In Parashat Toldot, we encounter the famous story of Yaakov and Esav, twin brothers whose lives are shaped by a prophecy given to Rivka during her difficult pregnancy. Esav, the first born, grows up to become a skilled hunter and a man of the field, while Yaakov is described as a “a wholesome man, a dweller in the tents of learning” Their parents, Isaac and Rivka are divided in their affections– Yitzchak favors Esav, while Rivka loves Yaakov more. Tensions escalate when Esav, driven by hunger, impulsively sells his birthright to Yaakov for a bowl of lentil stew, and later, when Yaakov, at Rivka’s urging, disguises himself to appear like his brother in order to secure the blessings intended for Esav, as firstborn. This deception sets the stage for a lifetime of conflict, forcing Yaakov to flee to Charan to escape Esav’s wrath.

At first glance, it may seem like Yaakov was wrong to deceive his father and take the blessing that Esav expected. Rabbi Sacks explores the moral and spiritual dimensions of Yaakov’s actions. He argues that while Yaakov’s deception may trouble us on a surface level, it can be understood through the broader context of the family’s dynamics and the future of the Jewish people. Rivka, Yaakov’s mother, is the key figure in this story. She knows, based on a direct prophecy from God (Bereishit 25:23), that Yaakov is the one destined to continue the covenant. This covenant is the spiritual mission passed down from Avraham, and it is meant to guide the future of the Jewish people. Rivka’s understanding of her sons’ personalities—Esav as impulsive and indifferent to the covenant, and Yaakov as more thoughtful and future-oriented—leads her to take decisive action.

Rabbi Sacks points out that Rivka had seen Esav’s lack of seriousness about the birthright. He had already sold it to Yaakov for a bowl of stew, demonstrating that he didn’t value the spiritual responsibilities that came with it. She also witnessed Esav’s poor choices, such as marrying Hittite women who caused great distress to both Yitzchak and Rivka (Bereishit 26:34-35). These actions showed that Esav was not suited to carry on the mission of Avraham, which required spiritual sensitivity, foresight, and a deep sense of responsibility.

In this light, Rivka’s plan for Yaakov to take the blessing seems less like deception for selfish gain and more like securing the future of the Jewish people. As Rabbi Sacks explains, Rivka was not acting out of favoritism or ambition for her younger son. Rather, she was ensuring that the covenant would be passed to the son who truly understood and valued it.

This theme of long-term vision versus short-term gratification is also central to the story of the birthright. Esav, in his impulsiveness, sold his birthright for immediate physical satisfaction. He didn’t think about the long-term consequences of his actions. Yaakov, on the other hand, understood that the birthright and the blessing represented much more than material wealth—they were about spiritual leadership and the future of a people. This is why Yaakov was willing to take risks and make sacrifices to secure them.

The story has significant implications for our own lives, particularly in the context of school and education. Like Esav, we are often tempted by immediate gratification—whether it’s procrastinating on an assignment, choosing entertainment over studying, or rushing through tasks for quick results. But the lesson here is that true success often comes from thinking ahead, making sacrifices in the present, and focusing on long-term goals. Rivka and Yaakov understood that the future of the Jewish people depended on careful planning and a deep sense of responsibility. In a similar way, our success in school and in life depends on our ability to delay gratification, work hard, and invest in our future.

In conclusion, Parashat Toldot teaches us powerful lessons about leadership, responsibility, and the importance of thinking long-term. Rivka’s actions, though controversial, were motivated by her deep understanding of what the future required. Yaakov’s willingness to follow her plan, despite the risks, shows his commitment to the covenant and the future of the Jewish people. In our own lives, we too must learn to prioritize the long-term over the short-term, even when the immediate rewards seem tempting. And, as Rabbi Sacks reminds us, we must always be aware of the ethical dimensions of our actions and the potential ripple effects they can have.

Thank you and Shabbat Shalom.

Yoav, Grade 12