Thursday, December 8, 2011

Vayishlah 5772: Wants And Needs

When Esau turns down the peace offering in Genesis 33:9, he says, "I have plenty, my brother; keep what you have to yourself." Then Jacob begs his brother to reconsider and says something similar: "Take, I beg you, my blessing that is brought to you; because God has dealt graciously with me, and because I have everything."

Note that Esau says, "I have plenty," whereas Jacob says, "I have everything." Rashi says that Esau was speaking arrogantly and meant to say, "I have plenty, much more than I need," while Jacob was being modest and meant to say, "I have everything that I need."

The difference between wants and needs is lost on many people. Every morning, a Jew is supposed to thank God "for providing me with everything I need. (שעשה לי כל צרכי) But what does "everything I need" mean? For some, it means cable TV with DVR service, high speed internet, and fancy cars.

For those who understand the Torah's message, "everything I need" means food, clothing, shelter, love, friendship, education, a profession, Torah, and other absolute necessities. Esau was in the former category; Jacob was in the latter.

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