Aliya-by-Aliya Parshat To’l’dot 5762
“Rashi quotes the Gemara that tells that when Yitzchak was born, scoffers said that Avraham and Sara, who were childless for so long, had found a baby and claimed it as theirs. Avraham invited the leaders of the nations, their wives and infants, and Sara was miraculously able to wet-nurse all the babies. (The Gemara points to the plural “banim” in 21:7.) Then the scoffers accepted that Sara bore Yitzchak, but chided Avraham that Avimelech was the father (since Yitzchak’s birth followed Sara’s abduction). A miracle occurred and baby Yitzchak was the very image of his father Avraham, until the scoffers proclaimed, “Avraham fathered Yitzchak”.”
“The stories of the family life of the Patriarchs/Matriarchs are riveting, as full of drama and tension as any reality program. Parshat Toledot focuses on Isaac, the only weekly portion where he is the central character. Yet even in it, he is part “best actor” and part “supporting role.” Isaac is as often acted upon by others as he is the leader and initiator.”
“Friendships among siblings can be close and long-lasting. Many times, however, they are difficult to achieve or sustain. This week’s parashah provides insight into the latter. Focusing on the relationship between Isaac and Rebekah’s twin sons, Parashat Tol’dot elucidates why it is so difficult if not impossible for Esau and Jacob to become friends. According to the text, their birth is God’s gift to Rebekah, who was childless for the first 20 years of her marriage (Genesis 25:20-21, 25:26). Yet even in utero, Esau and Jacob do not get along with one another.”
Questioning Jacob’s and Rebeka’s Behavior
“Drawing by a child of Rebeka teaching Jacob to cook.In the Torah, Rebekah and Jacob use deception to get Jacob the birthright. It is natural and healthy to question the behavior of Jacob and Rebekah. Our ancestors don’t have to be perfect to gain our interest. In fact, they may be more interesting because they are flawed. By studying these characters and trying to figure them out, we learn more about ourselves.”
“A major theme of Malachi’s prophecies is God’s dissatisfaction with Israel’s religious loyalty. God is distraught that His people dishonor Him and that their worship of Him is both insincere and, at times, fraudulent. He compares the people’s disloyalty unfavorably with that of the nations of the world: “From where the sun rises to where the sun sets, My name is honored among the nations, and everywhere incense and pure oblations are offered to My name; for My name is honored by the nations, said the Lord of Hosts.” (1:11)”