Giving Thanks

Toldot

Gen. 25:19-28:9

 

Précis: The introductory phrase to this parasha is “These are the generations (“toldot”) of Isaac.” What follows is the birth of the twins, Esau and Jacob. Their childhood is omitted from the narrative. We learn that Jacob is a quiet man while Esau is a cunning hunter, that their mother Rebecca prefers Jacob, and that Isaac prefers Esau. Esau sells his birthright to Jacob for a bowl of porridge (or lentils). A famine takes place, and Isaac visits the Philistines where he claims that his wife Rebecca is actually his sister (as Abraham did with Sarah in Lech Lecha) and again, the woman escapes unharmed. The story turns to the “great deception” where Jacob pretends to be Esau in order to obtain the primary blessing from his father Isaac. Esau hates Jacob and threatens him; Rebecca urges Jacob to escape to her family in Haran, and he sets off at the conclusion of the parasha.

 

Gen. 26:30 “And he made them a feast, and they did eat and drink.”

            This year, we read this parasha on Thanksgiving weekend. Those who do not look closely at the text may miss this story. After conflict between Isaac and the Philistines, a reconciliation between the parties is achieved. Isaac hosts a special dinner to celebrate the resolution of the dispute.

This is, indeed, an appropriate link between the text and the legend of the Pilgrims' and Indians' first Thanksgiving.

            As I have previously mentioned, hospitality to guests has wide application in our tradition, whether simply to greet strangers, or resolving problems, or comforting mourners. This year, many of us will have a special reason for giving thanks, spending the day with relatives we have not seen since before the pandemic. Happy Thanksgiving and Shabbat Shalom.

 

Respect

 Chayye Sarah

Gen. 23:1-25:18

 

Précis: The parasha begins with the counting the days of the life of Sarah (Chaye Sarah) and with her death. It continues with a detailed description of the purchase of the cave of Machpela by Abraham for a family burial site. Abraham orders his servant to go to Abraham’s ancestral home to obtain a wife for Isaac, and after a series of fulfilled signs, the servant finds Rebecca. Rebecca returns with the servant; she and Isaac meet, fall in love at first sight, and become man and wife. The parasha ends with the death of Abraham, and his burial by Isaac and Ishmael in the family plot.

 

Gen. 24:1-10 “Abraham said to his servant, the elder of his house, that ruled over all he had...that ​‘You shall not take a wife for my son from among the daughters of Canaan, where I dwell, but you shall go to my country, and my kindred, and take a wife for my son Isaac.’ ... And his servant swore to him concerning the matter.”

My friend, Shlomo Ressler, has written beautifully on this particular verse (Weekly D’var, 11/12/14). He notes that Abraham instructs his servant to find a wife for Isaac in his homeland. Why does Abraham prefer a wife from his birthplace for his son Isaac rather than a woman from Canaan? Both were places of idolatry, and Abraham and Isaac were living in Canaan. Would it not have been easier to find a wife nearby?

       Ressler cites Rabbenu Nissim who provides an answer. In Canaan, people mistreated each other. In Abraham’s birthplace, they may have sinned against God (through idol worship), but nevertheless there was respect and love between people. Abraham saw that people in his homeland observed Derech Eretz (respect). And it is respect that is a prerequisite to any lasting relationship​ ​between people.