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Genesis 27:11 - Deception's moral dilemma?

Genesis 27:11 - בראשית 27:11

Hebrew Text

וַיֹּאמֶר יַעֲקֹב אֶל־רִבְקָה אִמּוֹ הֵן עֵשָׂו אָחִי אִישׁ שָׂעִר וְאָנֹכִי אִישׁ חָלָק׃

English Translation

And Ya῾aqov said to Rivqa his mother, Behold, ῾Esav my brother is a hairy man, and I am a smooth man:

Transliteration

Vayomer Yaakov el-Rivka imo hen Esav achi ish sair ve'anochi ish chalak.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיֹּ֣אמֶר יַעֲקֹ֔ב אֶל־רִבְקָ֖ה אִמּ֑וֹ הֵ֣ן עֵשָׂ֤ו אָחִי֙ אִ֣ישׁ שָׂעִ֔ר וְאָנֹכִ֖י אִ֥ישׁ חָלָֽק׃
וַיֹּ֣אמֶר יַעֲקֹ֔ב אֶל־רִבְקָ֖ה אִמּ֑וֹ הֵ֣ן עֵשָׂ֤ו אָחִי֙ אִ֣ישׁ שָׂעִ֔ר וְאָנֹכִ֖י אִ֥ישׁ חָלָֽק׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Yaakov's Concern About His Appearance

The verse (Bereishit 27:11) describes Yaakov expressing his concern to his mother Rivka about the differences between himself and his brother Eisav. Yaakov notes that Eisav is an ish sa'ir (a hairy man), while he is an ish chalak (a smooth man). This distinction plays a crucial role in the narrative of Yaakov receiving the blessings from Yitzchak.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Bereishit 27:11) explains that Yaakov's smoothness was not merely a physical trait but also a reflection of his spiritual nature. The term chalak can imply smoothness in both a literal and metaphorical sense—Yaakov was pure and unblemished in character, unlike Eisav, whose hairiness symbolized his rough and wild nature (Bereishit Rabbah 65:16).

Midrashic Insights

  • The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 65:15) elaborates that Eisav's hairiness was a sign of his deceitfulness—he appeared outwardly strong and mature, but his actions were wicked. In contrast, Yaakov's smoothness represented his sincerity and righteousness.
  • Another interpretation (Tanchuma, Toldot 8) suggests that Yaakov's smooth skin made him appear younger, reinforcing Yitzchak's potential suspicion when Yaakov would later approach him for the blessing.

Rambam's Perspective

While Rambam does not comment directly on this verse, his philosophical approach in Moreh Nevuchim (Guide for the Perplexed) emphasizes that physical traits often mirror inner qualities. Yaakov's smoothness could thus symbolize his refined intellect and moral clarity, whereas Eisav's hairiness reflected his unrefined, materialistic tendencies.

Practical Implications

This exchange highlights the tension between outward appearances and inner truth—a recurring theme in Jewish thought. Yaakov's concern underscores the challenge of fulfilling Rivka's directive while maintaining integrity, as he feared his father would detect the deception through touch (Rashi, Bereishit 27:12).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Megillah 9a
The verse is referenced in the context of discussing the differences between Jacob and Esau, particularly focusing on their physical descriptions as part of a broader discussion on character and destiny.
📖 Niddah 61a
The verse is cited in a discussion about physical characteristics and their implications, relating to the differences between Jacob and Esau.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Yaakov mean when he says he is a 'smooth man' compared to Esav being a 'hairy man'?
A: Yaakov is describing a physical difference between himself and his brother Esav. Rashi explains that 'smooth' (חָלָק) means Yaakov had less hair, while Esav was naturally hairy. This physical trait becomes important later when Rivka helps Yaakov receive Yitzchak's blessing by covering his arms with goat skins to mimic Esav's hairiness.
Q: Why did Yaakov point out this difference to his mother Rivka?
A: Yaakov was concerned that his father Yitzchak, who was blind, might recognize him by touch. Since Esav was hairy and Yaakov was smooth-skinned, Yaakov feared his father would detect the deception. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 65:16) notes that this conversation shows Yaakov's hesitation about the plan, demonstrating his righteous character.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Yaakov describing himself and Esav this way?
A: The Talmud (Megillah 6a) teaches that physical traits often reflect inner qualities. Esav's hairiness symbolized his wild, impulsive nature (as seen later in his actions), while Yaakov's smoothness reflected his refined, studious character. This teaches us that external appearances can hint at deeper spiritual realities.
Q: How does this verse connect to the broader story of the blessings?
A: This verse sets up the pivotal moment where Rivka helps Yaakov receive the firstborn's blessing. As Ramban explains, the physical differences necessitated the disguise with goat skins (Genesis 27:16). The Torah emphasizes these details to show how Divine Providence worked through natural circumstances to fulfill the prophecy that 'the elder shall serve the younger' (Genesis 25:23).