Parashat Toldot
November 18, 2024
Lisa Rubins, Limudei Kodesh Teacher, Grades 4 and 5 Jewish Life Coordinator
Learning Parashat Toldot with students who are nine years old is a treat unlike any other. They discover subtle nuances and ask thoughtful questions that would astonish you. Some students are surprised that the Yitzchak, who Avraham agrees to sacrifice, is the same Yitzchak who is the father of Eisav and Yaakov, the same Yitzchak who gives away a brachah (blessing) even though he is suspicious of which son is presenting him with tasty food. Some students wonder if Rivka loves Yaakov more than Eisav simply because God told her what the future holds. Some students wonder why anyone in this parashah (weekly Torah portion) didn’t just change the rules and laws pertaining to brachah (blessing) and bechorah (birthright), to make things more fair. Some students connect with Eisav, someone who sometimes doesn’t think before he acts.
So why did Eisav sell the bechorah? He knew that since he was the firstborn, it was meant for him. As the first born, Eisav would inherit the privilege and the responsibility. As the first born, Eisav would become the leader of the family after his father died. And, perhaps most importantly in this case, as the first born, Eisav would inherit the promise that was given to Avraham and Yitzchak before him, that they would inherit the Land of Israel, that they would have as many descendants as there are stars in the sky, that through those descendants all nations of the earth would be blessed, and the mitzvah of brit milah (circumcision).
The most straightforward answer for why Eisav sold (or traded) his bechorah, is that he was hungry. He was impulsive. He couldn’t see the big picture. He didn’t think things through. As soon as he ate that first bite, Eisav must have regretted it. He traded something - the bechorah - that would have been for the rest of his life, for a second of satisfaction, a sip of soup. Unlike Eisav, Yaakov could see the big picture.
In this week’s parashah, we need to pay more attention to Eisav than to Yaakov. As a pair, they have much to teach us. After all, where would Moshe be without Aharon? Where would Esther be without Mordechai? Where would Shaul be without King David? Where would Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai be without Rabbi Akiva? Where would Hillel and Shammai be without each other? This pair in particular, despite their differences, contributed to a comprehensive understanding of Jewish life and law.
There is a story in the Talmud about Rabbi Yosef, a respected Torah scholar and head of a yeshiva, whose health was failing. Instead of making a hasty decision to step down, he thoughtfully considered both his health and the future of his students. Realizing that his resignation could destabilize the community, Rabbi Yosef chose to appoint a successor who could lead the yeshiva while allowing him to step back and focus on his well-being. His decision demonstrated the wisdom of thinking beyond immediate discomfort and planning for the long-term stability of the community. By acting with foresight, he ensured that both his personal health and the needs of his followers were met. This story teaches the value of deliberation over impulsivity, showing that true leadership involves seeing the bigger picture and making decisions that benefit everyone in the long run.
There is a story in the Talmud about Rabbi Yosef, a respected Torah scholar and head of a yeshiva, whose health was failing. Instead of making a hasty decision to step down, he thoughtfully considered both his health and the future of his students. Realizing that his resignation could destabilize the community, Rabbi Yosef chose to appoint a successor who could lead the yeshiva while allowing him to step back and focus on his well-being. His decision demonstrated the wisdom of thinking beyond immediate discomfort and planning for the long-term stability of the community. By acting with foresight, he ensured that both his personal health and the needs of his followers were met. This story teaches the value of deliberation over impulsivity, showing that true leadership involves seeing the bigger picture and making decisions that benefit everyone in the long run.
The conclusion is clear. It was true for Rabbi Yosef and it is true for Eisav. Take a moment to consider the consequences before you act. Weigh your options carefully before you make a decision.
Shabbat Shalom!