Jacob is the third of the ushpizin and is associated with the Sefirah of Tiferet. In comparison to his brother Esau, who gave away his birthright for a meal, Jacob was of the mindset to put first things first in his decision making.
“Beauty is when the mind says, “There is symmetry here and I must find it!” It is the great hunt, the quest for meaning.”
– Tzvi Freeman
The word ‘tiferet’ comes from the Hebrew word pe’er, meaning “beauty.” This is beauty in terms of harmony. Tiferet merges the unrestricted flow of Chesed and the restriction of Gevurah to allow for the proper measure. Tiferet is not “compromise.” It functions with a view toward integration. This balance/blending is why Tiferet is also called “Rachamim” (compassion), the synthesis between loving-kindness and judgment.
“… Jacob was a plain man, dwelling in tents.”
– Genesis 25:27
Regarding this verse, it is taught that Jacob was a combination of Abraham and Isaac, i.e., the (two) ‘tents.’ He balanced his grandfather’s desire to give and bestow without limits, with the restriction (G-dly ‘fear’) of his father, Isaac. This ‘fear’ ensures that unbounded does not become misdirected. It adds sensitivity to our acts of loving-kindness
