Collections of Thoughts and Poetry

#yitzhak #isaac #parshattoldot #toldot Parshat Toldot begins by informing us that Parshat Toldot is Yitzhak's story; perhaps this acts as bookend of sorts, dividing his life into segments. While there is much written about both Avraham and Ya'akov, Yitzhak's role seems much smaller. The story of his birth is highlighted and then we walk with him to the Akeydah and then, much later, we see when he is fooled by Rivka and Jacob into giving the blessing to Jacob instead of Eis

#isaac #jacobandesav #jacobandesau #birthrite #runbrotherrun #heel #biblicalpoetry #parshapoetry #wordshavewings #breisheet #yinandyang #commentary #biblicalpoetry Parshat Toldot is the heart of the book of Breisheet (Genesis). As a book that is about family stories, it is not shy about portraying disturbing issues that are common to so many of us. In this parsha we read about the pain that infertility brings and also the relief that comes to some when they are finally abl

#sacrifice #isaac #bindingofisaac #vayikra #korban #mincha This Shabbat we read Parshat Tzav in the book of Vayikra. Parshat Tzav speaks more in detail about sacrifice. Also mentioned is the clothing that Aaron and his sons wear for their special purpose. The Mishkan is anointed with oil and Aaron is anointed as well. Parshat Tzav is fascinating as are all the Parshiyot in VaYikra. They roll out in great detail, as though it is a guide book and stage directions rolled int

#andheshalllive #abraham #isaac #jacob #breisheet #vayechi #wordshavewings #thememoryroom #lessonsforliving #honesty #cooperation #covenant #ideasthatbind The book of Genesis concludes with Parshat Va'yechi. While the bulk of this Parsha focuses on the death and burial of Jacob as well as the memorable final blessings for Jacob's progeny, the first word of the parsha is V'Yechi, which translates as "and he lived." What does it mean "And he lived?" Perhaps it means that while

#wearefamily #family #bcholdorvador #isaac #jacob #rebecca #esau #yitzhak #rivka #esav #yaakov #competition #withloveweruin #mothersandfathers #familydynamics As much as I want to write happy and fun poems about next week's parsha, Parshat Toldot, I have always found the story of Ya'akov and Esav to be so tragic. M'farshim create an unsavory description of Esav in the Midrash, and at this point relationships and family is ripped apart. I understand that my reading is not t

#sarah #sarahimeinu #abraham #isaac #forefathers #foremothers #tanach #torah #wheniwasyoung #poetry #poem #breisheet #hagar #mistakes #regrets #onceiwasyoung #mysonmyson #myson #iamoldnow #nowiamold #mothers #mothersandsons #sons #lightofmyeyes Sarah was a complicated character in Torah. We hear about her as a young woman, a courageous woman, beautiful, hospitable and kind. We suffer along with her as we witness her infertility. We are appalled at her jealousy and cruelty t