Bolt of Inspiration 42 - How a Tzaddik Lies

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November 16 2009
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Our tradition teaches us that even the שיחת חולין (casual conversations) of the righteous are rich with life lessons. When it comes to Yaakov, we can go further and suggest that even when he must lie, there are valuable lessons to be learned. In order to procure the coveted birth right from his father Yitzchak, Rivkah (Yaakov's mother) and Yaakov develop a plan to deceive Yitzchak. Leave aside the age-old question as to how Yaakov could lie to his father. Suffice it to say that Yaakov knew what his destiny needed and went for it. Rivkah councils Yaakov and tells him: (27:6) - "ורבקה אמרה אל יעקב בנה לאמור הנה שמעתי את אביך מדבר אל עשיו אחיך לאמור"- "And Rivkah says to Yaakov her son 'saying', behold I have heard your father speaking to Esav your brother 'saying.' "The Opta Rebbe asks why does it use the word "leymor" (saying) twice? The speech of Yaakov was always gentle. As we say in Koheles (Ecclesiastes) - (9:14) - "Divrei Chachamim benachas nishmain", "The words of the righteous are heard while gentle." Yitzchak knew this. In order not to get tricked, he asked Esav to speak when he comes to him in a soft voice because in all likelihood Yaakov is going to try to sound like Esav. But Rivka knew of this secret plan and therefore she told Yaakov to keep his voice as is. That's the explanation of the second "leymor", I heard your father teaching Esav how to speak. This whole ruse hinges upon the accepted premise that Yaakov would always speak gently.

Parsha:
Toldot 

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