Shabbat Shalom!.
Toldot09
Genesis 25:19-28:9
Torah Reading for Week of November 15-21, 2009
Cheshvan 28-Kislev 4, 5770
"and these are the descendents of Yitzchak,
the son of Avraham..."
This parsha speaks of the story of Esav and Yaakov, twin boys sons
of Yitzchak and Rivka, and most importantly the grandchildren of
Abraham. The portion, Toldot, contains the difficult story of the
sibling rivalry between Jacob and Esau (Yaakov and Esav).
“and these are the offspring of Yitzchak son of Avraham -Avraham gave birth to Yitzchak.” (25:19)
The importance of clarifying this is according to Rashi, to legitimize the lineage of Yitzchak without question. So important is this that it is repeated many times throughout the parsha. The blessing that Yitzah gave to Yaakov instead ofEsau, is profoundly significant and sets the tone and direction for the Jewish nation to continue. We find it difficult to understand the deception which is presented by Essau selling the birthright to Yaacov for a bowl of lentil soup. If we read this story superficially Yaacov might be seen as the thief ,the one who stole the birthright under false pretenses, who inconsiderately forced his famished brother to sell his birthright for a bowl of soup. However,we are obligated to take a much deeper look.
This story is the foundation of our people, this transaction needed to take place inorder to make Jacob the spiritual successor of his father and grandfather, thereby ensuing the continuity of the Jewish people. Once again we see G-ds masterplan at work while teaching us essential ingredients to living life. Our actions and choices that we make today, affect not only our own lives, but can influence generations to come.
We are told that Yaakov negotiated the purchase of the birthright on the day of Avraham's passing. The world was cast into deep mourning, over the passing of the greatest most beloved figure of the generation. It has been said that the only one missing from Avrahams funeral was Esav. After the funeral Yaakov returned home to prepare the mourner's meal, traditionally including Lentil soup. Eisav rushes in "from the field," and instead of weeping and bemoaning the great loss, he had gone hunting. Yaakov was shocked and ashamed. How could a grandson be so brutally insensitive?!
"Yaakov gave Eisav bread and lentil soup." (25:34)
Wanting to make sure that Eisav would not have any regret about the sale, he first gave him enough bread to stave off his hunger. When Eisav was no longer hungry, Yaakov asked him if he still wanted the lentil soup in exchange for the birthright, and he once again agreed. All Esav saw was a bowl of lentil beans.
How many of us can say that we choose eternity over momentary pleasure? It is easy for us to empathize with Essau, he is the type of person we are inclined to look up to, physical courage, power, relish the moment, free spirit, live for today. Though we are inclined to admire this person, the torah tells us differently. The story of Essau and Jacob shows us these 2 conflicting approaches to living life. While sometimes a certain amount of strength and cunning is required to attain our goals, the core of a Jacob personality is favored over the core of an Esau personality.The message of this weeks parsha is clear. Ultimately the man who is able to control his own drives, restrain himself, weigh the consequences of his actions is the one whom we should admire and look up to. The mishnah tells us "who is powerful?" "those able to conquer their own inclinations.""Who is the wise person? He who sees the future."
Shabbat Shalom,
Miriam
Naturally a great and easy Lentil Soup recipe
2 cups chopped onions
4 tbl. Olive oil
1 cup chopped carrots
3 garlic cloves minced
1 ½ cups lentils, rinsed and drained
1 can tomatoes diced with garlic and olive oil
5 cups broth(can use chicken or vegetable)
Saute onion in large saucepan over med-high heat
with olive oil add celery, carrots and garlic. Sauté
about 15 min. Add broth, lentils and tomatoes and
bring to boil. Reduce heat to low and cover until
lentils are tender about ½ hour. Transfer ½ of soup
to blender and puree, return to soup and season with
salt and pepper and a splash of balsamic vinegar.
Easy, excellent!
Lentil Salad
1 can lentils, well rinsed 1/4 cup sliced black olives 1/2 cup sliced red peppers
1/2 cup finely chopped red onion
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh cilantro 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil 1/4 teaspoon pepper 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar 3 tbl.olive oil
Mix together and chill. Great side dish.
Shabbat Shalom!.
