What Legacy Will You Leave?
Parasha Toledot invites us into the
home of Isaac and Rebekah. Rebekah has given birth to twin sons Esau and Jacob.
As the first born of the two, Esau is to have the birthright to Isaac’s
blessing. Genesis 25:29-34 tells of Esau’s mistake. He had been out and cam in
famished. Jacob had been preparing soup. Jacob would only give it to him in
exchange for Esau’s birthright, so Esau swore it to him. Later, Jacob
impersonates his brother with his mother’s help to get the vocal blessing from
Isaac, who was blind and at the point of death.
Esau made a rash decision that
affected his life. There is a reason we are told not to sign legal documents
after being under anesthesia. When you are not in your right mind, you cannot
think responsibly. Esau stated “I am at the point of death, so of what use is
my birthright to me?” (Gen 25:32) Why risk a few moments of pleasure for a
regret in tenfold? A translation of the word Toledot is descendants. Esau’s
choice greatly affected his future descendants. Think about your future, but
also the future of the those that will come after you. Know the life you want
to live but more importantly, the life Hashem wants you to lead.
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