Bereishis
Book 1: Genesis


TOLDOS - NOTES ON RASHI COMMENTARY


Chapter 25 - Text Notes

1 Unlike other commentaries who explain {Hebrew Ref} the life-events (or biography) (see Radak, Sforno), Rashi interprets it as the children. (See also Rashi above 6, 9).

2 If {Hebrew Ref} refers to Yitzchok's children, then why are they not mentioned here? (G.A.)

3 Tanchuma 1, Bava Metzia 87a.

4 Why did Yitzchok wait this long to marry? (G.A.)

5 Avraham's binding of Yitzchok as a sacrifice.

6 I.e., when Yitzchok was 37.

7 Ber. Rab. 6, 4.

8 Why was it so called?

9 I Shmuel 13, 7.

10 Hoshea 12, 13.

11 Yechezkel 8, 11.

12 Ibid. 35, 13.

13 Mishlei 27, 6.

14 I.e., though the enemy's kisses are few, they are repugnant and, therefore seem too many. (G.A.)

15 I.e., to increase.

16 Ber. Rab. 63, 5.

17 If they both prayed, why did G-d respond only to his prayer.

18 Yevamos 64a.

19 Ber. Rab. 63, 6.

20 I.e., this world and the World-to-Come.

21 Yalkut 110.

22 Ber. Rab. 63, 6.

23 But, her inquiry was of Sheim?

24 Ber. Rab. 63, 17.

25 {Hebrew Ref} can be read as {Hebrew Ref} , meaning great and princely persons.

26 A Roman Caesar and contemporary of---

27 Rabbi Yehudah Hanassi (the prince). Antoninus descended directly from Eisov, and Rabbi Yehudah Hanassi, from Yaakov.

28 Avodah Zarah 10b.

29 Ibid. See also Onkelos.

30 From birth each was born with his disposition.

31 Yechezkel 26, 2. The verse begins thus: "Since Tyre (a city made up of Eisov's descendants) said of Yerushalayim: 'I shall be filled by her that is destroyed, etc.' "

32 Megillah 6a. I.e., for one to gain power the other must be destroyed.

33 Who also gave birth to twins.

34 Below 38, 27.

35 It does not state that her days were completed.

36 Ber. Rab. 63, 8.

37 Ibid.

38 Concerning Yaakov it stated (v. 26) {Hebrew Ref} ---He called.

39 {Hebrew Ref} is from {Hebrew Ref} ---to make.

40 If Eisov is called {Hebrew Ref} ---the first one---in the previous verse, then, why is Yaakov called {Hebrew Ref} ---his brother and not {Hebrew Ref} ---the second one? (S.C.)

41 Ber. Rab. 63, 8.

42 What is the significance of Yaakov's holding Eisov's heel?

43 Who called him so?

44 Tanchuma, Shemos 4.

45 As did his father. Above 16, 3.

46 At his binding. Above, chapt. 22.

47 Ber. Rab. 64, 3.

48 But, were we not told that they set out on different paths from the womb? (See Rashi above v. 23 {Hebrew Ref} .) (S.C.)

49 Ber. Rab. 63, 10.

50 Yaakov is described as {Hebrew Ref} indicating that he was unpretentious and straightforward. Eisov is contrasted as {Hebrew Ref} and should, therefore, be explained accordingly. (S.C.)

51 Though, he actually knew that there is no requirement whatsoever that these items be tithed. (G.A.)

52 Why the plural?

53 Ber. Rab. 63, 10.

54 {Hebrew Ref} ---the prefix {Hebrew Ref} can mean in or into as well as with.

55 Onkelos translates {Hebrew Ref} as "For he would eat from his hunt."

56 Ber. Rab. 63, 10.

57 Yirmiyahu 4, 31.

58 Ber. Rab. 63, 12.

59 Shabbos 155b.

60 Above 15, 15.

61 Just as a turning wheel touches every spot on the ground so, too, does mourning touch everyone sooner or later (Bava Basra 16b).

62 I.e,. a mourner may not greet others.

63 21b.

64 What did Yaakov gain by purchasing Eisav's birthright?

65 Ber. Rab. 63, 13. Though this would not entitle Yaakov to perform the service, at least the evil Eisov would surrender his rights. (M.)

