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Parasha Toldot

Genesis 25:19-28:9

Malachi  1:1-2:7

Romans 9:6-13

 

This week, in Parasha Toldot, we see the key people are Yitzchak/Isaac, Yaakov/Jacob, Esav/Esau, Avimelech King of the Philistines, daughters of Chet, Lavan/Laban, and more wives for Esau.

The main geographical sites are Gerar, Beersheva, and Paddan Aram.

The story includes the birth of the twins, Jacob and Esau. The sale of the birthright from Esau to Jacob by the giving of stew; the blessing given to Jacob by Isaac thru deceit, and the subsequent departure of Jacob to Uncle Laban’s home in Paddan Aram.

Meanwhile, back home, Esau cries to his father Isaac for a blessing as well. However it is too late and his father tells him that he was more concerned about his stomach than his heritage.  Isaac told Esau that he will serve his brother, Jacob (Genesis 27:37).  1Corinthians 6:13 tells us, "Food is for the stomach and the stomach is for food, but G-d will do away with both of them. Yet the body is not for immorality, but for the Lord, and the Lord is for the body."

Today many have turned away from truth that G-d is alive, and think Him dead or at the very least, unconcerned about His people. Esau thought the same way selling his birthright and blessing for his stomach, or in our words today materialism, sexual immorality or at the very least, being lukewarm and unconcerned about the evil that is coming upon this world. Indeed we are not at the doorstep, but are in the midst of where many have fallen away and are believing that peace is coming when there is no peace; just appeasement by those who have rejected G-d and the promises He made to the patriarchs and to us. 

Europe is almost dead where it concerns faith in G-d, and in the USA the majority is asleep.  The few who are awake and see what is happening fight a hard battle to keep the blessings of G-d and steer curses away.

We, as the people of G-d, must remain faithful and walk in His commandments and keep the faith. Remain vigilant in prayer and voice your opinions to our elected officials; and keep a level head.

Shavua Tov

Rabbi Z. 

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