Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why was Esav described as 'red and hairy' when he was born?
A: According to Rashi, Esav being 'red' (admoni) hinted at his future violent nature, as he would shed blood (like the color red). The description of him being 'like a hairy garment' symbolizes his wild, untamed character. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 63:8) also connects his redness to his inclination toward idolatry.
Q: What is the significance of naming the first twin 'Esav'?
A: The name Esav (עֵשָׂו) comes from the word 'asuy' (עָשׂוּי), meaning 'fully made,' because he was born with hair like an adult (Rashi on Genesis 25:25). The Talmud (Sotah 12b) explains that this indicated his fully developed physical nature, contrasting with Yaakov, who was spiritually inclined from birth.
Q: How does Esav's appearance at birth relate to his later actions in the Torah?
A: Esav's red and hairy appearance foreshadowed his impulsive and materialistic personality. The Ramban explains that his physical traits reflected his nature—he was drawn to hunting and physical desires (Genesis 25:27). Later, he sold his birthright for food (Genesis 25:34), showing his prioritization of immediate physical needs over spiritual inheritance.
Q: Why does the Torah describe Esav's birth in such detail?
A: The Torah emphasizes Esav's physical traits to contrast him with his brother Yaakov, who was born smooth (Genesis 25:26). This sets the stage for their differing paths—Esav representing physical strength and worldly pursuits, while Yaakov represents spiritual growth and devotion to Hashem (Midrash Tanchuma, Toldot 1).
Q: What lesson can we learn from Esav being born 'red and hairy'?
A: The description teaches that outward appearances can reflect inner traits. Esav's redness and hairiness symbolized his coarse, impulsive nature (Rambam, Shemona Perakim). The Torah encourages us to focus on developing inner refinement (middot) rather than just physical strength, as Yaakov later becomes the chosen bearer of Avraham’s legacy.
Physical Description of Esav
The verse describes Esav as being "red, all over like a hairy garment." Rashi explains that the redness indicates his bloodthirsty nature, as he would grow up to be a man who pursued hunting and violence (Rashi on Bereishit 25:25). The Midrash further elaborates that his redness hinted at his future inclination toward murder, as the color red is associated with bloodshed (Bereishit Rabbah 63:8).
Symbolism of the Hair
The phrase "like a hairy garment" (כְּאַדֶּרֶת שֵׂעָר) is interpreted by the Ramban (Nachmanides) as a sign of Esav's physical robustness and wild nature. The Talmud (Sotah 13a) notes that Esav was born fully developed, with hair like an adult, symbolizing his early readiness for worldly pursuits, in contrast to Yaakov, who was born smooth and spiritually inclined.
Naming of Esav
The name "Esav" (עֵשָׂו) is derived from the word "made" (עָשׂוּי), as Rashi explains, because he was fully formed at birth (Rashi on Bereishit 25:25). The Midrash Tanchuma (Toldot 3) adds that the name also alludes to his future actions, as he would "do" (עָשָׂה) deeds of wickedness, such as idolatry and immorality.
Contrast with Yaakov