This week's parsha continues the epic struggle between Yakov and Esav. Rashi, (32:23) quoting the Midrash, informs us that one of the precautionary measure that Yakov took to defend himself from Esav was that he hid his daughter Dina in a box. Yakov was afraid that should Esav meet Dina he would want to marry her. Curiously, the Midrash continues and says that as a result of Yakov not allowing Esav to marry Dina (she might have been able to cause Esav to repent) it resulted in Dina being taken and assaulted by Shechem (the next episode in the parsha). However, what did Yakov do wrong by not allowing Dina to marry Esav? Wasn’t he being a good father, protecting Dina from a bad shidduch? Esav was a rasha, should Yakov have taken the chance that maybe Dina would have succeeded in helping Esav do teshuva? What if she would fail?

In order to answer this question we have to look very closely at the words of the Midrash. The Midrash says that not only did Yakov hide her in the box, but he also locked it. What message is being added by the words “and he locked it.” My Rebbi explained that Yakov was lacking an extra sensitivity. Yakov was a good father and it was proper to prevent Dina from marrying Esav. Any parent would have done the same for their child. However, from the fact that he locked the box, it showed that he didn’t feel bad that he couldn’t help Esav do teshuva by marrying Dina. Yakov should have said, “ I feel bad for Esav but I can’t take this chance.” This lack of compassion, which may seem trivial to us is a serious infraction on the part of the Avot. This is because the Avot (and Tzaddikim) are judged by a different measuring stick, K’Chut Hasaarah (like a hair's breadth). This may be because the Avot (and Tzaddikim) serve as role models for us and are therefore judged on a higher level.

This idea of having extra sensitivity and compassion for other people is a fundamental idea in Judaism, and even has the ability to change the outcome of a Mitzvah. The Rambam in Hilchot Matnat Aniyim 10:13-14 says there are eight different levels in performing the Mitzvah of Tzedakah. The seventh level is giving Tzedakah with Seder Panim Yafot, with a pleasant face, a good spirit, and compassion. However, the eighth and lowest level is giving charity with an unpleasant face and in a mean spirit. The attitude and understanding that one displays can change and actually lower the level of his performance of Tzedakah.

In our times and with the current situation in Eretz Yisrael only by strengthening our sensitivity and concern for our Jewish brethren can we help them through this present danger, and not fall victim to indifference and apathy.