5786/2025
At the beginning of the first Aliyah of VaYishlach, when Yaakov Avinu instructs the Malachim on the message they are to deliver to Eisav, he says: “VaYehi Li Shor VaChamor Tzon,” “I have acquired cattle, donkey, and sheep” (BeReishit 32:6). Why did Yaakov use the singular form of the animals when referring to his wealth?
When Eisav is spoken of in later Pesukim, he is referred to as both Yaakov’s brother and Eisav. Rashi explains that despite Yaakov’s explicit reference to Eisav as his brother, in reality, he acted towards Yaakov like Eisav HaRasha, and was therefore also referred to as Eisav (32:7, 32:11). This is echoed by Rabi Shimon Bar Yochai when he is quoted as saying: “Halachah Hi… She’Eisav Sonei LeYaakov,” “It is a known fact… that Eisav hates Yaakov” (33:4 ibid.). Yaakov’s use of the singular form begins to make complete strategic sense through the Kli Yakar’s interpretation. The Kli Yakar explains that Yaakov’s goal with speaking in singular terms was to minimize what he had, so as not to anger Eisav. He tried to highlight the fact that he wasn’t fantastically wealthy, since he had not yet received the fulfillment of Yitzchak Avinu’s Brachah.
While these are certainly compelling reasons, I’d like to provide an additional answer.
It wasn’t purely out of strategic cunning that he chose to present his wealth in that specific way, but out of compassion to ease Eisav’s mind. The root of the feud was Yaakov’s acquiring of the Brachah; the best way to calm Eisav and relieve his angst was to convince him that the Bechorah wasn’t all it was chalked up to be.
Additionally, while Yaakov Avinu was indeed scared that he could be killed, Rashi adds that he simultaneously didn’t want to be forced into killing anyone, despite having the justification to do so. The Siftei Chachamim builds on Rashi’s explanation, remarking that Yaakov would have been distressed over the grief Eisav’s death would cause to Yitzchak, as Yitzchak still loved Eisav (32:8). Even in the face of impending doom, Yaakov nonetheless maintained his concern for others.
At times, it can seem like Klal Yisrael is constantly facing a new Eit Tzarah and must stay focused on survival. It is imperative that we learn from Yaakov Avinu’s example to look beyond ourselves and be compassionate towards others.