Parshah

What makes something a “real” experience? 

After marrying two sisters a mere week apart, the Torah says that Yaakov loved Rachel even more than he loved Leah (29:30). The clear implication is that he loved Leah, as well, albeit to a lesser degree. Surprisingly, the very next verse states that Hashem saw that Leah was hated, so He blessed her to bear Yaakov’s first children to gain his affection.

A young man was sitting at the airport gate, waiting for his flight home. After realizing that his flight was delayed, he bought a book and a small bag of chocolate chip cookies to enjoy while he waited. As he sat reading, he noticed an older man sitting next to him reading a book, as well. He was about to turn back to his book when he noticed the older man reach into the bag of cookies that lay between their seats and take a cookie. Shocked, he pointedly took a cookie from the bag and began eating it. “The nerve,” he thought. “He didn’t even ask.” The older man just looked at him and smiled, taking another cookie and eating it as he continued reading. He said nothing, but inside he could feel himself starting to get angry. For each cookie he took, the older man took one, too. This continued until there was only one cookie left. He sat there fuming, debating whether or not to say anything, when the older man did the unthinkable. He picked up the cookie, split it in half, and handed him a piece. Well, that was it! He was so infuriated by the older man’s lack of consideration that he packed up his things and moved. His flight was called soon after, so he gladly boarded and began settling in for the flight. As he opened his bag to take out his book, he felt his heart sink. There, at the bottom of his bag, was his bag of cookies.

There was an elderly carpenter who was ready to retire. He told his boss of his plans to leave the house-building industry in order to enjoy a more leisurely lifestyle with his wife. He would miss the weekly paycheck, but he was ready to retire, and they could get by on his savings. The contractor was sorry to see his best worker go and asked if the carpenter could build just one more house as a personal favor to him. The carpenter was reluctant, as he really was ready to retire, but the contractor pushed him until he relented. However, it soon became clear that his heart was just not in it. He resorted to shoddy, hasty workmanship and used inferior materials. It was an unfortunate way to end a dedicated career. When the carpenter finished his work, his boss came to inspect the house. He then handed the keys to the carpenter and said, “This is your house, as my parting gift to you.”

Marriage? Romantic. The source?
Not so much! 

The Torah describes that a man gets married by “taking” a wife (D’varim 24:1). What does “taking” entail? Chazal note the appearance of that same word, “taking,” by Avraham’s purchase of M’aras HaMachpeilah to bury Sarah (B’reishis 23:13). Based on context, Chazal conclude that the Torah’s definition of “taking” involves handing over money. This is the source that a man can betroth a woman by giving her money, or any object of value (e.g., a ring).

We should all be more like Eisav

 As Yaakov prepared his masquerade to earn Yitzchak’s blessings, he put on Eisav’s clothes to complete the deception. These were the special garments that Eisav would wear only when spending quality time with his father. Chazal speak reverentially of this practice of Eisav, as it showcased the highest caliber of kibud av (B’reishis Rabbah 65:16).

An older couple sat together on the train, quietly chatting as they rode through the countryside. Their peace was suddenly disturbed by a fully-grown boy sitting across from them. “Dad, look!” The boy exclaimed to his father. “Giant green trees are going past us!” The boy must have been almost 20 years old and had a huge smile glued to his face. His father smiled along, almost encouraging his outburst. The couple looked at the boy’s childish behavior with a pitiful glance, before going back to their conversation. Suddenly, the boy erupted with excitement again and shouted, “Dad, look at the clouds running along with us in the sky!”