By: Jill Katchen
Director of Donor Engagement
This week’s Parsha, Toldot, tells the story of Isaac and Rebecca having twins – two sons, Jacob and Esau. God tells Rebecca, “Two nations are in your womb, and two peoples shall be separated…And the elder shall serve the younger.” From that moment on, the brothers clash over the family birthright and legacy, each vying for their father Isaac’s blessing to inherit the riches of the land that God had first promised to Abraham.
At the end of Toldot, Isaac surprises everyone and provides two different blessings, instead of the customary single blessing, for each of his sons, with inheritances of fruitful land. Although this action does not solve the lifelong conflict of the twins, Rabbi Dan Bronstein in his writing believes that “the blessings bestowed upon Esau and Jacob, leave us today, with a measure of hope for the future, and for the possibility of peace.”
Today, for the first time in more than 14 months, where war seemed the only path forward, there is a measure of hope for peace as a ceasefire agreement has been reached between Israel and Lebanon.
I will admit that for more than a year now, I have prayed to G-d to help me remain hopeful about the future of humanity and our planet, and for a little more love and a little less hate in this world.
So when I am with my family and friends for Thanksgiving, and when I say a silent prayer at Shabbat Services tonight, I will be thankful for a smidgeon of hope, a small ray of light, and the love of my family, friends, and co-workers… my community that holds me up every day.
Shabbat Shalom.
Please email Jill Katchen at jkatchen@jewishcolorado.org with questions or comments.