Esav's Rejection of God: A Theological Crisis Over Human Mortality

Rabbi Zweig delivers a profound analysis of a difficult Midrash concerning Esav's reaction to Avrohom Avinu's death. The Midrash describes Yaakov cooking lentils when Esav returns and asks about "oso hazaken" (that old man). When Yaakov confirms Avrohom has died, Esav responds with shock: if there is midas hadin (divine judgment), then there must be no reward (matan schar) and no resurrection (techiyas hameisim). The shiur grapples with understanding Esav's extreme reaction and the theological implications. Rabbi Zweig suggests that Esav's shock stems from a profound theological expectation. Avrohom Avinu had achieved such spiritual perfection—having conquered his 248 limbs and become master over his physical drives—that Esav believed his grandfather had rectified the sin of Adam HaRishon. Since the decree of death was the consequence of that original sin, and Avrohom represented its reversal, Esav expected him to be exempt from death entirely. The term "oso hazaken" (that old man) is particularly significant: Avrohom was the first person to experience zikna (old age as a distinguished state), which Chazal tell us he requested from Hashem (ה׳). Until Avrohom, aging meant only deterioration; Avrohom transformed it into something dignified—a vintage, a state of increased wisdom and spiritual refinement.