The story of Jacob and Esau, from the book of Genesis and elaborated on in texts like Ginzberg's Legends of the Jews, is a classic example. As young children, it was difficult to tell them apart, their true characters hidden. Imagine, as the Midrash suggests, that they were like a myrtle and a thorn-bush. In their early stages, they seem alike, but as they mature, the myrtle reveals its sweet fragrance, and the thorn-bush, its sharp thorns.
The brothers both went to school, but when they turned thirteen, a pivotal age in Jewish tradition marking adulthood, their paths diverged sharply. Jacob dedicated himself to studying in the Bet ha Midrash (house of study) of Shem and Eber, immersing himself in learning and spiritual growth. Esau, on the other hand, embraced idolatry and a life of immorality.
Interestingly, both brothers became "hunters of men," but with drastically different aims. Esau sought to lead people away from God, while Jacob worked to bring them closer. It's a fascinating contrast, isn't it?
Despite his wickedness, Esau managed to manipulate his father, Isaac, into believing he was pious. He would ask Isaac seemingly religious questions, like, "Father, what is the tithe on straw and salt?" This made him appear God-fearing because, ironically, those items are exempt from tithing! Isaac was also unaware that Esau was feeding him forbidden food, passing off dog meat as goat.
Rebekah, however, saw through Esau's deception. She knew her sons for who they truly were, and this deepened her love for Jacob. The more she heard Jacob's voice, the stronger her affection grew. According to Legends of the Jews, Abraham shared Rebekah's sentiment. He recognized that Jacob was the one through whom his name and lineage would continue. He even entrusted Rebekah to watch over Jacob, declaring that Jacob would be his successor on Earth, a blessing to humanity, and a glory to the descendants of Shem.
Before his death, Abraham blessed Jacob in Rebekah's presence. It’s a powerful scene. He prayed that God would bestow upon Jacob the blessings given to Adam, Enoch, Noah, and Shem. He asked that the spirit of Mastema, a figure sometimes seen as an adversary, would not lead Jacob astray. And Abraham declared that God would be a father to Jacob, and Jacob would be God's firstborn son. According to Legends of the Jews, Abraham had a special reason to love Jacob: he believed that Jacob's merits had saved him from the fiery furnace in his youth.
Knowing of Abraham's love for Jacob, Isaac and Rebekah sent Jacob to deliver a meal to Abraham during the last Feast of Pentecost that Abraham would celebrate. Abraham ate, blessed God, and then gave Jacob one final instruction: to walk in God's ways and to avoid marrying a Canaanite woman.
Preparing for his passing, Abraham had Jacob place two fingers on his eyes to close them. Jacob stayed by his side that night. The next morning, the boy called out, "Father, father," but received no response. He didn't realize his grandfather had passed away in his sleep.
This story leaves us with so much to consider. The complexities of family, the deceptive nature of appearances, and the enduring power of blessings. And perhaps, most profoundly, it reminds us that even within the same family, individuals can choose vastly different paths, and that our choices have lasting consequences.