Esau's Lovebite

Codex Leningrad 1008We explore the orthography of Gen 33:4 (those pesty dots over the word "and he kissed him") and the history of interpretation of the strange puncta extraordinaria either as an ancient "nota bene" begging for a reverse meaning or an actual cancellation of the word due to scribale error. Both the Rabbis and Origen! struggle to decide betwween the two choices, whereas more mystically inclined readers demand we hold the paradox of both (Shelah and Shem Mishmuel). Culturally it affects the self identity of the descendants of Esau (Rome/Christianity) and Jacob/Israel and how to approach our ancient brother by either avoiding or placating.