<b>And Isaac trembled very exceedingly (Gen. 27:33).</b> May it please our master to teach us the blessing one pronounces upon tasting oil. Thus do our masters teach us: One who tastes oil should say: “Blessed be He who hath created the fruit of the tree.” R. Yosé the son of Zevid said (that) the Mishnah states: This blessing is pronounced over the fruit of every tree but one. Over wine one offers the blessing: “Blessed be He who hath created the fruit of the vine.”<sup class="footnote-marker">8</sup><i class="footnote">Mishnah Berakhot 6:1.</i> Why is wine blessed differently than other beverages? Because wine was used as a libation on the altar,<sup class="footnote-marker">9</sup><i class="footnote">Wine was used as part of the ritual of the offering (Num. 28:14).</i> and Jacob received his blessing on account of it.

When Isaac sent Esau to hunt for venison that he might eat, the Holy Spirit revealed it to Rebecca, as it is said: <i>And Rebecca heard when Isaac spoke to Esau, his son</i> (ibid., v. 5). And she said to Jacob: <i>Now, therefore, my son, hearken to my voice according to that which I command thee; go now to the flock and fetch me from thence two good goats</i> (ibid., vv. 8–9). R. Berechiah said in the name of R. Helbo: She told him that they (the goats) would be <i>good</i> for you and <i>good</i> for your descendants, for they will obtain forgiveness through them on the Day of Atonement.<sup class="footnote-marker">10</sup><i class="footnote">The scapegoats offered on the Day of Atonement (Lev. 16:7–26).</i> Then he brought his father the food and wine, which he ate and drank. After that he blessed him, as is said: <i>Therefore, God give thee of the dew of heaven…. Let peoples serve thee</i> (ibid., v. 29). <i>And Jacob was yet scarce gone out from the presence of Isaac, his father, that Esau, his brother, came in from his hunting</i> (ibid., v. 30). He began to say: <i>Let my father arise, and eat of his son’s venison</i> (ibid., v. 31). Whereupon Isaac asked: <i>Who art thou?</i> (ibid., v. 32). <i>I am thy son</i>, he replied, <i>thy firstborn, Esau</i> (ibid.). Thereupon <i>Isaac trembled very exceedingly</i>.