D'var Torah
In this week's Torah portion, Toldot, our matriarch Rebecca is given the prophecy that "two nations are in your womb, two separate peoples shall issue from your body; one people shall be mightier than the other, and the older shall serve the younger." (Gen 25:23) Immediately following is the well known saga of Jacob and Esau, highlighting their personal struggles and conflict growing up, climaxing with the drawn out scene of Jacob, having successfully bought Esau's birthright, continuing on to steal Esau's blessing from Jacob, all at the behest of their mother.
There should be little doubt that this prophecy would have come to fruition, regardless of Rebecca's action, for that is the nature of prophecy. But if that is to be the case, then what is the purpose of telling her? Rebecca's reaction to her prophecy about her sons was one of either absolute acceptance or misunderstood directive. All of her recorded activities from this point forward are woven with trickery and deceit in an effort to ensure that indeed, the prophecy would not only be true, but fulfilled to its greatest extent. Perhaps, although there was destined to be a rift between these brothers she was forewarned at the earliest time so that she could help to alleviate and heal this inborn strife. Instead she chose to follow the grain and not only allow it, but enable it to continue.
As we enter the month of Kislev, may we be bless to be illuminated by the past rather than content to dwell in its shadows. Shabbat Shalom.
There should be little doubt that this prophecy would have come to fruition, regardless of Rebecca's action, for that is the nature of prophecy. But if that is to be the case, then what is the purpose of telling her? Rebecca's reaction to her prophecy about her sons was one of either absolute acceptance or misunderstood directive. All of her recorded activities from this point forward are woven with trickery and deceit in an effort to ensure that indeed, the prophecy would not only be true, but fulfilled to its greatest extent. Perhaps, although there was destined to be a rift between these brothers she was forewarned at the earliest time so that she could help to alleviate and heal this inborn strife. Instead she chose to follow the grain and not only allow it, but enable it to continue.
As we enter the month of Kislev, may we be bless to be illuminated by the past rather than content to dwell in its shadows. Shabbat Shalom.