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Why does the Torah (תורה) emphasize Esav's birthright sale when he committed worse sins that same day? Esav's need to abuse and belittle the birthright after selling it reveals he recognized its tremendous value but felt devastated by his own inadequacy to fulfill it. Rather than working on himself, he chose to destroy what reminded him of his shortcomings—a character flaw worse than his other sins because it precludes any possibility of growth.
This shiur analyzes the puzzling emphasis in Parshas Toldos on Esav selling and belittling his birthright, when Rashi (רש"י) tells us he committed far worse sins that same day - murder, adultery, and denying God's existence. The fundamental question is why the Torah (תורה) dedicates five verses to the birthright sale while only hinting at these seemingly more serious transgressions. The key insight emerges from understanding why Esav couldn't simply sell the birthright and move on - why did he need to belittle and abuse it afterward? The answer reveals a profound psychological truth: we only abuse or denigrate things that we cannot ignore, and we cannot ignore things that make us feel deeply inadequate about ourselves.
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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.
Parshas Toldos 25:29-34
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Why did Yaakov's seven years of labor for Rochel feel like 'a few days' when waiting typically makes time drag? The time passed quickly because Yaakov wasn't merely waiting but actively building Rochel's self-worth, demonstrating her value to create the foundation for their relationship. This principle - that making others feel valued is what creates genuine love - applies equally to marriage and parenting today.
