The Torah
portion of Vayishlach speaks of the dramatic encounter between Jacob and Esau.
In their exchange, much has been written between the different approaches to
life of the two. Esau says, "Yesh Li Rav," usually translated as
"I have a lot," while Jacob states, "Yesh Li Kol," "I
have everything [I need]." It brings to mind the expression from Pirkei
Avot, "Who is rich? He who is satisfied with his portion." Much has
also been written about what "Kol" means. In Kabbalah, Kol is
explained as a reference to the sefirah (attribute) of Yesod, foundation. Jacob
is now able to stand firm against his murderous brother Esau.
Esau's use
of the word "Rav" is also quite fascinating. It can mean
"much," but can also mean "master" or "superior."
Esau is intrinsically stating, probably without acknowledging it consciously,
that Jacob is his superior. This seems to be supported by Rashi's comment on
this verse:
9. But
Esau said, "I have plenty, my brother; let what you have remain
yours."
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ט. וַיֹּאמֶר
עֵשָׂו יֶשׁ לִי רָב אָחִי יְהִי לְךָ אֲשֶׁר לָךְ:
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let what
you have remain yours: Here he acknowledged his (Jacob’s) right to the
blessings (Gen. Rabbah 78:11).
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יהי לך אשר
לך: כאן הודה לו על הברכות:
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The Hebrew
translation of the whole verse could very well be: "But Esau said, "I
have a superior - my brother. Let what is yours remain yours."
There are
two other instances in which a similar expression is used. Moshe says to Korach
and his fellow Levi rebels, "Rav Lecha Bnei Levi," this is [too] much
for you sons of Levi. Later, when Moshe asks for 515 times to come to Israel,
G-d also uses the same expression, "Rav Lecha," it is [too] much for
you. Much has been written about the connection between these two statements as
well. Both times, it may be understood that what is being said to both Moshe
and the sons of Levi is that they have a superior, a Master. This also ties
into one of the early themes of Pirkei Avot and of Rosh Hashanah: Ta'aseh Lecha
Rav - make for yourself a Master. (see Book 1, Week 1)
We know that
Esau did not do Teshuvah in his lifetime, but perhaps his potential for Teshuvah,
and the spark of good in him can be found here is as well. In acknowledging his
brother's superiority, and that the blessings his brother took from him, even
if somewhat deceitfully, are nonetheless his to keep, Esau is getting closer to
one day, one day acknowledging the ultimate truth: he too has One Master.
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