avdu'cha amim" (dominion over nations), he was bestowing tremendous potential to accomplish good in the world. The blessing carries the resources and power to properly serve Hashem (ה׳) and bring truth to the world.
Looking for the full summary?
Full access is available to members of the TUF Alumni Association or the Yam Hagadol Foundation.
Already a member? Let the admin know!
Dedicate a Shiur in Parsha
L'ilui nishmas a loved one. In honor of a simcha or yahrzeit. As a zechus for a refuah sheleimah. Your dedication helps carry Rabbi Zweig's Torah to learners around the world.
Up Next in this Series
How was Yitzchok comforted after Sarah's death through marrying Rivka? The Hebrew 'vayinachem' means both comfort and change of direction, revealing that healing comes through shifting focus outward. Depression and mourning are self-absorbed states; true comfort emerges when we channel our pain into caring for others.
Why does the Midrash connect Pharaoh's expulsion of the Jews to the mitzvah of shiluach hakan? The shiur develops a chiddush that Pharaoh's sin wasn't only drowning the children, but the insensitivity of expelling the parents afterward. The deeper analysis reveals that Pharaoh may have valued the Jews greatly and wanted to control them—making his expulsion an act of tremendous cruelty, not liberation.
Why does Moshe respond to the splitting of the sea with shirah rather than praise or thanksgiving? Rashi's use of "al libo" reveals that shirah is an emotional expression—a response of love to love. When Hashem shows personal care, the only adequate response is "I love You too," not mere gratitude or praise, and this principle applies to all relationships.
Bereishis 27 (Parshas Toldos)
Looking for the full transcript?
Full access is available to members of the TUF Alumni Association or the Yam Hagadol Foundation.
Already a member? Let the admin know!
How could Avrohom keep the entire Torah before it was given, including rabbinical laws? The key insight is that mitzvos represent eternal spiritual realities, not just historical commemorations, so Avrohom could access these truths through his genuine search. His entire 172-year journey—even his early idolatry—retroactively became service of God once he reached ultimate truth.
