1)

Why did Yaakov sacrifice specifically to "the G-d of his father Yitzchak" (See Sifsei Chachamim)?

1.

Rashi: Because a person is obligated first and foremost to honor his father (more than his grandfather). 1

2.

Ramban: Yaakov knew that his descent down to Egypt was the beginning of Galus Mitzrayim for him and his children. Afraid that the Midas ha'Din 2 (the symbol of his father Yitzchak - Pachad Yitzchak), was laid out before him, he brought sacrifices to mollify it. 3

3.

Seforno: Because Hashem had told Yitzchak 4 not to go down to Egypt. 5

4.

Rashbam: He was following in the footsteps of his father, who had built a Mizbe'ach in Be'er Sheva and brought Korbanos on it. 6

5.

Malbim: (a) Yitzchak built a Mizbe'ach and went to offer there. (b) Hashem had told Yitzchak not to go down to Egypt - therefore Yaakov did not intend to settle in Egypt.

6.

Ha'amek Davar: Yitzchak had special Hashgachah regarding income. It says here "Elokei Yitzchak" for this reason, even though in Parshas ha'Korbanos, it never says 'Kel' or 'Elokim,' only 'Hashem' (Menachos 110a)!


1

Ramban, Moshav Zekenim: It could have said 'lEi'lokei Avosav,' without names! Also, when Yaakov prayed on a different occasion, he put Avraham first -"Elokei Avi Avraham, vEi'lokei Avi Yitzchak" (32:10)! Refer to 46:1:1.1:1.

2

Ramban: Hence his use of the Name 'Elokim,' even though we generally find that the Name 'Hashem' is used in connection with Korbanos.

3

Ramban: That is why Hashem responded with the Name Elokim and calling Himself "Elokei Avicha" (46:3), allaying his fears, and instructing him to go down to Egypt, where his family was destined to thrive, despite the Shibud that was about to begin.

4

See 26:2.

5

And here he was doing the very same thing! So he brought Korbanos as an atonement.

6

See 26:25.

2)

Why did Yaakov offer Zevachim (i.e. Shelamim), seeing as Avraham brought Olos (as is the way of the Bnei Noach)?

1.

Ramban: To make Shalom among the Midos. 1

2.

Ha'amek Davar: Shelamim are appeasement for the sake of income (Parnasah). Yaakov did not offer Shelamim while he was mourning over Yosef, for then he was Chaser (lacking). Now, his spirit returned.


1

As the Midrash, commenting on the name 'Shelamim,' explains - because they bring peace to the world.

3)

Why did Yaakov offer Korbanos in Be'er Sheva?

1.

Ramban: Because it was the location of prayer of his fathers. That is where he went to seek permission to go to Charan. 1

2.

Rashbam: Refer to 46:1:1:4.

3.

Ha'amek Davar: He thought to move from Chevron to Be'er-Sheva, where his father found "Me'ah She'arim" (i.e. great success - refer to 26:12:2) at a time of famine.


1

See Ramban to 28:10.

4)

Here it says that Yaakov traveled. Why does it say only below (46:5) that his children carried him in the wagons?

1.

Malbim (to 46:1,5): Initially, Yaakov did not agree to uproot his residence. He intended only to go to see Yosef, and return - "I will go and see him" (45:28) - and no more. He did not use the wagons, for they were sent on condition that he travel with intent to settle permanently. After his Nevu'ah (46:2-4), he intended to settle there, so he used them.

2.

Ha'amek Davar (to 46:1,5): Now he had the high spirit of Yisrael; his children did not need to carry him. After he knew that he is going to exile, his spirit was lowered, and he could not go by himself; they needed to carry him.

QUESTIONS ON RASHI

5)

Rashi writes: "'To the G-d of his father Yitzchak' - A person is obligated to honor his father, more so than his grandfather." Ramban asks - Let the verse include both, by writing 'the G-d of his forefathers'! Additionally, when Yaakov prayed before his encounter with Esav, he did mention Avraham before Yitzchak (32:10)?

1.

Gur Aryeh: On this occasion. Yaakov offered Korbanos, which bring a person close, connecting him with Hashem. It was therefore fitting to invoke Hashem's relationship with Yitzchak, "Pachad Yitzchak" (31:42). 1 In prayer, however, he was invoking his forefathers' merit, and so Avraham is mentioned first, in order.


1

Gur Aryeh seemingly means that Yitzchak's trait was Yir'ah (fear, refer to 31:42:2.1); and this trait is associated with the service of Korbanos. But Rashi seems to say that Yitzchak is mentioned here due to Kavod Av? (EK)

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