restated by Rabbi Yair Hoffman We are so very fortunate to have Gedolei Torah in our midst where we can draw life-giving water from their insights, wisdom, and deep Gemorah shiurim.  The following is from a Vaad given last year on Parshas Todos.  In memory of R’ Tzvi Dovid ben R’ Moshe The Initial Difference Between Yaakov Avinu and Aisav The pasuk states, “The boys grew up, and Aisav became a skilled hunter, a man of the field, while Yaakov Avinu was a wholesome man, dwelling in tents.” In explaining these words, Rashi quotes the Midrash that says that as long as Yaakov Avinu and Aisav were small, they were not recognizable in their actions. No one could tell the difference between them. However, when they turned thirteen years old, their differences became apparent. One went to the study hall, while the other went to idol worship. Rav Yeruchem Levovitz zt”l highlights this and points out, when describing the tremendous difference between them, the Torah doesn’t discuss their actions at all. Instead, it refers to Yaakov Avinu as a “dweller of tents” and Aisav as a “man of the field.” The Question of Yaakov Avinu’s Description This requires explanation. Yaakov Avinu  was a tremendous righteous person. He was the b’chir sh’b’Avos – choicest of the Patriarchs. His image is engraved in the Throne of Glory. Yet, the Torah says nothing about all of that greatness!  Nothing about his greatness in Torah. Nothing about his diligence. And nothing about his Torah knowledge. Only that he was a “wholesome man, dwelling in tents.” What is a “dweller of tents”? And why is that the title that the Torah chose to describe Yaakov Avinu? The Power of Seeking The answer to this question, says Rav Yeruchem Levovitz zt”l -, lies in the Targum Yonatan ben Uziel. In translating the words “dwelling in tents,” the Targum Yonatan writes “tava ulpan,” which refers to the incredible seeking – the consistent drive and desire to grow – that Yaakov Avinu had. This translation, says Rav Yeruchem Levovitz, is similar to that which in translating the pasuk (Exodus 33) “all who seek Hashem,” the Targum Onkelos says, “all who seek instruction from before Hashem.” There too, the Targum translates “seek” as “seek instruction.” **To subscribe to a weekly Parsha sheet on Integrity and Emes, please send an email with the word “Subscribe” to yairhoffman2@gmail.com** Therefore, with these words the Torah is telling us that Yaakov Avinu  was the ultimate seeker. Because it is that trait of seeking that is “the cause that brings all good things.” It is the trait that brings a person to all that is good. And when one has that cause – when he has that power – his future is guaranteed. The entire Yaakov Avinu  was contained within that power of seeking! Yaakov Avinu as the Ultimate Seeker And that is why when defining Yaakov Avinu ‘s greatness, the Torah says he was a “dweller of tents.” He was a “seeker of instruction from before Hashem.” He was the ultimate seeker. Because it was that seeking that brought him to greatness. The Story of Rav Chaim Shmuelevitz and the Best Student I’m reminded of the well-known story of the time that, as a young child, Rav Chaim Shmuelevitz went to visit the […]