The Power of Brochos

     Avraham Avinu was given a power to transfer brochos (Bereishis 12:3).  However, he was reluctant to transfer brochos to his son, Yitzchak.  He saw that one of Yitzchak’s children would go astray, and feared that Yitzchak would choose the wrong son.

     Indeed, this is what later occurred — Yitzchak wanted to give the brochos to Eisav, who had, indeed, gone astray.

     Due to this concern, Avraham passed from this world without using his power of brochos.  He decided that Hashem would do as He saw fit.  In fact, Hashem blessed Yitzchak (Bereishis 25:11), but there was a secret clause.  Rivka Imeinu would manipulate Yitzchak’s brochos.

Rivka’s Powers

     Rivka ‘overheard’ Yitzchak’s words to Eisav (Bereishis 27:5).  Targum Yonason explains that she ‘heard’ through Ruach Hakodesh.  The Zohar says further — she heard from the Shechina.  That’s why she commanded Yaakov — she was giving over the Shechina’s command (Zohar, p. 142a).

     Netzutzei Oros explains.  A child is not allowed to honor his parents by doing something forbidden.  How could Yaakov be put in this position — to deceive his father due to his mother’s orders?  Rather, the Shechina itself was commanding him.

     Further, Netzutzei Oros explains why the acquisition of the  brochos had to come about in a deceptive manner.  Chava had deceived Adom when she gave him the forbidden fruit.  The only way to correct the original sin was by preventing Yitzchak from making such an error.

Acknowledging the Brochos

     Yitzchak affirmed that Yaakov would have the brochos.  Later, the Zohar shows (p. 142b) that Eisav, too, acknowledged that Yaakov should have the brochos.  “Keep what you have, brother, I have plenty.” (Bereishis 33:9)

     All this was due to the foresight of Avraham, who realized that Yitzchak’s wife would come from his place of origin, and she should be exemplary in the mida of chesed — to balance the gevurah of Yitzchak.  In the amazing emunah of Avraham, he told Eliezer that Hashem would send a malach before him and he would find Yitzchak’s wife there (Bereishis 24:7).