Weekly Parsha

WEEKLY PARASHA

Parasha Tol'dot Genesis 25:19 - 28:9 In this week's parasha, Isaac and Rebekah marry and Rebekah gives birth to twins, Esau and Jacob. The pregnancy is difficult and God tells Rebekah that she is carrying "two nations" and that the "elder shall serve the younger." Esau is born first and Jacob follows "holding Esau's heel." As the twins grow, Esau becomes a skillful hunter in the fields while Jacob remains at home as his mother's favored son. One day when Esau is returning from the hunting field, Jacob convinces his brother to sell him his birthright for a pot of lentil stew.  Years pass and Isaac is old and blind.  Rebekah instructs Jacob to disguise himself as Esau and to deceive Isaac who will then offer Jacob the blessing of a first-born son. Esau is furious and vows to kill his brother.  Rebekah tells Jacob to run away to Haran and find the home of her brother, Laban, where he will seek a wife among Laban's daughters.