We all expect a lot from our leaders, rabbis and teachers. We watch their every move with scrutiny and expect from them the highest order of behaviour. After all, they are supposed to be modelling the principles, values and actions about which they frequently espouse. So it’s fair to conclude that if THEY don’t practice what they preach, than why should WE?

It is for this reason that I am always troubled when I reflect over this week’s Torah portion of Toldot, which in my opinion, contains one of the most perplexing episodes in the Torah.

You see, Yitzchak’s wife, Rivkah, is one of our four, holy, Jewish matriarchs. Described as a ‘rose among the thorns”, she succeeded in living a noble, righteous life despite the negative surroundings and influences of her upbringing. Furthermore, after Sarah’s passing it was Rivkah who continued Sarah’s traditions and it was in her merit that G-d’s presence was restored to the Abrahamic tent.

Her son, Yaakov, is our third Patriarch and father of the twelve tribes of Israel. Some commentators make the claim that Yaakov was our greatest patriarch and most eligible role model. It was he who earned the title “Israel” after overcoming an angel of G-d and it is this title that we have claimed as our national name.

So it would be fair to suggest that these two Biblical figures are two of the greatest role models that our nation ever had. Many of the customs and traditions that we observe today are based on their life stories and the way they lived their lives. So then how could Rivkah have planned an act of deception against her husband Yitzchak and how could Yaakov have carried out her devious plan?