66 Why is Eisov's eventual death a factor in the sale of his birthright?

67 Sanhedrin 22b.

68 See Vayikra 10, 6.


Chapter 26 - Text Notes

69 See above 12, 10.

70 Ber. Rab. 64, 3.

71 Onkelos explains {Hebrew Ref} as "They will be blessed because of your children." Rashi disagrees and translates {Hebrew Ref} with your children.

72 Below 48, 20.

73 Bamid. 5, 27.

74 Yeshaiyahu 65, 15.

75 The expression of {Hebrew Ref} ---my voice, refers to a test because G-d, in effect, says, "Listen to my voice, though you may not understand, and do not question." (G.A.)

76 Yoma 67b.

77 Ibid.

78 Why the plural?

79 As well as the written.

80 Yoma 28b.

81 The prefix {Hebrew Ref} sometimes means concerning.

82 Above 20, 13.

83 Ber. Rab. 64, 5.

84 What made Avimelech realize that she was his wife?

85 1) Why the stress on "that land"? 2) Gerar, too, was in Eretz Yisrael, for Yitzchok was never permitted to leave Eretz Yisrael (see Rashi v. 2).

86 I.e., Yitzchok had a miraculously successful harvest in Gerar despite the fact that only the part of Eretz Yisrael which was part of the "Seven Nations" was blessed to be a "Land flowing with milk and honey" (see Shemos 3, 8). (G.A.)

87 Ber. Rab. 64, 6.

88 The Midrash (Ber. Rab. 64, 6) asks, however: What purpose was there in estimating the crops? Therefore: "Our Sages said.. ."

89 Ibid.

90 Ber. Rab. 64, 7, i.e., the dung of Yitzchok's animals was worth more than the king's gold and silver.

91 Tosefta, Sotah 10, 6. I.e., they may attack us to get at the water supplies. Rashi's explanation apparently differs from other commentaries (Ramban, Sforno, Radak) who state that since this verse is preceded by {Hebrew Ref} [the Philistines were jealous of him], that it was due to jealousy that they stopped up the wells.

92 Pesachim 42, 1.

93 But, did not Avimelech exile Yitzchok from Gerar? (S.C.)

94 And this time they were not stopped up anymore.

95 Rashi points out that {Hebrew Ref} should be translated in the future tense rather than the past. Actually, our prints of Onkelos have it {Hebrew Ref} which is past tense, unlike Rashi's version of {Hebrew Ref} .

96 I.e., the letter {Hebrew Ref} of {Hebrew Ref} is a prefix meaning from.

97 Shoftim 14, 11, the {Hebrew Ref} of {Hebrew Ref} being a root letter.

98 The {Hebrew Ref} ending is often used as a substitute for {Hebrew Ref} [of]. Thus {Hebrew Ref} is the same as {Hebrew Ref} .

99 Whereby {Hebrew Ref} implies that he brought only some of his friends.

100 According to the latter explanation.

101 Tehillim 60, 13.

102 Yeshaiyahu 51, 21.

103 Why the repetitive {Hebrew Ref} ?

104 Ber. Rab. 64, 10.

105 {Hebrew Ref} ---between us and {Hebrew Ref} ---between ourselves and you seems repetitive!

106 Having said {Hebrew Ref} , why add the obvious {Hebrew Ref} ---"We have not touched you"? (G.A.)

107 I.e., {Hebrew Ref} refers back to {Hebrew Ref} . Just as we did not harm you when we sent you away, now that you are sending us away, act likewise.

108 As in verse 31 {Hebrew Ref} ---and they swore.

109 Why did he wait until he was forty to marry? Why are we, told only Eisov's age at marriage and not Yaakov's.

110 Ber. Rab. 65, 1.

111 Tehillim 80, 14. A reference to the exile of Edom who are the descendants of Eisov.

112 The split hooves are a sign of the clean [kosher] animals which we are permitted to eat.

113 Dev. 9, 24.

114 Ber. Rab. 65, 4.


Chapter 27 - Text Notes

115 What caused his dimming eyesight?

116 I.e., the smoke that was raised by them when burning incense in their idol worship. (Tanchuma 8)

117 Ber. Rab. 65, 6.

118 Rashi gives three explanations for Yitzchok's loss of his eyesight. The first (due to the smoke of the incense) can be inferred from the juxtaposition of Yitzchok's blindness with the previous verse. The second stems from the use of the word {Hebrew Ref} ---from seeing. i.e., as a result of the angels seeing. The third answers why he became blind, whereas the first two tell how it happened. (L.S.R.)

