Clash of Philosophies

The Alshich described the clash that existed between Eisav and Yakov. It was not merely the clash between a Tzaddik and a Rasha, but it represented two world views.

We see from Eisav’s willingness to sell his birthright for a bowl of lentil soup, how he viewed the world. He told Yakov that since he was about to die, he had no need for a birthright.

His philosophy sounded like an old beer commercial. “You only go around once, so you need to grab for all the gusto you can.”’

It was a philosophy of “eat, drink, and be merry, for tomorrow you die.” There was no afterlife. It was all about self indulgence, physical pleasures, and materialism.

Yakov, on the other hand, was “a simple man, who dwelled in his tent.” His essence was one of humility, simplicity, and righteousness. He could not relate to the pleasure seekers of the world. He understood that man needed to work on self perfection. He was focused more on the next world than this world.

There is no question that the major difference between living in Israel, or in the Diaspora, is that the spiritual potential is much greater in Israel. “The air of Israel makes one wise.” It is the dwelling place of the Shechina, the Divine Presence. Hashem is felt here like nowhere else in the world.

Yakov could not live with Eisav. His lofty ideals would be diminished being around such extreme materialism.

We must recognize this about human nature. If we wish to grow spiritually, we must make efforts to put ourselves in the best possible environment, around others that share our ideals. Yakov understood this. We must do the same.