Ma'ase Avot, Siman La'banim
Although we have provided a 'technical' explanation for all of the events which take place in the Parsha, a much more fundamental question remains: Why must the bechira process be so complex. Why is it that at the very inception of our national history, trickery must be employed in order that we arrive at our divine destiny?

One could suggest that Yaakov at the time of Yitzchak's "brachot," i.e. Yaakov the "ish tam," was not yet fit to receive the blessing of prosperity and leadership. To secure that blessing, it was necessary that Yaakov first don the 'hands of Esav.' Only later, before he returns to Eretz Yisrael, Yaakov finally confronts the 'angel of Esav,' this time without trickery, to prove that he is indeed worthy of that leadership task. Nonetheless, it is significant that the primal character of Am Yisrael is that of Yaakov, the "ish tam." Even though many situations in our history will arise when we must don the 'hands of Esav' - when we must act as an "ish sadeh" - our dominant trait must always remain - a "ish tam."

When Am Yisrael will ultimately enjoy prosperity and political leadership, it is only in order that they provide mankind with spiritual guidance.

Throughout our history, even though we must periodically 'don the hands of Esav,' our voice must always remain 'the voice of Yaakov!' [see 27:22]

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