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 . . .
At the Splitting of the Sea, a servant girl saw what Isaiah, Ezekiel and all other prophets did not behold.
— Midrash Mechilta
Print Magazine
There are crucial issues to which the Torah devotes only an allusion, yet the story of finding a bride for Isaac consumes an entire chapter.
Because this truly is the theme of all of Torah: The union of male and female energies, so that the world can operate in harmony.
The union of heaven with earth. Of soul with body....
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