Let’s dive into Devarim Rabbah, a collection of rabbinic teachings on the Book of Deuteronomy. There's this fascinating passage that starts with the phrase, "You have circled enough..." or "Rav lakhem" in Hebrew.
Now, what does that even mean?
Rabbi Aḥa offers a profound insight: "If you harm him, you are really harming yourselves." Powerful, right? It's a concept that ripples through so much of Jewish thought – this interconnectedness, this idea that our actions, especially our negative ones, boomerang back on us. But how does Rabbi Aḥa arrive at this conclusion?
He brings in a family drama – the story of Jacob and Esau. Remember them? Esau, the hunter, blessed by his father Isaac with the words, "By your sword you will live" (Genesis 27:40). A pretty tough blessing, right? And Jacob, who receives a much more elaborate blessing.
The Midrash then gets into some serious textual analysis. It points to the verse, "God will give you from the dew of the heavens" (Genesis 27:28). The Rabbis meticulously count the blessings within this verse and the next, arriving at a total of ten blessings for Jacob. Ten!
So, here's the kicker: if Esau's single blessing is voided, if you somehow nullify its power, what happens? According to Rabbi Aḥa's interpretation of Devarim Rabbah, Jacob's ten blessings – your ten blessings – become void as well! "You have circled enough..." it warns.
It’s a breathtaking idea! It's as if the well-being of one is inextricably linked to the well-being of the other. As the Midrash HaMevoar points out, "rav lakhem" can also be interpreted as "what is yours is greater than that which is Esau’s." So, is the Midrash just saying that the Israelites shouldn't confront Edom, the descendants of Esau?
Maybe. But I think there is something deeper here.
What if "You have circled enough" is a call to break free from cycles of violence and retribution? What if it's a reminder that diminishing others ultimately diminishes ourselves? What if it's an invitation to recognize the blessings we already have, and to protect them by fostering the blessings of those around us?
It’s something to think about, isn’t it? Maybe next time you're tempted to lash out, to "circle" that same old problem again, remember Jacob and Esau. Remember the interconnectedness of blessings. Remember that sometimes, the greatest strength lies not in the sword, but in recognizing the shared humanity – and shared blessings – we all possess.