119 Why did he become concerned about his death at this particular time?

120 Yaakov was 63 when he received the blessings. Since Yitzchok was 60 at Yaakov's birth, he was now 123. Yitzchok who was now within five years of his mother's death, for she died at 127, became concerned (Rashi on Ber. Rab. 65, 12).

121 Unlike Onkelos who translates it simply, take. Rashi apparently argues that it would be superfluous for Yitzchok to tell Eisov to take his hunting implements with him. Eisov was obviously more expert than Yitzchok. (L.S.R.)

122 Beitza 28a.

123 On Yom Tov.

124 Which is permitted because it is not done in the usual manner.

125 I.e., an animal or bird improperly slaughtered.

126 Ber. Rab. 65, 13.

127 {Hebrew Ref} seems superfluous because obviously he would hunt for the purpose of bringing it.

128 {Hebrew Ref} stresses that he will bring meat by whatever means necessary.

129 Ber. Rab. 65, 13.

130 Why not just {Hebrew Ref} ---take, {Hebrew Ref} [to me] seems superfluous.

131 Ber. Rab. 65, 14.

132 Chapt. 32.

133 If Yitzchok asked Eisov to bring back meat from the hunt, he obviously wished it to be from an undomesticated animal such as venison from a deer. Yaakov was no hunter, then what was he to do?

134 Dev. 28, 29, "Groping at midday." The root is {Hebrew Ref} ---to feel, touch, grope.

135 Ber. Rab. 65, 16. The Midrash relates that Eisov killed Nimrod, for these clothes. Nimrod was also a hunter.

136 How did Rivkah come to be in possession of Eisov's clothes?

137 Ber. Rab. 65, 16.

138 Was Yaakov not lying?

139 Gur Aryeh notes the difference between Yaakov's use of {Hebrew Ref} as opposed to Eisov's use of {Hebrew Ref} ( {Hebrew Ref} v. 32). {Hebrew Ref} stands alone and can be separate from what follows it. Thus {Hebrew Ref} ---I am the one who brings you food. {Hebrew Ref} but Eisov is your first-born. {Hebrew Ref} , however, is inexorably joined to what follows and was therefore specifically not used by Yaakov.

140 I.e., many other things at different times.

141 What made Yitzchok suspicious that this was not Eisov?

142 V. 20. Ber. Rab. 65, 19.

143 If Yitzchok actually recognized Yaakov's voice why did he not immediately, upon hearing him say "I am, your first-born son Eisov," suspect him. Furthermore, Yaakov in talking with his mother expressed concern only of being touched. Why was he not worried about his voice being recognized? (S.C.)

144 V. 19.

145 The sounds of their voices were indistinguishable. Yitzchok became suspicious because of the manner in which they spoke.

146 Was Yaakov not lying?

147 Ber. Rab. 65, 22.

148 Tosafos in Taanis 29b explain that "apple" here refers to {Hebrew Ref} .

149 Taanis 29b.

150 Why the connective letter {Hebrew Ref} of {Hebrew Ref} ?

151 The {Hebrew Ref} indicates giving and giving, etc.

152 Ber. Rab. 66, 3.

153 Of the Names of G-d {Hebrew Ref} signifies His attribute of {Hebrew Ref} ---justice, whereby He rewards and punishes according to what one deserves. {Hebrew Ref} signifies His attribute of {Hebrew Ref} ---compassion.

154 Thus, {Hebrew Ref} ---"The G-d of Justice will give to you."

155 V. 39.

156 I Melachim 8, 39.

157 Ibid. v. 43.

158 Below 49, 8.

159 Ber. Rab. 66, 4.

160 The order is reversed---those who bless are mentioned first.

161 Bamid. 24, 9.

162 Ber. Rab. 66, 4. Though Bilam was blessing the Israelites, nevertheless, he did so from his own perspective, where happiness precedes suffering. (G.A.)

