#57.1 – Jacob and Esau

#57.1 Stories from the Tanakh

Jacob and Esau

 

#1 Read and Learn: The Story of Jacob and Esau

Isaac and Rebecca had twin sons, Esau and Jacob. Esau was the older and loved to hunt in the fields. Esau was Isaac’s favorite sone. But Rebecca loved Jacob more because Jacob stayed close to home, helping his mother. 

One time, Esau came home very hungry after hunting all day. Jacob was cooking a stew, and Esau said, “Give me some of that red stuff quickly, or I shall die!”

Jacob asked, “What will you give me if I feed you now?” “I will sell you whatever you want in exchange for a bowl of stew,” said Esau. “Sell me the special blessing due to the oldest son,” said Jacob. And Esau answered, “Why not? What good is a special blessing when I am so hungry?” And Esau sold his blessing to Jacob.

In time, Isaac grew old and blind. He called Esau to his bedside. Isaac said, “Soon I am going to die. Before that, I would like to eat a meal of freshly-hunted meat. If you will fix this meal for me, I will give you the blessing of the oldest son.” So Esau went hunting for meat for his father.

Rebecca overheard what Isaac had said and she called Jacob to her and said to him, “Do as I tell you, and the blessing of the oldest son will be yours!” Jacob did all that his mother asked. He brought two young goats to her and she cooked them the way Isaac liked. Then she said, “Take this to your father to eat, and he will bless you.”

“No,” said Jacob. “Father knows that Esau has hairy arms and my arms are smooth. Father cannot see, but if he touches me to bless me, he will know that it is a trick and he will curse me instead.”

“I have thought of that,” Rebecca said. And she gave Jacob some of Esau’s clothes to wear. And she covered Jacob’s arms and hands with the rough skin of the goats she had cooked. Then she gave Jacob the food for his father and sent him in to Isaac.

Jacob said to his father, “Here is the meal you wanted. Come and eat, then give me your special blessing.” Isaac said, “Come closer, my son. Let me feel you. Then I will know that you are truly Esau.” Jacob came closer and Isaac felt his arms and hands and was confused. “The voice sounds like the voice of Jacob,” Isaac thought. “But these are surely the hands of Esau!” In the end, Isaac ate and drank. When he finished eating, he gave Jacob the special blessing of the first-born and Jacob left.

A moment later, Esau came back from his hunt. He too cooked a meal and brought it to his father. Suddenly Isaac knew that Jacob had fooled him. Esau said, “Bless me, my father.” But Isaac said, “I have given the special blessing to Jacob, and it cannot be given again even though he tricked me! Yet I will give you another blessing. You too will grow into a great nation.”

And that is what happened. Esau became the father of many people. And Jacob’s sons became the Twelve Tribes of Israel, the Jewish people.

 

#2 WATCH: Parashat Toldot – Jacob, Esau and Talk about Cheating

#3  Read and Reflect: 

In the story of Jacob and Esau – Esau is labeled the “hairy one,” and “the hunter.” Jacob is labeled “hairless,” “the tent-dweller,” and “righteous.” It is very common to use labels to describe people.

Children sometimes label one another at school: the smart one, the class clown, the social butterfly. Take one minute and brainstorm together some of the labels you have heard or used.

What impact do labels have on you? Do you act differently when you have a specific label? Do you feel different?

Are these labels fair? Helpful? Harmful?

#4 Watch and Learn: “The Family Song”

How could Isaac, Rebecca, Esau, and Jacob work together to make their family an easier place to be together and show one another kindness? What are some ways your family finds to show love and support to one another?

#5: Review and Response

  1. What were the names of Isaac and Rebecca’s twin sons?
  2. What are physical and spiritual characteristics of the two sons?
  3. Esau and Jacob are described as being completely different both physically and spiritually. Do you think that it is common for siblings to be different from one another? Do differences make sibling rivalry easier or harder?
  4. What is the Hebrew word for family?
  5. What are a few ways you can try to get along with our family members even when it’s hard?

Need some help? We’re here for you. At any time, if you have any questions, please contact one of our teachers so we can help you. Also, at the end of the session, remember to review your responses in your Tamid Workbook so you can get credit for this lesson. Behatzlacha (Hebrew for good luck)! You can reach Sarah at (646)360-0689 or connect@tamidnyc.org