The Voice of Jacob and the Hands of Esau
Tol'dot is a parashah of stories. It begins by narrating the birth of Jacob and Esau and ends with the account of Jacob's deception and the patriarchal blessing by the old, blind Isaac. These are familial stories about parents and siblings.
Digging Our Parents' Wells
Water is life. Our bodies are mostly water; our planet is able to sustain life largely because of its abundant supply of water. The symbolism of water flowing and nourishing the thirsty land is easily understandable, even by those who have never lacked rain.
The Dream of Faith
We have all stood where Jacob stands in Parashat Vayeitzei. Who amongst us has not at times felt lost and alone, in search of some sense of belonging? Have we not experienced times when things appeared to be so confusing that we were prepared to reach out for help of any kind?
Of Rolling Stones and Rising Monuments
If one were to search for a subtle underlying theme in Parashat Vayeitzei and its interpretive trajectory, it might be found in the way that Jacob takes the ordinary stones he finds around him during his travels, and uses them to create lasting meaning.