5787/2026
The Pasuk states “Ve’Ye’ehav Yitzchak Et Esav Ki Tazyid B’Fiv”, “Yitzchak favored Esav since he had a taste for hunting” (BeReishit 25:28). Rashi famously comments that he used to entrap and deceive him by his words.
How is it possible that Yitzchak Avinu did not recognize who Esav was? After all, we know that the Avot were in tune with the nature of people, especially Yitzchak’s own son.
In truth, Yitzchak knew exactly who Esav was. A possible proof is that when it came to giving the Berachot, Yitzchak questioned Yaakov (thinking it was Esav) why the Name of Hashem was on his lips. Yitzchak knew Esav quite well.
Yitzchak Avinu is teaching us that there are two approaches to parenting. One approach is that if a child does not listen to his parents and follow in their footsteps, the child should be sent away and excluded from the family. However, if the child (even deceivingly) shows that respect towards his parents in front of them, that child is worthy of Kiruv (bringing him closer). In the case of Esav, Chazal tells us about his extraordinary Kibbud Av and because of that merit, Yaakov was afraid of Esav. Yitzchak knew Esav well, but he thought Esav was worthy of Kiruv, he was worthy of trying to positively influence him towards Torah and Mitzvos.
A parent must devote considerable time and effort trying to evaluate every child and what approach he/she needs in order to bring them closer to Torah and Mitzvot. We learn from Yitzchak Avinu not to give up on a child, especially when he or she shows some connection to his parents and community.