Yaakov/0/en

Yaakov – Overview

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Unique Traits

"וְיַעֲקֹב אִישׁ תָּם יֹשֵׁב אֹהָלִים"

Businessman

Possible Sins / Flaws

Sale of the Birthright

Bereshit 25 discusses Yaakov's buying of the birthright from the famished Esav. The story raises several question regarding the ethics of Yaakov's actions.  Did he not exploit his brother's hunger for his own gain? Is not buying the birthright for a mere pot of lentils considered extortion?  Commentators attempt to defend Yaakov's behavior in a number of ways: [For a full discussion of the issue, see Sale of the Birthright – A Fair Deal?]

• Esav was unworthy – According to Bereshit Rabbah and Rashi
• Yaakov paid fair value
• Yaakov had the right to look out for himself:

Taking the Blessing

Chapter 27 describes Rivka's machinations to ensure that Yitzchak's blessing go to Yaakov rather than Esav.  How should Yaakov's role in the deception of his father be viewed?  Was he a willing or unwilling participant?   Were his actions justified?

• Unwilling participant
• –

Favoritism

Religious Identity

Oath at Beit El