parsha bit: Toldot

[cellio]

From Genesis Rabbah: Rabbi Pinchas said in the name of Rabbi Levi: Yaakov and Esav were like myrtle and a rosebush growing side by side. The grown mrtyle has a pleasing aroma; the rosebush grows thorns. Yaakov understood that answers come through patience and learning; Esav sought instant gratification.

(The original also said that Yaakov studied torah while Esav became an idolator. The sages project torah study -- even formalized, with yeshivot! -- all the way back to the patriarchs, long before the giving of torah.)

Comments

Esau was a into instant gratification...

[sfromriverdale.livejournal.com]

That is why he sold his birth right for a bowl of lentils. He was so hungry he wouldn't wait so instead he sold his birth right for bread and lentil stew. Also Instead of marrying whom his parents wanted he married the daughters of Caanan. I'm guessing he couldn't wait and wanted what he what he wanted right away. Esau was a slave to food and lust.

Re: Esau was a into instant gratification...

[cellio]

Yes, selling his birthright was a rash move. And while I don't know if there's any support for this in rabbinic literature, I would expect the rabbis to make something of his preference for hunting -- it's easier to go out and hunt your dinner than to raise flocks, tend to them, and slaughter them, isn't it?

Re: Esau was a into instant gratification...

[sfromriverdale.livejournal.com]

That is true, I would imagine there is more of a rush hunting, more of a sport.

Re: Esau was a into instant gratification...

[cellio]

And it's more about the hunter -- his skill or prowess. It is not a compassionate sport.