Shabbat Table Topics – Parashat Toledot

How should each of Yaakov and Esav be evaluated for their role in the sale of the birthright?

Was Yaakov taking advantage of his brother's hunger for his own gain? Was the sale not an example of extortion? Or, is there more going on in the story than a cursory read suggests?
Was Esav's willingness to sell the birthright a sign of his impetuous nature, indicative of his living only in the moment, or was it a logical decision given the circumstances?
The way one answers the above is partially dependent on how one understands the birthright. Was Yaakov purchasing a monetary inheritance (Ibn Ezra), a religious status (Bereshit Rabbah), or Avraham's legacy (R. D"Z Hoffmann)? Which position is best supported by the text? How does each affect your understanding of the story as a whole? See Sale of the Birthright – A Fair Deal for elaboration.

Shabbat Table Topics – Parashat Toledot/0/en