Something to Loose Sleep Over
Recall from last week's shiur that the Avot themselves were not quite sure exactly when or how the process of bechira would finally end. In Parshat Toldot it became clear that the process would continue for at least one more generation: either Yaakov or Esav would be chosen, but not both. (See Board #1.) Therefore, after the incident of the brachot, Yitzchak blesses Yaakov with "birkat Avraham" (see 28:3-4) - that God should elect him as the 'chosen' son. (See Board #2.)

Despite his father's blessing, Yaakov has ample reason to doubt whether or not he is indeed 'chosen.'

First of all, only the day before, his father had planned to give the primary blessing to his older brother Esav. Secondly, Yaakov's parents had just sent him away from Eretz Canaan - to flee from Esav and look for a wife (see 27:43-28:2). Now if Yaakov is truly the chosen son, then it should be forbidden for him to leave Eretz Canaan, just as his father Yitzchak was prohibited to leave.

[Recall that during the famine, God did not allow Yitzchak to go down to Egypt (see 26:1-3). Likewise, when Yitzchak was getting married, Eliezer traveled to Padan Aram to bring Rivka back - Yitzchak himself was not allowed to go.]

Finally, when Yitzchak's brothers were rejected from the "bechira" process, they were sent away to the East (see 25:6). Now, Yaakov himself is being sent away to the East (see 29:1), while Esav remains in Eretz Canaan!

[Although his father had blessed him and his mother had promised that she would later send for him (see 27:45), Yaakov could have understood this as a 'nice way' to bid him farewell.]

Even besides these causes of concern, Yaakov still had reason to question his future. It is not within Yitzchak's power to determine the 'chosen' son. He only blesses Yaakov that God should choose him over his brother:

"...and Kel Shakai should bless you and grant you the blessing of Avraham..." (28:3-4)
It is up to God alone to make that final decision.

For all or any of these reasons, it is easy to understand why Yaakov may have needed some 'divine reassurance' before embarking on his journey to Padan Aram!

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