ב"ה
Toldot 5763 - November 8, 2002
The Torah’s Esau
How should a person be judged—by what he or she is, or by what he or she can be? A mysterious Parshah commentary by Rashi, a Talmudic adage and a chapter from the chassidic work Tanya provide an unconventional formula.
How should a person be judged—by what he or she is, or by what he or she can be? A mysterious Parshah commentary by Rashi, a Talmudic adage and a chapter from the chassidic work Tanya provide an unconventional formula.
Parshah
Toldot in a Nutshell
After 20 childless years, Rebecca bears twins: Esau and Jacob. Esau prefers hunting; Jacob prefers Torah study. Esau sells his birthright to Jacob for a bowl of red lentil soup. Jacob deceives his father for his blessing, and flees to escape Esau’s wrath.
After 20 childless years, Rebecca bears twins: Esau and Jacob. Esau prefers hunting; Jacob prefers Torah study. Esau sells his birthright to Jacob for a bowl of red lentil soup. Jacob deceives his father for his blessing, and flees to escape Esau’s wrath.
Story
A Joke Made in Heaven
“Go in peace,” said the Maggid to the destitute and unmarried young scholar. “Accept the first marriage proposal that is suggested to you.”
“Go in peace,” said the Maggid to the destitute and unmarried young scholar. “Accept the first marriage proposal that is suggested to you.”
The Glory of Not Sinning
What does G-d want with sinners like me? What did He put such a louse of a creature here for? I just want to know: does He appreciate at all the effort I put into trying not to be what I am?
What does G-d want with sinners like me? What did He put such a louse of a creature here for? I just want to know: does He appreciate at all the effort I put into trying not to be what I am?
Hide and Seek
Shira turned, as if struck by a new idea, only to get sidetracked by the subtlest sound of shifting legs on the wooden floor. She leaped at Naomi and both laughed aloud, reunited . . .
Shira turned, as if struck by a new idea, only to get sidetracked by the subtlest sound of shifting legs on the wooden floor. She leaped at Naomi and both laughed aloud, reunited . . .
There are eight levels of charity, each greater than the next
— Mishneh Torah, Laws of Gifts to the Poor 10:7-14
Print Magazine
We don’t learn Torah to gain knowledge—not even divine knowledge. At the time you are learning Torah, your mind itself is divine.
Your mind wraps itself in divine modalities. Your soul twirls and rises in a divine dance. As you wrestle with divine words, pathways and wisdom, you merge with them, so that your entire being...
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