Reply To: Short & Sweet

Toldos: Don’t Denigrate

Chazal tell us that Eisav was quite busy on the day of his Bar Mitzva. He committed murder, adultery, and was כופר בעיקר. And yet, the Torah explicitly tells us only one thing that Eisav did wrong: ויבז עשו את הבכורה, Eisav denigrated his original position as the Bechor. Of all things to focus on, why does the Torah pick that?

Based on the writings of R’ Shimon Schwab, this becomes clear. No matter what one does wrong, Teshuva is always an option – it’s never too late to come back. However, somebody who denigrates their very connection to Hashem, who constantly reinforces to themselves that religion is something they want to stay away from, will be extremely unlikely to ever come back.

After Eisav gave away his birthright to bring Korbanos for nothing but a bowl of soup, he doubled down on his decision. He went around actively denigrating his connection to Hashem as being worthless, as being something he had no interest in. Once he crossed that line, it would be very unlikely for him to come back.

We all make mistakes. But at the very least, we should make sure not to burn our bridges back home.

לע״נ דוד חיים בן ישראל דוב הכהן
לע״נ ר׳ חיים דוב בן ר׳ בןציון שלום