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is denied access from Torah learning. “A person is led in the way he
wishes to go.”

Eisav wasn’t overly concerned that Yaakov was still alive. Elifaz’s
highway robbery served Eisav’s main purpose, to prevent Yaakov from
serving Hashem. By depriving Yaakov of all of his money, Eisav figured
that Yaakov would be hindered from learning Torah, which in turn would
lead to his deterioration.

Yaakov’s actions set a precedent for the future. His wellspring of resolve
and determination bequeathed us with the strength of character to
withstand nisyonot. We should learn from Yaakov Avinu not to allow
periodic setbacks to discourage us from doing what we have to do.

Why did Yaakov express how Eisav resembled a Divine angel? Did Eisav
have a tzelem Elokim? When Eisav heard of Yaakov’s success in keeping
all of the mitzvot in Lavan’s house, Eisav had a change of heart. He saw
from Yaakov’s financial situation that one doesn’t have to give up this
world in order to serve Hashem.

Eisav’s thoughts of reformation, however, did not last. When one has
pangs of conscience, a real change is the only recourse. It is the Torah
which provides us with the outlook and determination we need to bring
our inspiration to its true destination. Yaakov did not have any faith in
Eisav’s change of heart. His momentary inspiration soon dissipated and
he went back to ‘business’ as usual.

Yitzchak said, “The voice is Yaakov’s voice but the hands are Eisav’s
hands.” Hands can create objects, but their creative activity ceases with
their cessation of movement. Our sound waves, however, continue to
travel on, even after our mouths finish speaking. This is the power of
Torah. Even when we take a break to eat or sleep, Hashem still hears the
resonance of our voices learning and delights in our words.

When we learn Torah despite difficulty, Hashem helps us to surmount our
obstacles and climb up the ladder towards perfection. This is how we
grow. By standing up to the nisyonot of life, we follow in the footsteps of