Parashat Toldot 5783

by Rabbi Ellen S. Wolintz-Fields

Parents playing favorites is something that many try to avoid, but sometimes does happen. Sometimes one child is more similar to a parent, and that can either cause a greater affinity one to the other, or they may be so similar, that they irritate each other, and cause more tension. In this week’s Torah reading, Parashat Toldot  we see the negative consequences of Rebecca and Isaac playing favorites to their children Jacob and Esau. Perhaps Esau’s being a hunter, and perhaps brazen mannerism made Rebecca think too much of her brother Laban, and perhaps since Jacob was more a timid character, who liked to sit by the tent, was too similar to Isaac himself. And thus, we see that the parents favored the child who was less like their own sibling and their own personality. Who do you see yourself drawn to – people you are similar to a family member, or someone not like you or another member of your family? Let’s all keep an open mind when entering into friendships and relationships, and as you do it remember – Chazak v’Ematz – Be Strong and Courageous!