Why Do We Have Three Patriarchs? An Exploration of Jewish Roots

Why do the Jewish people have three patriarchs?

In other cultures, "founding fathers" often include contemporaries, such as the "Church Fathers" or America's "Founding Fathers."

In Judaism, however, we look back on three generations: Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Why can't we simply consider Abraham as the singular founding patriarch of our nation?

The answer lies in understanding that their lives are not just tales of the past, but a blueprint for the future of the Jewish people. Each patriarch represents a unique life path, reflecting the evolving journey of our nation.

We describe Hashem in the blessings of the Shema as "the Master of battles, the sower of righteousness, and the bringer of salvation." These stages are mirrored in the lives of the patriarchs: Abraham led battles against idolatry and fought for his rights as a man of faith. Isaac, embodying righteousness, was born into sanctity, remained devoted, and rarely engaged in confrontation. Jacob, however, ushered in the formation of the twelve tribes who spread out as the foundations of the Jewish people.

This reflects the periods of history where our nation had to defend its existence, followed by times of peace where previous efforts bore fruit, eventually leading to growth and expansion. Yet, after such prosperity, there is a risk that "Jeshurun grew fats and kicked," leading to forgetfulness of Hashem's presence, as happened when internal strife led the tribes to Egypt.

This cycle continued from the First Temple era when initial battles were followed by peace under King Solomon. Yet, the flowering of prophecy turned back towards idolatry, leading to exile.

Similarly, during the Second Temple, the battles of Ezra and Nehemiah brought prosperity and growth. Nonetheless, divisions emerged, leading again to collapse and diaspora.

When Jewish leaders look to the patriarchs, they do not see themselves simply following Abraham's path, but drawing from all three. At times, battles must be fought, at others maintenance is key, and sometimes expansion is imperative.

The entire narrative from Abraham to the descent into Egypt serves as a model repeated throughout history.

Even the exile itself is a prototype for future challenges, teaching us endurance beyond dissolution, unlike other exiled nations that vanished. This story was vital in preventing assimilation and loss.

Jacob's encounters with Esau and Laban are archetypes of Jewish resilience in the diaspora. Esau, representing the misleading path, forces Jacob into a cunning response that defines his namesake. Without political power, Jewish ingenuity has historically ensured survival. Against Laban's arbitrary rules, Jacob's perseverance and Hashem's assistance helped him prevail.

If survival through a prolonged and harsh exile seems obvious, it truly was not. Thanks to the Torah's narratives, ingrained in Jewish identity, fortitude and belief in our bond with Hashem remained constant even as our ancestors were pursued, displaced, and faced with the challenge of outsmarting persecution. Identifying with Jacob, confident in Hashem's support, allowed them to endure.