The story of Esau and Jacob is a classic example, and the Rabbis in Devarim Rabbah, a collection of homiletic interpretations on the Book of Deuteronomy, unpack it with incredible insight.
Imagine the scene. Esau comes to his father, Isaac, realizing Jacob has snagged the blessings meant for him. He cries out, "Have you not reserved a blessing for me?" (Genesis 27:36).
And Isaac’s reply? Ouch. According to Rabbi Berekhya, Isaac essentially says that even if he did bless Esau, it would somehow be a blessing for Jacob. Remember, Isaac had already declared, "Be a lord to your brethren" (Genesis 27:29). The implication? What the servant has belongs to the master. Pretty harsh.
But here's where it gets interesting. The Rabbis then delve into the cryptic phrase "turn yourselves to the north [tzafona]" from Deuteronomy 2:4. What could that possibly mean in this context?
Rabbi Ḥiyya offers a fascinating interpretation. He suggests that God is telling the Israelites: if you see Esau (meaning, his descendants) trying to provoke you, don't engage. Instead, conceal [hatzpinu] yourselves until his power fades. In other words, "turn yourselves to the north" means bide your time, be strategic, and wait for the right moment.
But Rabbi Yehuda bar Shalom takes it a step further. He imagines Israel questioning God. "Master of the universe," they ask, "his father gave him the blessing: 'By your sword you will live' (Genesis 27:40), and You confirmed it! And now you tell us to hide? Where can we possibly flee?"
God's answer is profound: "If you see that they are confronting you, flee to the Torah." Tzafona, "north," is nothing other than Torah, Rabbi Yehuda bar Shalom argues, referencing Proverbs 2:7: "He reserves [yitzpon] the Torah for the upright." The Torah becomes a refuge, a place of strength and wisdom in the face of adversity. A place to hide, not in fear, but in preparation.
Rabbi Yitzḥak provides yet another layer. He suggests that God is saying, "Wait until the time when the messianic king will come and fulfill: 'How great is the goodness [You have in store [tzafanta] for those who fear You]'” (Psalms 31:20). In other words, the ultimate "turning to the north" is waiting for the Messianic era, when all wrongs will be righted, and the goodness hidden away will be revealed.
So, what can we take away from this? It's more than just a story about sibling rivalry. It's about how we respond when life feels unfair. Do we confront head-on? Do we despair? Or do we find refuge in wisdom, in faith, and in the hope for a better future? Perhaps, the answer lies in a bit of all three. Maybe "turning to the north" isn't about running away, but about strategically positioning ourselves, drawing strength from our traditions, and patiently awaiting the unfolding of a brighter tomorrow.