Avraham and Yitzchak/0

Avraham and Yitzchak

This topic has not yet undergone editorial review

Introduction

The dictum, מעשה אבות סימן לבנים (the deeds of the fathers are a sign for the sons), is particularly apt when speaking of the lives of Avraham and Yitzchak.  The stories of father and son are surprisingly similar, and many of the episodes that define the Avraham narrative find their echo in the life of Yitzchak.  In several of these cases, linguistic parallels strengthen the comparison.

Content Parallels and Contrasts

EN/HEע/E

	Parallels	Contrasts
Family Life	Barren wife – Despite blessings of progeny, both Sarah and Rivka are initially unable to have children.	While Sarah gives Hagar to Avraham in order to bear an heir, Rivkah's womb opens after prayer.
	Two children – Each of Avraham and Yitzchak bear two children, one of which is favored by the mother, while the other is loved by the father.	In Avraham's case, each child is born of a different mother, while in Yitzchak's case the two sons are twins, born to Rivka.
	Younger son chosen – In both stories the mother (Sarah/Rivka) ensures that it is the younger child who inherits or is blessed.	Avraham banishes Yishmael due to Sarah's demand and Hashem's sanction thereof, while Yitzchak is duped by Rivka into blessing Yaakov..
	Chosen son marries non-Canaanite – Both Avraham and Yitzchak ensure that their son does not marry a Canaanite, but rather a woman from the family in Charan.	While Avraham sends his servant to fetch the wife, Yitzchak sends Yaakov himself. Moreover, Yaakov has an additional purpose in leaving – flight from Esav
	Rejected son leaves – Both Yishmael and Esav leave their homeland, but grow to be great nations and fathers of 12 princes/alufim.	---
Wife-sister	Famine – A famine leads both Avraham and Yitzchak to uproot.	While both patriarchs head to Egypt, Yitzchak is told to remain in Canaan.
	Fear – Recognition of their wives' beauty causes both husbands to fear that Sarah and Rivka will be taken by the locals, while they are killed.	In Avraham's case, Sarah is, nonetheless, taken to the king, while Rivka is not.
	Wife-sister – Sarah and Rivka are passed off as Avraham and Yitzchak's sisters
	Great wealth – The story ends with a description of the wealth of Avraham/Yitzchak	Avraham is enriched by the many gifts of the king, while Yitzchak earns his own wealth through the successful sowing.

Analysis

• Degree of similarity – 
• Distinctive phrases –