Toldot

This past Shabbat, we explored Toldot from Genesis, and the opening of Malachi, our assigned Haftarah.  Below is a recap of our discussion.

In Toldot, we discussed the birth of Esau and Jacob, and how we were informed from early on that there would be a struggle between the elder and the younger, and ultimately the younger would be served by the elder.  We questioned the actions of Esau, in selling his birthright for that “red stuff” – did he believe that he was really offering up his birthright, was this childs’ play,  or was he almost forced by his gut need for food.  We discussed those plays on words in the text, as well.

We then turned to Malachi and pondered the society in which he lived that would prompt such words.  We saw the connection to our Torah text in the mention of the struggles of the brothers.  We considered his words and those of our High Holy Days liturgy – what is demanded of us and how do we respond?  Do we give our best, or do we simply do what is required, or do we do less and hope no one will notice (or even not care if they do?).  We wondered if other communities recognized our god, among their gods, or if Malachi was just trying to guilt the people into action.

We returned then to our Torah text and dissected the trickery of Isaac into believing that Jacob was Esau, and thus Jacob received the blessing in place of his brother.  We had a lively discussion about responsibility, deceit, and carrying out God’s will.  Was Rebecca simply carrying out what she thought was God’s plan, or was she simply favoring one child over the other?  Why was Jacob willing to do carry this through?  Was Isaac really fooled? 

Time forced a close to our discussion, but there is much more to explore within the depths of this portion…we do not have to wait until next year… any day is a good day to study Torah.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Rabbi Shapiro