Netziv on the Characteristic Traits of our Patriarchs
MODERN RABBINIC
THOUGHT
By
Rav
Shiur #15: Netziv on the
Characteristic Traits of our Patriarchs
The world stands upon
three things: Torah, avoda and gemilut chasadim (acts of
kindness). (Avot 1:2)
A commentator inclined to identify these three central traits with our
three patriarchs seemingly has a straightforward task. Avraham reflects the paradigm of
compassion in his hospitality to three wayfarers and in his praying on behalf of
the people of
Surprisingly, R. Berlin shifts the perspective, identifying Avraham with
Torah study and Yaakov with the trait of compassion. In order to analyze why Netziv does
this, we need to first survey his general theory about the avot, a
recurring theme in his Haamek Davar. A word of caution to those with a
strong peshat orientation, who may find R. Berlins integration of
aggadot and midrashim off-putting. The fact that a commentator utilizes
midrash does not necessarily indicate that he is not reading the biblical
verses carefully and providing important insights rooted in the
text. Chazal themselves were
very careful readers, and one can incorporate their ideas without obliterating
the distinction between peshat and derash. Furthermore, even when not reflecting
peshat, this type of methodology can provide wisdom regarding theology
and insights into the religious personality.
For R. Berlin, the avot all merit divine providence in a variety
of areas, but each one receives a special providence commensurate with his own
particular strength that breaks the boundaries of nature.[1] Avraham stands for Torah study,
which provides victory in battle.
Thus, Avraham wins the war with the four kings against overwhelming
odds. Yitzchak stands for
avoda, which brings material sustenance. Indeed, his farming produces crops
beyond reasonable expectations (Bereishit 26:12). The fact that significant parts of
prayer beseech God for material benefits supports Netzivs link between
avoda and sustenance. It is
no accident that the gemara (Shabbat 12a) says that prayer is about
temporal life.[2] Yaakov represents compassion, which
brings peaceful resolutions as a reward.
Despite great tension with both Esav and Lavan, Yaakov manages to resolve
each situation without any violence.
Yaakov also shows compassion in his dedicated care for Lavans sheep.[3]
The characteristics of our patriarchs symbolize varying modes of
existence, which provide a range of models for different periods in our history.
Avraham can serve as a model for the Jews in the desert on the way to the
Another difference between the models relates to the question of their
universality. Both Torah study and
the sacrificial order relate primarily to the Jewish community and not to
Gentiles. Acts of compassion, on
the other hand, apply on a more universal plane. After dreaming about angels ascending
and descending a ladder, Yaakov refers to the location where he slept as the
gate of heaven. R. Berlin argues
that the usage of the word shaar (gate) in place of petach
(opening) conveys the above idea. A
petach is a narrower opening restricted to household members. A gate, however, indicates a much
broader opening that all can pass through.
Greater universality applies within the Jewish nation as well. Not every Jew will have the Torah
scholarship needed to emulate the model of Avraham, but all can don Yaakovs
mantle of compassion.[6]
In the same dream, God promises Yaakov that his descendents will multiply
like the dust of the earth (Bereishit 28:14). According to Netziv, this imagery
particularly fits Yaakov. Yaakov
represents the exilic Jew who lacks the dignity of self-determination and must
sometimes abase himself to promote Jewish well-being. [7] Netziv is aware of the obvious objection
that God utilizes the same imagery when talking to Avraham (Bereishit
13:16). He responds that in
Avrahams case, the Torah explicitly states that the image of dust foretells
great multitudes of descendants.
The verse addressed to Yaakov does not explain the meaning of the image
because the dust has additional resonance in Yaakovs case.[8]
This model also explains
a famous aggada (Pesachim 88a) which says that each of the
avot referred to the site of the
A verse in Devarim (33:29) highlights the different models of
encounter with enemies: People saved by the Lord, the shield of your help, who
is the sword of your pride. The
first part of the citation refers to God saving us without our engaging in
battle. This happens when Yaakov
meets the challenges of Esav and Lavan.
The final part speaks of using a sword. This occurs when Avraham soundly defeats
his enemies on the battlefield.
Yitzchak adheres to a middle model, since he neither defeats his enemies
nor truly reconciles with them.
