Jewish tradition is full of stories that remind us that endings can be far more significant than beginnings. Take the tale of Jacob's vision at Bethel, for instance, a moment forever captured in Pirkei DeRabbi Eliezer, chapter 35.

"Better is the end of a thing than the beginning thereof," Ecclesiastes tells us (7:8). This idea perfectly encapsulates Jacob's journey. Initially, Isaac's blessings to Jacob focused on earthly abundance: "And God give thee of the dew of heaven, and of the fatness of the earth" (Genesis 27:28). These are good things, no doubt! But the final blessings? Those were on a whole different level.

The later blessings, the ones bestowed upon Jacob at Bethel, were about something much more profound: the very foundation of the world. The text emphasizes that these blessings are uninterrupted, applying to both this world and the world to come. As it says, "And God Almighty bless thee" (Genesis 28:3). And it gets even better! Jacob also receives Abraham’s blessing: "And may he give thee the blessing of Abraham, to thee and to thy seed with thee" (Genesis 28:4). Now that's some serious inheritance!

This is why, as Pirkei DeRabbi Eliezer points out, "Better is the end of a thing than the beginning thereof." The initial blessings were good, sure. But the ultimate blessings, the ones connecting Jacob to the very fabric of existence and the legacy of Abraham? Those were truly transformative.

The text goes on to say: "Better is the patient in spirit than the proud in spirit." This is where the contrast between Jacob and his brother, Esau, really shines. Jacob, we're told, was patient and spoke words of entreaty – a man of humility. Esau, on the other hand, is described as proud and self-centered.

Every day Esau would eat the flesh of what he hunted, indulging in his own prowess. But because of his pride, he didn’t share any of his food with Jacob. Then one day, Esau returns from a hunt empty-handed. Famished, he sees Jacob eating lentil stew. Driven by his immediate hunger, he pleads, "Let me gulp down, I pray thee, some of that red pottage" (Genesis 25:30).

Jacob then makes a connection between Esau’s nature and this "red pottage". Jacob says to him: Thou camest forth red at thy birth from thy mother; (now) thou dost desire to eat (this) red food; therefore he called his name "Edom" (red), as it is said, "And Esau said to Jacob" (ibid.).

This moment, though seemingly small, reveals a crucial difference between the brothers. Esau's pride and impulsiveness lead him to prioritize immediate gratification, while Jacob's patience and humility ultimately lead to blessings of eternal significance.

So, what can we learn from this? Perhaps it's a reminder to persevere, even when things seem difficult at the start. Maybe it's a call to cultivate patience and humility, recognizing that true blessings often come later in life. Or perhaps, it's simply a comforting thought: that even if our beginnings are humble, our endings can be extraordinary. After all, sometimes the greatest rewards are reserved for those who are patient enough to see things through.