Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does Rivka (Rebecca) mean when she says 'Upon me be thy curse, my son' in Genesis 27:13?
A: Rivka is telling Yaakov (Jacob) that she takes full responsibility for any potential consequences of deceiving Yitzchak (Isaac) to receive the blessings. Rashi explains that she was confident in her prophecy (received earlier in Genesis 25:23) that Yaakov was meant to receive the blessings, and thus there would be no actual curse.
Q: Why did Rivka instruct Yaakov to bring her the food in Genesis 27:13?
A: According to the Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 65:16), Rivka prepared the food herself to ensure it would taste exactly like Esav's (Esau's) game, making the deception convincing. The phrase 'go fetch for me' implies she needed specific ingredients or preparation to match Esav's cooking style.
Q: How does Orthodox Judaism view Rivka's actions in this verse?
A: Traditional Jewish sources (like Ramban) explain that Rivka acted based on divine inspiration, knowing through prophecy that Yaakov was meant to receive the blessings. While deception is generally forbidden, this was an exceptional case where the ends justified the means to fulfill G-d's plan.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Rivka's words 'only obey my voice' in Genesis 27:13?
A: The Talmud (Pesachim 4a) derives from this the importance of listening to one's parents when their instructions align with Torah values. However, commentators note that this doesn't override Torah commandments, and Rivka's case was unique due to her prophetic insight.
Q: Why does the Torah include this conversation between Rivka and Yaakov?
A: The Sforno explains that this dialogue shows Yaakov's initial reluctance to deceive his father, highlighting his righteous character. Only after Rivka assumed full responsibility ('upon me be thy curse') did he agree, demonstrating proper respect for his mother and trust in her spiritual wisdom.
Context of the Verse
The verse (Genesis 27:13) appears in the narrative of Rivka (Rebecca) instructing her son Yaakov (Jacob) to bring her the savory food she prepared so that he may receive the blessings from his father Yitzchak (Isaac) in place of his brother Eisav (Esau). Rivka takes responsibility for any potential consequences of this act, saying, "Upon me be thy curse, my son."
Rashi's Explanation
Rashi (Rabbi Shlomo Yitzchaki) comments that Rivka was confident in her prophecy (received earlier, in Genesis 25:23) that Yaakov was destined to receive the blessings. Therefore, she assured Yaakov that no curse would befall him, as the Divine plan supported this course of action. She took the responsibility upon herself, trusting in the righteousness of her intent.
Rambam's Perspective
Rambam (Maimonides) does not directly comment on this verse, but his principles of prophecy (Hilchos Yesodei HaTorah) support the idea that Rivka, as a prophetess, acted based on Divine insight. Her instruction to Yaakov was not deception but a fulfillment of a higher spiritual directive.
Midrashic Interpretations
Halachic and Ethical Considerations
The Talmud (Sanhedrin 105b) discusses the permissibility of misleading for a greater purpose (mishum eivah, to prevent strife). Rivka’s actions are seen as justified because Eisav posed a spiritual threat to the future of the Jewish people. However, later commentators emphasize that such measures are only permitted under prophetic guidance or extreme necessity.
Ibn Ezra's Insight
Ibn Ezra notes that Rivka’s statement, "Only obey my voice," underscores her authority as a matriarch who understood the broader implications of the blessings. She recognized that Yaakov’s role in Jewish history necessitated this action.