Parashat Toledot/ParashahSummary
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Parashat Toledot – Summary
Introduction
- Parashat Toledot recounts the story of Yitzchak's adult life, focusing on the birth of Yaakov and Esav and the beginning of their lifelong struggle.
- Birth of Yaakov and Esav and the Sale of the Birthright – In Chapter 25, after 20 childless years, Rivka finally conceives, giving birth to Yaakov and Esav. As Yaakov and Esav grow up and take divergent paths (Esav is a hunter, while Yaakov is a tent dweller), Yitzchak favors Esav while Rivka favors Yaakov. The chapter concludes with Esav selling his birthright to Yaakov.
- Divine Protection for Yitzchak in His Interactions with the Pelishtim – Chapter 26 describes two incidents in Yitzchak's life that closely parallel stories from Avraham's life. In the first, due to famine, Yitzchak and Rivka migrate to the Philistine region of Gerar, and Rivka is nearly taken by one of the locals. In the second, following several disputes between Yitzchak and his Philistine neighbors over ownership of wells, Avimelekh, the king of Gerar, initiates a covenant with Yitzchak, recognizing that God indeed watches over Yitzchak.
- Blessing Yaakov and Esav – Chapter 27 resumes the story of Yaakov and Esav with the now blind Yitzchak's plan to bless Esav before his death. Following Rivka's advice, Yaakov disguises himself as Esav and receives Yitzchak's blessing. When Esav plots to kill Yaakov in revenge, Rivka advises Yaakov to flee to Charan.
- A Wife for Yaakov – In the beginning of Chapter 28, Yitzchak dispatches Yaakov to Charan to find a wife and confers upon him the blessing of Avraham to inherit of the land of Canaan.
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