The Top Down Advantage

It’s a curious thing; why would Isaac want to bless the wicked Esau? I’m referring to the well known story in this week’s Parsha where famously Jacob puts on Esau’s clothing and creatively takes his fathers blessings from his brother.

While explanation is needed as to the righteousness and deeper meaning around Jacob’s actions, the question of Isaac’s desire to bless the obviously wicked Esau stands out!

Isaac had a top down vision of the world.  He was able to see the inherent potential around him.  He was not oblivious to the realities on the ground, but prioritized what was on the inside.  

Accordingly, he saw the wicked Esau from his inherent potential.  He saw a powerful force that if harnessed could bring change to the world the way the more moderate Jacob – dweller of tents, couldn’t accomplish.

And while ultimately, Rivkah, the Jewish Mama knows better, and teaches us that change takes time and can’t be forced, Isaac’s desire to bless leaves us with a message that is relevant today more than ever.

If Isaac could look at the wicked Esau in a positive manner, surely we can look at each other, ourselves, our children and our spouses in a similar manner.  We need to look from top down, from G-d’s vantage point.

From G-d’s vantage point, each and every one of us is on this earth to accomplish something.  If I woke up this morning, then G-d is telling me that I have something to accomplish today.  If G-d values you and me in this manner then it is upon us to see each other similarly.

Let’s not discount anyone because they are not beautiful on the outside, let’s elevate everyone on account of their inner potential.  AND, when we begin to look at each other for our inner potential, the inner potential actually begins to seep through, slowly and over time.

Good Shabbos!

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