Parasha Deep Dive Podcast Episode 006

Rabbi Daniel Kohn: Why Jacob's "Lie" Was the Deeper Truth & The Secret Trauma That Made Isaac Love Esau | Toldot Deep Dive

Parasha Deep Dive Episodes
November 23, 2025•1 min read

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Why did Rivkah keep a world-changing prophecy secret from her husband?

Why did Isaac, the patriarch of singular focus, love Esav—the son who seemed to defy his entire mission? And the most painful question of all: How could Yaakov, the man of Emet (Truth), blatantly lie to his blind father to steal the blessings?

In this profound and moving episode of Parasha Deep Dive, host Shlomo Godsi is joined by Rabbi Daniel Kohn: author, psychologist, and musician. They explore the deep psychological and spiritual currents beneath the surface of Parashat Toldot.

Rabbi Kohn dismantles our modern assumptions about "Shalom Bayit" (peace in the home), the nature of parental love, and the painful collision between simple honesty and a higher, more complex Truth. This conversation will challenge what you thought you knew about this story and provide a much deeper framework for life's most difficult choices.

In This Episode, We Uncover:

  • A New Look at "Shalom Bayit": Why Rivkah’s "secret" wasn't a betrayal, but a profound understanding of the different roles a husband and wife must play.

  • The Post-Akeidah Trauma: A stunning psychological insight into why Isaac loved Esav, rooted in his experience on the altar and the obsessive need to "justify his existence."

  • Honesty vs. Truth: The powerful (and uncomfortable) resolution to Jacob's "lie," and why, in that moment, he was the only one being truthful.

  • Birthright vs. Blessing: The essential difference between Esav (a man who is "already made") and Yaakov (a man defined by "always becoming").

  • A Soulful Meditation: The episode concludes with a beautiful, soulful clarinet melody played live by Rabbi Daniel Kohn.

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parasha portiontorah studypodcast
On the Alshech's Yortzeit, I Received a Message... After morning prayers in the Alshech Shul, I would learn the Alshech’s Torah, just me and him. It was an intimate process that began my close connection with this great sage. Then, on Erev Pesach 2023, at 2 AM, I received a clear message: open a center of learning here, at the Alshech Shul, for the English-speaking communities around the world. I later realized that very night was the Alshech’s Yortzeit. That realization still gives me the chills! This Academy is not just a project; it is a response to a divine call. I humbly ask you to join me in answering it.

Shlomo Godsi

On the Alshech's Yortzeit, I Received a Message... After morning prayers in the Alshech Shul, I would learn the Alshech’s Torah, just me and him. It was an intimate process that began my close connection with this great sage. Then, on Erev Pesach 2023, at 2 AM, I received a clear message: open a center of learning here, at the Alshech Shul, for the English-speaking communities around the world. I later realized that very night was the Alshech’s Yortzeit. That realization still gives me the chills! This Academy is not just a project; it is a response to a divine call. I humbly ask you to join me in answering it.

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