Vayishlach

The pessukim relate that Yaakov sent flocks for presents to Esav. When Yaakov and Esav met, Esav said, “yaish lee rav,” therefore I don’t want to take the presents you sent. Yaakov replied, “yaish lee kol,” therefore you should take them. What is the meaning of Esav’s “yaish lee rav” and Yaakov’s “yaish lee kol”?

The Kli Yakar writes that “rav” means “many, a lot,” but not all. Eisav hinted that he will always feel he is missing something, despite having all the riches and wealth in the world. This is as Chazal states, “yaish lo mana rotzeh masayim, one who has one hundred wants two hundred.” He is always hoping and searching for more; he is never satisfied. This is the midah of a rasha, whereas the tzaddik is the exact opposite. Yaakov states, “Ki chanani Elokim vi’chi yaish lee kol, for G-d graciously granted me and I have everything.” Although a tzaddik might have a little, even just the bare minimum, he is happy and satisfied with the portion and feels that he has everything he needs. Also, he feels undeserving, and it is all chesed Hashem, unlike the rasha who haughtily brags that he deserves what he acquired.

I heard a mashal in the name of Rav Eisemann: when a family sets out to go on a trip the father asks the children, “do we have everything? Is everything packed?” This would mean are they all prepared for the journey; food, clothes, etc. However, before moving apartments from one house to another, this same question asked would mean something completely different. There it would include everything in the house. Similarly, a rasha’s entire life is all about and around this world, Olam Hazeh, therefore he tries to indulge in as much pleasure as possible. A tzaddik’s entire life however, is to come close to Hashem and prepare in this temporary world of Olam Hazeh, for the next world, the everlasting world of Olam Haba. If he has enough provisions for the trip traveling through Olam Hazeh to tend to his basic needs, he can feel “yaish lee kol – I have everything!”

May we be zoche to feel Yaakov’s “yaish lee kol” by being satisfied with our lot!