How Could Jacob Compare Esau’s Face to Seeing the Face of God?
How could Jacob use such exalted language about Esau without crossing into falsehood or inappropriate flattery?
This source-based Torah study examines the question: How could Jacob use such exalted language about Esau without crossing into falsehood or inappropriate flattery? Jacob’s words to Esau create an ethical study of diplomacy, truth, respectful speech and the limits of flattery in a dangerous relationship. It traces the issue through the parasha and the classical discussion without turning the material into an individualized ruling. The canonical review status is preserved for any practical, halakhic, ethical or theological claims.