One of the classic human ways of dealing with problems is to run away from them. Running away often seems so much easier than facing the problems head-on. But running away from a problem never resolves it.

So why did Jacob run away from Esau? Why didn’t he just deal with the problem right away? Using a novel interpretation on the first verse of Parshat Vayeitzei by Rabbi Tzvi Hirsh Ferber of London (1883-1966), Rabbi Dunner explains how Isaac’s intervention before Jacob left made all the difference.