For Further Iyun
A. Ramban (see 27:4) disagrees with the entire approach presented in the above shiur. From the very beginning, he understands that Yitzchak's intention is to bless Esav with the bechira.

1. Note in the Ramban how he understands why Rivka doesn't tell Yitzchak about her n'vuah. Does this affect how he understands the entire parsha?
2. What basic assumption of the above shiur does Ramban disagree with?
3. Does Ramban (see 27:28) find any hint to "zera v'aretz" in Yitzchak's first bracha to Yaakov/Esav?
4. How does Rashi understand this sugya?
5. Attempt to relate this entire sugya to the klal of ma'ase avot, siman la'banim. [Iy"h, this will be the topic of a future shiur.]

B. In the opening episode of the Parsha, when Esav sells his birthright to Yaakov, he makes a very powerful statement: "hinei anochi holeych lamut, v'lama ze li bchora". Esav seems very practical. He sees no challenge in having the "bchora," he is living for the present and has no dreams or goals for the future.

1. Relate this to the above shiur, and the reason why Esav is rejected.
2. Could it be that this attitude, a lack of appreciation of his destiny and purpose, leads to his ultimate rejection?
3. Can this explain why Yaakov is interested in buying the birthright?
4. Does Yitzchak know about this entire incident? If so (or not), how may this affect the blessing which he later intended to give his children.

C. The blessing of bechira to Yaakov in 28:3-5 contains several key phrases found in earlier blessings to Avraham Avinu. Attempt to find these parallels.

1. Are most of them from Brit Milah? (see Breishit 17:1-10)?
If so, can you explain why? [What additional message did Avraham receive after Brit Milah?]
2. When did Hashem actually confirm this blessing? (See 35:9-13!)