Tol'dot

תּוֹלְדֹת
The Generations [of Isaac]

Genesis 25:19−28:9

When Is Tol'dot Read?

/ 29 Heshvan 5785
/ 2 Kislev 5786
/ 4 Kislev 5787

Summary

  • Rebekah has twins, Esau and Jacob. (25:19-26)
  • Esau gives Jacob his birthright in exchange for some stew. (25:27-34)
  • King Abimelech is led to think that Rebekah is Isaac's sister and later finds out that she is really his wife. (26:1-16)
  • Isaac plans to bless Esau, his firstborn. Rebekah and Jacob deceive Isaac so that Jacob receives the blessing. (27:1-29)
  • Esau threatens to kill Jacob, who then flees to Haran. (27:30-45)

Ten Minutes of Torah: Tol'dot Commentary

an image of two woman, standing back to back as if they are shadows of each other; both staded black on white background

Accepting the Shadow

By: Rabbi Kari Tuling

In rabbinic literature, the twin brothers represent archetypes of two major civilizations: Jacob is Israel and Esau is Edom (Rome). Thus, the narrative becomes a fight between the forces of good and the forces of evil.

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Video: Learn About Parashat Tol'dot with Bim Bam

Toldot: Jacob, Esau, and Tough Talk About Cheating

 

Nechama Tamler digs into the family infighting of our ancestors, from Jacob tricking Esau into giving up his birthright to Rebekah's part in the scheme. Enjoy this video and others from Bim Bam.

Listen to Podcasts About Parashat Tol'dot