VALUING OUR BIRTHRIGHT

Sidrah:  Genesis 25:19-28:9

Haftarah:  Malachi 1:1-2:7

                This week’s haftarah comes from the book of Malachi, considered the last of the Jewish Prophets.  A number of Jewish commentators identify Malachi, whose name literally translates as “My messenger,” as the same person called Ezra the Scribe, for whom the biblical book of Ezra is named.  Ezra saw the rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem and devoted considerable time and energy to reforming the society of this period.  He begins his sermon by pointing out how Hashem favored Jacob over Esau.  Next Malachi harshly criticizes the kohanim or priests for denigrating the public sacrifices in the new Temple.  What connects this misconduct to Hashem’s lack of favor toward Esau?

The scholar and commentator Rabbi Abraham ibn Ezra, who lived in Spain during a period when Muslim rulers showed tolerance toward Jews, explains that Hashem discriminated against Esau because of his lower moral conduct.  A characteristic example of Esau’s disregard for proper conduct is the episode in which Esau “despises his birthright” by selling it to Jacob for a bowl of lentils. In ancient times the firstborn had the right to a larger share in the inheritance, but also had responsibilities as a kohen.   At Mount Sinai Hashem appointed the nation of Israel as a “kingdom of kohanim and a holy nation.” (Exodus 19:6) In this context Hashem intended the kohen’s role not so much as someone who performs sacred rites but more as a role model and educator.  The duty to set an example to others must have meant even less to Esau in his moment of hunger than his material advantage over his younger twin.

 In the time that Malachi was speaking, he apparently discovered that some priests were sacrificing deformed or diseased animals born to the flock consecrated for the daily and other public offerings, while appropriating healthy animals for their private use.  However we may consider animal sacrifices today, the public sacrifices in the time of the Second Temple represented the continuity of Hashem’s covenant with Israel and the heartfelt desire of the Jewish people to give of themselves to Hashem.  For the kohanim to view these precious gifts with envy and treat the special flock as “their” livestock was a desecration of Hashem’s sacred Name, and could only have a horribly negative effect on their ability to lead and instruct the public in heeding the commandments of Hashem. 

Judaism’s message to the world is that the Creator of the world loves His creation and is involved in it; that we do not have to be alike to be equal; and especially that His holy Torah is the path to changing ourselves and growing closer to Him.  Today that message is more important than ever, and we need to take our role as a kingdom of kohanim with seriousness and enthusiasm.