Rabbi Steinsaltz explains how Jacob's origin in the world of correction defines his entire struggle with Esau.
This episode features Rabbi Adin Steinsaltz teaching on the Torah portion Vayishlach, specifically analyzing the figure of Jacob. He begins by establishing Jacob's origin in the Kabbalistic concept of the world of correction, contrasting it with the world of good associated with Joseph. The struggle between Jacob and Esau is framed as a fundamental conflict between these two worlds. Rabbi Steinsaltz then shifts to discuss the end of the portion, which deals with the children of the Old Testament and kings working in the Land of the Old. He introduces the idea of two worlds: the natural world where realities exist in purity but without cohesion, and the world of correction. The lesson explores the relationship between light and tools, using the metaphor of a great idea lacking words or experience. A significant portion is dedicated to analyzing the 400 shekels of money Abraham gave to Ephron for the burial cave. Rabbi Steinsaltz explains how these 400 shekels undergo a mystical cycle of degradation, eventually becoming 400 men who carry weapons, as mentioned in Midrashim. He connects this to 400 difficult courts and describes the shekels as 400 worlds of Kissufim that bring the righteous to the next world. The episode references the book of visions of Rabbi Chaim Vital, titled '400 Shekels of Silver.' Rabbi Steinsaltz discusses the concept of evil as a parasitic existence that lives out of being deprived of holiness, using historical examples like the Mongol rule in China. He returns to Jacob's narrative, describing Jacob's decision as a potential resolution to the eternal struggle between good and evil. The teaching concludes by emphasizing the cyclical nature of spiritual influences and the transformative power of these mystical concepts.
