The story in Pirkei DeRabbi Eliezer paints a pretty vivid picture.
Imagine the scene: Jacob, with his sons, grandsons, wives, the whole shebang, journeys to Kirjath Arba, wanting to be near his aging father. And who does he find already there? None other than Esau, his brother, with his own family, all living in Isaac's tents. Awkward? Maybe a little.
Jacob, ever the diplomat, sets up his own tent, keeping a respectful distance. And Isaac? Well, when he sees Jacob, his wives, his daughters, all those who belong to him, he's overjoyed. The text tells us, his heart rejoices exceedingly. It's a beautiful moment, reflecting the blessing "Yea, thou shalt see thy children's children, peace be upon Israel" (Psalm 128:6). Can you feel the emotion?
But there's more to the story than just a happy reunion.
Rabbi Levi offers an interesting insight into Isaac's passing. He says that when Isaac was getting ready to leave this world – what the text delicately calls "the hour of the ingathering of Isaac" – he divided his possessions between his two sons. He left his cattle, his wealth, everything, to both Esau and Jacob. And because of this, both sons showed him chesed, loving-kindness.
The proof? "And Esau and Jacob his sons buried him" (Genesis 35:29). They both participated in the burial. It seems that sharing the inheritance created a bond, a sense of shared responsibility, even in the face of their complicated history.
So, what does this little snapshot of family life tell us? Perhaps it’s about the enduring power of family ties, the possibility of reconciliation, and the importance of honoring our parents. Or maybe it’s a reminder that even the most complex relationships can find common ground in shared responsibility and, ultimately, love. What do you think?