Rather, the enemies are forced to hide their enmity in their hearts due
to Yitzchaks economic success.[10]
Netziv uses this theory to explain why certain stories about the
avot fail to appear explicitly in the biblical narrative. He assumes that episodes recounted in
midrashim actually did occur to our patriarchs. Nimrod tossed Avraham into a fiery
furnace and Yaakov fought a battle against the kings of
The symbolism of the paschal offering in
Each of the patriarchs is supposed to adhere to his particular trait.
Yaakov becomes lame when wrestling the angel because he deviated from his trait
of peace. He had every right to
defend himself from the angels onslaught, but should have ceased the struggle
once the angel decided to end the fight.
Yaakovs decision to perpetuate the confrontation conflicts with his
essential attribute.[14] Netziv compares this need for consistent
adherence to an attribute to the idea that someone who repeatedly performs a
meritorious practice is considered as having taken on a vow and must continue
that practice.[15]
Yaakov attempts to pass his method on to his children. When Yaakov and Lavan reach an
agreement, Yaakov instructs his brothers to pile up a mound of stones
(Bereishit 31:45). Rashi
cites a midrash that the term brothers actually refers to Yaakovs sons. Assuming this midrashs reading, why
should the Torah use a misleading phrase?
R. Berlin explains that Yaakov wants his sons to learn to emulate his
efforts at reconciliation. He
purposely does not ask his servants so that his sons can participate in this
covenant with Lavan. However, if
the sons only help to please their father, they are not truly internalizing the
message. Yaakov wants his sons not
to feel constrained by filial duty to help, but rather to feel like equal
partners in dissolving the tension with Lavan. They should help as brothers more than
as sons. [16]
According to Netziv, Yosef took after his father in this matter more than
did his brothers. When Yaakovs
family encounters Esav, the Torah explicitly mentions Yosef and not his brothers
because Yosef was more interested and involved in soothing Esavs hatred. The other brothers went along with their
fathers plan but only Yosef identified with it. [17] This trait served Yosef well in his
ultimate reconciliation with his brothers.
Yaakovs blessing to Yosef mentions the God of your father precisely
because Yosef had adopted Yaakovs approach.[18] This also explains Yaakovs added
affection for Yosef. Some parents
find themselves most strongly drawn to those children bearing strong similarity
to their own personality.[19]
Why does Netziv deviate from the more obvious structure found in the
Zohar? If we start the analysis
with the providential rewards rather than with the characters of the
avot, the answer is easy.
Avraham fight wars, while Yaakov does not. Yaakov manages to calm the difficult
tension with both Esav and Lavan to the point where no one gets hurt. This explanation for Netzivs approach
works if we assume that military victory is the appropriate remuneration for
Torah study, whereas compassion should be rewarded with peaceful
resolutions. The latter linkage is
easier to assume, since it seems reasonable that an interpersonal quality will
bring interpersonal rewards.
Perhaps we can justify Netziv even with the analysis of each patriarchs
character as the starting point.
Midrashim about Yaakov studying Torah are matched by
midrashim about Avraham studying Torah (Bereishit Rabba
61:1). The essential difference
lies in something explicit in the verses.
Avraham calls in the name of the Lord (Bereishit 12:8, 13:4),
but Yaakov never does. If we
understand calling in the name of God as teaching ideas about religion, then
Avraham has a clear educators role that we do not necessarily find regarding
Yaakov. This may suggests Avrahams
greater involvement in Torah.
[1] Haamek Davar
Bereishit 12:17.
[2] Haamek Davar
Bereishit 2:5.
[3] Haamek Davar
Bereishit 30:29.
[4] These two points connecting
Avraham with Jewish life in the desert are my own suggestions and do not appear
in Netziv.
[5] Harchev Davar Shemot
40:20.
[6] Harchev Davar
Bereishit 28:19.
[7] Harchev Davar
Bereishit 28:19.
[8] I have simplified somewhat
Netzivs resolution of this problem. See Haamek Davar Bereishit
13:16.
[9] Haamek Davar
Bereishit
12:17.
[10] Haamek Davar Devarim
33:29. Netziv applies this verse to
our patriarchs in a number of ways; I am presenting only one approach.
[11] Harchev Davar
Bereishit 12:17.
[12] Haamek Davar Shemot
3:6.
[13] Haamek Davar Shemot
12: 22.
[14] Haamek Davar
Bereishit 32:26.
[15] Harchev Davar
Bereishit 32:26.
[16] Haamek Davar Bereishit
31:46.
[17] Haamek Davar
Bereishit 33:7.
[18] Haamek Davar
Bereishit 49:25.
[19] Haamek
Davar Bereishit 37:3.
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