163 It was a miracle that Eisov did not come a moment sooner, or else Yaakov would not have received the blessings. (Rashbam)

164 Though usually {Hebrew Ref} expresses fear and anxiety.

165 Tanchuma 11.

166 According to this explanation {Hebrew Ref} means fear and anxiety.

167 I.e., it has no common root with another Hebrew word.

168 I.e., it has various meanings depending on the context.

169 {Hebrew Ref} ---where here.

170 {Hebrew Ref} seems superfluous.

171 Ber. Rab. 67, 2. Eisov had asked his father about the taste of the food and Yitzchok answered that he was able to select any taste he desired.

172 Why, here, did Yitzchok bless Yaakov once more?

173 Though often {Hebrew Ref} means with trickery, here, Rashi agrees with Onkelos' translation {Hebrew Ref} ---with wisdom.

174 I.e., is this the reason that he is called {Hebrew Ref} ?

175 Below 29, 26.

176 Chapt. 23.

177 Bamidbar 11, 25.

178 The first six blessings: 1) {Hebrew Ref} 2) {Hebrew Ref} , 3) {Hebrew Ref} , 4) {Hebrew Ref} , 5) {Hebrew Ref} , 6) {Hebrew Ref} .

179 See v. 38, 29.

180 Pesachim 88b.

181 Bamid. 13, 19.

182 Ibid. v. 20.

183 II Shmuel 3, 33.

184 Josephus writes that {Hebrew Ref} , (the son of {Hebrew Ref} , the son of Eisov) was King of Italy where he and his descendants settled. This is the reason that Rome is considered {Hebrew Ref} . (L.S.R.)

185 Yechezkel 33, 26.

186 Shemos 6, 26.

187 Tehillim 55, 3.

188 I.e., you will feel that they are undeserving of the blessings.

189 Ber. Rab. 67, 7.

190 Why wait till then?

191 Ber. Rab. 67, 9.

192 The root has two meanings: 1) to be comforted, 2) to regret.

193 Sotah 13a.

194 It was customary for close relatives to drink a "cup of consolation" for the deceased.

195 {Hebrew Ref} is a verb and does not mean "I will bereave you."

196 Below 43, 14.

197 Why did she feel that she would lose them both?

198 Sotah 13a. The Gemara there relates that Eisov attempted to block Yaakov's burial at the {Hebrew Ref} whereupon Chushim ben Dan chopped off Eisov's head. Thus was Rivkah's prophecy fulfilled.


Chapter 28 - Text Notes

199 Yevamos 13b.

200 Why is this particular Name of G-d used here? (S.C.)

201 {Hebrew Ref} is similar to {Hebrew Ref} ---who has sufficient.

202 Which of the blessings given to Avraham could possibly apply to Yaakov. Obviously {Hebrew Ref} ---I will bless those who bless you (above 12, 3) cannot be implemented for Yaakov. (G.A.)

203 Above 12, 2.

204 Above 22, 18.

205 For by now, we are well aware that Rivkah was their mother.

206 In order to take a wife from his own family as did Yaakov.

207 For it has already been stated that she was Yishmael's daughter, above 25, 13.

208 For Avraham was 86 at Yishmael's birth (v. above 16, 16) and 100 at Yitzchok's birth (ibid. 21, 5).

209 Above 25, 17.

210 Below 31, 41.

211 Yaakov had requested to take his leave of Lavan after 14 years, but agreed to stay on in return of receiving sheep as wages.

212 Below 30, 25.

213 Below 41, 46.

214 Below 47, 9.

215 At the time of his becoming ruler.

216 From the time he arrived at Lavan until he arrived in Egypt.

217 Which should have been his age when he came to Egypt.

218 I.e., for those fourteen years.

219 Which he studied during those fourteen years.

220 I.e., for the twenty-two years that Yaakov did not fulfill the precept of {Hebrew Ref} --- honoring one's father, he was punished that Yoseif was taken from him for 22 years.

221 Below 33, 17.

222 Why point out that it was "In addition to his wives?"


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