The section of the Torah called 'Toldos' (literally 'offspring' or 'generations') begins the critical process of the creation of the nation Yisrael (Israel). The drama takes place in four acts, the birth of the rival twins Yaakov (Jacob) and Esav (Esau), the displacement of the family and their struggles in the land of Gerar, Rivak (Rebecca) switching Yaakov (Jacob) for Esav when it came to their blind father Yitzchak (Isaac) wanting to bless them, and the decision to then send Yaakov away from home.
But a deeper exploration reveals that at stake is precisely what it takes to build the eternal nation Israel.
The blessings section turns out to be a replay of the Garden of Eden, reversing its outcome, whilst the centrality of Rivka (Rebecca) the key to the whole story. It turns out that the entire Biblical book of Bereishis (Genesis) now occurs in the shadow of the Akeida (binding of Isaac) that never took his life, but instead took his mother Sarah's. Her death came from a profound internalization of the fact that we have no right to exist. The twins born this week struggle with the question of how, then, they ought to live, and their challenge defines our roles, our challenges and our very identity. Be sure to subscribe to the channel for weekly videos on Jewish philosophy, wisdom and world-changing ideas.
Rabbi Daniel Rowe is a popular Rabbi, philosopher and educator at Aish, who uses his deep knowledge of Judaism, science, and philosophy to captivate and educate audiences across the globe.
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