From The Rabbi’s Study… Shabbat November 29,30, 2024/28,29 Cheshvan 5785
Have a Happy Thanksgiving!
The Torah portion continues with Isaac praying for the barren Rebekah, who gives birth to Esau and Jacob. Esau grew up to be a hunter and not interested in Judaism, while Jacob was known as an upright dweller in tents because he was studying and interested in the Jewish people. Esau, the elder, sells his birthright to Jacob for a pot of lentil soup. Rebekah, who favored her younger son Jacob, arranges for Jacob to secure his father’s coveted blessing instead of Esau. Jacob, disguising himself as his brother Esau, is able to secure his father Isaac’s blessing. Isaac bids Jacob to marry one of his uncle Laban’s daughters.
Where to begin…sibling rivalry, parent favoritism, and intermarriage, to cite a few. The twins when they were in the womb and even after they were born fought with one another. Esau/means hairy held Jacob’s heel/means supplanter or held by the heel, since Esau at birth held Jacob’s heel. They had completely different personalities, and their descendants became enemies throughout history. Israel/Jacob’s other name after he wrestled with G-d, and Esau/Edom (Edomite nation), then Israel and Rome, and throughout to modern times Israel and others that seek the Jewish people’s destruction.
Parents should never have favorites, however in the story of Rebekah and Isaac they both had different personalities. Rebekah was brought up in a household of people that were totally different from Isaac’s parents Abraham and Sarah. Yet, Isaac’s eyes were becoming blind, however his hearing was fine and he gave the birthright to Jacob. Isaac and Rebekah knew Jacob would be the one to continue the Jewish traditions. Esau upon hearing the news was furious, hence the reason Jacob fled.
Tricking and deceiving one’s parents is not going according to Derek Eretz (proper behavior or the ways of the land). Spoiler ALERT! Jacob has something in the next week’s Torah parsha!
If you are following what is happening in Israel or not, the 60 days ceasefire in Lebanon against Hezbollah has occurred. Hezbollah attacked Northern Israel with 300 rockets before the ceasefire. Israel will be slowly leaving the Southern Lebanon area, and Lebanon’s army will enter the area. This treaty was obtained by the US, Israel and France. If any rocket or attack into Israel from the Lebanon region will be violating the ceasefire, Israel will protect their people.
We pray that Hamas will give us our hostages and stop their violence, however Hamas is also a terrorist organization sponsored by Iran. Keep praying for Israel.
Shabbat Shalom v’ Am Ysrael CHai,
Rabbi Helene Ainbinder
