November 29. 2024

Field and Tent

This week’s Torah portion has been among my favorite readings for some time now. It tells the story of Yitzchak and Rivka and their two children, Eisav, the older, and Yaakov, the younger. “And the youths grew up, and Eisav was a skilled hunter, ish sadeh, a man of the field, and Yaakov was an ish tam, a wholesome man, yoshev ohalim, dwelling in tents” (Bereishit 25:27).

These descriptions are easy to dismiss as window dressing or simple verbal flourishes. But a careful student of Torah would pause for a moment and ask – why is the Torah sharing these particular descriptions? This is an apt question to ponder especially when we recall some other instances of sadeh/field and ohel/tent in the Torah.

The Torah seemingly highlights a fundamental difference between Yaakov and Eisav. Eisav was a hunter, destined to disdain his covenantal role and the responsibilities of being the eldest. He would marry Hittite women causing grief to both his parents. This man of the field plotted to kill his brother. He would be following in the ways of Kayin, who killed his brother when “they were in the field”

Yaakov, on the other hand, dwelt at home in his tent. He understood that a life of morality requires restrictions, and study. Years later G-d would speak to Moshe from the tent of the mishkan and Bilaam, seeing the tent homes of the Jewish people, would praise their way of life. Eisav’s association with the field seems to underscore the trajectory his life took. Yaakov’s association with tents directly connects to the direction his life took.

There are probably many reasons for the stark differences between the twin brothers and the opposite paths in life they traveled. Indeed, our Jewish commentators through the ages have offered various understandings. Those commentaries are almost always based on something in the text of the Torah that caught their eye and spurred their imagination.

To get a taste of this approach to reading Torah, join me for a three week exploration of attention getting words and phrases in the Book of Genesis called First Things First – where we will explore a series of “firsts” – including first love, first death, first dream, first hate. We will meet on Tuesdays December 10, 17 and 24. Stay tuned for more complete information.

Shabbat shalom…and of course, see you in shul!

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Special announcement - Shabbat afternoon Mincha and Maariv

The shorter Shabbat afternoons at this time of the year make gathering for mincha at the typical 4 or 4:15 pm time a challenge. We are experimenting with holding mincha services in the chapel at 12:35 pm, after our kiddush. This will make it easier for people to enjoy a more leisurely Shabbat lunch and afternoon. We hope you will join us!