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

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.