Shaming Spirituality Has Eternal Ramifications
The Torah recounts that Eisav came to his brother Yaakov to beg for food because of an intense hunger. Yaakov fed him a bowl of lentils but not before he requested from Eisav his birthright. Eisav conceded to his request and by so doing gave up a priceless spiritual possession.
Although, Eisav seemed to have a valid reason to exchange the birthright for food, “I am going to die (from hunger), what do I need the birthright for”, still, the Torah considers Eisav’s action as shaming and disgracing his service to HaShem.
The information that Eisav disgraced and shamed the birthright really has no relevance to the main point of the story, that Yaakov received the birthright that he was worthy of and which fixed the destiny of his offspring for all generations. Rashi commented that it was included in the narrative to testify of the evilness of Eisav. This explanation seemingly requires further commentary in light of Chazal’s statement that on that same day Eisav committed five heinous crimes including murder, adultery and acts of heresy against HaShem and the belief in the revival of the dead. Why was the act of shaming the birthright chosen to underscore Eisav’s evil nature over the other evil acts?
I heard from HaRav Ephraim Wachsman, shlita, an explanation from HaRav Wolbe Z”l in the name of HaRav Yerucham Levovitz, Z”l why the Torah chose this particular act of Eisav to emphasize. The Torah is coming to explain the nature of a davar ruchni-a spiritual possession that becomes shamed and disgraced. By selling his birthright for a bowl of lentils, the question is raised, if it was so valuable and Yaakov wanted it and truly deserved it, why didn’t he approach Eisav with an offer to buy it for a huge sum of money rather than waiting for an unforeseen situation and essentially taking advantage of Eisav at a vulnerable moment? After all, Yaakov came from a very wealthy family and he could have made Eisav a handsome offer. HaRav Yerucham explained from this event that a davar ruchni cannot be sold for any sum of money but can only be sold for nothing. The only way a person can lose a davar ruchni is if he shames it by giving it away. If he tries to sell it for a large sum testifying to its great worth, it will not transfer to another person. Only by accepting something as menial as a bowl of lentils could Eisav surrender his birthright to Yaakov.
HaRav Yerucham used this explanation to try to understand the situation in Europe in his generation when the government placed a ban on shechita. He suggested that Jews were treating the mitzvah of kashrus and shechita lightly prompting Devine intervention to take away the precious davar ruchni of shechita from Am Yisrael.
HaRav Wachsman wondered out loud if the same can be true of our generation, that we are greatly challenged by the threat of the internet that delivers pop culture, social media and every other societal danger at our doorsteps. Maybe our generation has shamed the mitzvah of Kedoshim Tihiu and Devine intervention is ripping this davar ruchni away from us.
HaRav Wachman’s insight is powerful and maybe a contributing cause of this challenging situation that we are confronting. However, even if it is not, strengthening ourselves in kedoshim tihiu will surely help to insulate us from the societal threats. It will also bring to bear a greater measure of Siyata D’shmaya.
Towards this end, The Olam HaChinuch has placed a strong emphasis on setting up safeguards against the onslaught of the Internet. As well, there is a much greater emphasis in Yeshivas and Bais Yaakovs placed on derech eretz and middos tovos. The school and the home have to work together to strengthen these areas for all children.
In YDA, we are promoting derech eretz and middos tovos strongly in the preschool and elementary. Specific to the elementary program, we have purchased excellent middos programs from the Chafetz Chaim Heritage foundation. These programs will be utilized in grades 1-4 for the next several months. Look out for details from the Rebeyiim and Moros. Anti-bullying programing is also becoming implemented now. Finally, with the shift to more public transportation for our students, enhanced shmira has been implemented to include student meetings, seating charts, greater communication with the drivers and with parents. As always, your support is necessary and appreciated.
A gut Shabbos