Parashat Toldot 5785

by Rabbi Ellen S. Wolintz-Fields

Parashat Toldot sees the birth of the twins Jacob and Esau. From conception they fought; in the womb they made their presence known. God warned Rebecca that inside her lived two future nations. Jacob and Esau never seemed to get along. They had very different personalities and their parents had favorites. It is ironic that we read this Torah reading after the week of the holiday of Thanksgiving in the United States. Families will gather around the table, hopefully expressing what they are grateful for, while eating delicious food. While we sit around the table, there will be differences of opinion on many things. Some may have favorites – whether it is a favorite person, candidate, food. I pray that unlike the twins Jacob and Esau, who always seemed to bicker, may we just be grateful to be alive, and be in community with others. May we agree to disagree respectfully. Am Yisrael Chai! All people of Israel Live!