Toldot

The Sidra of Toledot begins with an account of the generation of “Isaac the son of Abraham,” and adds, “Abraham begat Isaac.” Why the repetition? The Rebbe quotes four explanations, each of a different kind, each representing a different level of Biblical...

This week’s Torah reading focuses on our Patriarch Isaac, describing in detail the wells which he dug. Now the Bible does not tell us everything our Patriarchs did. Indeed, Isaac’s 180 years of life are described in a few chapters. Thus when it does tell ...

Adapted from Likkutei Sichos, Vol. XV, p. 191ff; Vol. XXV, p. 123ff A Lasting Legacy All of us want to be remembered. We want our lives to bring something lasting into the world. This is the message of Parshas Toldos: that a person can leave a legacy that...

"Yitzchak the son of Avraham; Avraham begat Yitzchak”, Two interconnecting explanations, one mystical and one practical as to why the Torah uses this seemingly redundant sentence.

Abraham and Isaac were polar opposites. One was outgoing and charismatic. The other was more introverted. Nevertheless, they looked alike. Not only were they father and son, G‑d miraculously caused their facial countenances to resemble each other’s perfec...

The Patriarchs lived rich, involved, and long lives, performing a variety of activities and interacting with many people. Nevertheless, the Chumash describes only a tiny fraction of these activities.

There are two Torah readings that begin in a similar manner with the words "Toldos," Parshas Noach and Parshas Toldos. Why is it that specifically this Torah reading is called Toldos?

The sixth section of the Book of Genesis describes the history (Toledot, in Hebrew) of Isaac and his sons, the righteous Jacob and wicked Esau. It first chronicles their birth, which foretells their future conflict. Esau, the firstborn, sells his birthrig...

At the beginning of the Torah portion Toldos, the Torah relates that when Rivkah was pregnant with Ya’akov and Esav, “the children clashed within her.”Bereishis 25:22. Our Sages explainBereishis Rabbah 63:6; Zohar, Vol. I, p. 139a; commentary of Rashi on ...

As the central theme of a Torah portion is indicated by its name, it is understandable that the portion Toldos, meaning offspring, relates to the bearing of children. In a spiritual sense, the theme of the portion is spiritual parenthood, drawing Jews clo...