1. The Unusual Mention of “Elokei Yitzchak” During His Lifetime
In this week’s parsha, we encounter Hashem being referred to as the G-d of Avraham and also the G-d of Yitzchak—Elokei Avraham and Elokei Yitzchak. Rashi points out that it is unusual for Hashem to be called the G-d of a person during their lifetime, even if they are a great tzaddik—righteous individual. The reason is that as long as someone is alive, we can never be completely certain how they will end their life. Therefore, Hashem does not associate His name with someone while they are still living. After their passing, however, we regularly say in our davening: Elokei Avraham, Elokei Yitzchak, Elokei Yaakov—the G-d of Avraham, Yitzchak, and Yaakov—because at that point we know for sure that Hashem is truly their G-d.2. Rashi’s Explanation: Yitzchak’s Blindness and Spiritual Status
The question arises: why does this week’s parsha refer to Hashem as Elokei Yitzchak while Yitzchak was still alive? Rashi answers by referencing the previous parsha, where it is described that Yitzchak became blind or his eyes became very weak. Because of this blindness, he was mostly confined to his home and did not go out much. Rashi explains that in this state, Yitzchak no longer had a yetzer hara—evil inclination. There is also a concept that someone who is blind is considered like a mace—a dead person—and according to some opinions, such a person is exempt from mitzvos. Therefore, since Yitzchak was no longer subject to temptation or sin due to his blindness and spiritual state, it became fitting for Hashem to be called Elokei Yitzchak, as there was no longer any concern about his spiritual future.3. The Duration of Yitzchak’s Blindness and Its Implications
However, there remains a difficulty with this explanation: after the Torah describes vatich’henah einov (Bereishis 27:1)—his eyes became dimmed—Yitzchak lived for many more years. He lived until the age of 180, so from the time he lost his eyesight until the episode with Yaakov and the blessings was about another 50 years. For example, Yaakov spent 14 years in the yeshiva of Shem v’Eiver and 20 years in Lavan’s house—a total of at least 34 years after Yitzchak lost his sight. How could we say that just because he lost his eyesight he was already considered spiritually secure for such a long period?4. The Cause of Yitzchak’s Blindness: Physical and Spiritual Dimensions
One idea brought out by the commentators addresses how Yitzchak lost his eyesight in the first place. The Torah (Rashi on Bereishis 27:1?) tells us it was because of the wives of Esav who were burning incense for avodah zarah—idol worship. The smoke from their offerings affected Yitzchak’s eyes negatively. This raises another question: if it was simply physical smoke causing damage, why did only Yitzchak become blind? Why not Esav himself or his wives? We do not find any mention that Esav’s eyesight suffered.5. Sensitivity to Spiritual Corruption: Why Only Yitzchak Was Affected
The answer seems to be that it was not merely physical smoke but rather what they were burning incense for—the service of avodah zarah—that made all the difference. The spiritual pollution from idol worship affected only someone as spiritually sensitive as Yitzchak. His eyes could not tolerate exposure to something so opposed to Hashem’s will. This demonstrates not only physical blindness but also an extraordinary level of spiritual sensitivity and greatness: anything contrary to holiness impacted him deeply.6. The Spiritual Security of Yitzchak and Hashem’s Association with Him
Therefore, when Chazal say that someone who is blind is considered like a meis—a dead person—in reference to Yitzchak, it goes beyond mere physical blindness. It reflects how completely dedicated he was to Hashem: even on a physical level he suffered because of his spiritual connection and intolerance for avodah zarah around him. At this point in his life he had reached such a level of righteousness that there was no longer any concern he would stray from Hashem’s path. That is why even during his lifetime Hashem could call Himself Elokei Yitzchak, confident in Yitzchak’s unwavering status as a tzaddik who would never falter or change his ways.