Today, on Shabbat, I am studying our Torah. It connects me to the Holy.

I admit that my attention is already somewhat anticipating what will be read publicly in synagogues next week.

Parasha Toldot describes how Isaac and Reviqa, after twenty years of marriage, had their prayers for children answered by Hashem, and their desire for children was fulfilled. Reviqa gave birth to twins, Jacob and Esau.

Esau was completely different from Jacob from the very beginning—outwardly, and it quickly became apparent inwardly as well.

It was he who decided to sell his birthright to Jacob for a quick meal of lentil stew.

Esau doesn’t understand that there is a master plan by Hashem; instead, he acts very selfishly and is driven by jealousy and resentment.

Later—and I’m referring to chapter 28, verses 8-9—Esau sees that the daughters of Canaan were displeasing in the eyes of his father, Isaac. What does he do? He marries Machalat, the daughter of Ishmael!

The final part of the Parasha Toldot recounts how Isaac bestows the blessing of the firstborn upon his son, Jacob, thus passing it on through him. Esau is extremely enraged by the loss of the blessing and projects his frustration onto his brother. He does this so intensely that he even plots to kill him. Jacob then flees to his mother Reivka’s family. Isaac also instructs him to find a wife there.

Shavua Tov!