Torah Portion - November 27, 2008

Parashat Toledot 11/28/08

Rabbi Mark S. Kram  Temple Beth Or, Miami

This weekend many of us will spend Thanksgiving with our families.  The turkey or turducken (a real Southern treat!) or vegetarian specialties will fill us and expand our belt-size.  We will look across the table and work in the kitchen beside siblings or relatives, parents, children and friends – all kinds of combinations and permutations.

It’s my FAVORITE secular holiday because of the memories it contains and customs we maintain.  Like traveling to our extended family’s T-dinner by kayak, and seeing the latest James Bond movie with Mindy and my kids – especially our oldest son – Erev Thanksgiving.  You each have your own customs.

Bringing family together can sometimes bring some conflict. 

Jacob and Esau are featured in this week’s parasha.  They didn’t wait until their first dinner to do battle with each other.  The Torah described their “struggle” in Rebekah’s womb:

"Two nations are in your womb,
Two separate peoples shall issue from your body;
One people shall be mightier than the other,
And the older shall serve the younger."

Uh Oh!  This struggle led to Jacob “tricking” his older brother in order to receive the birthright from their father – of course, over FOOD (lentil stew), and the blessing from their father as well. 

Serious breaches!  But, to the end of the story, the resolution.  After some time, years it seems, Jacob will once again meet his brother Esau.  In spite of Jacob’s great concern as to what will be the outcome of that meeting, the brothers embrace and in effect, old breaks are healed.  They proceed along their own paths after that, but seemingly at peace – each in his own way.

This Thanksgiving, may we cherish the time with whomever we share the holidays.  And may our “reunions” be true.   AMEN