Machshava:

Chinuch 

Parsha:

Toldot 

Collections: R' Goldin Parenting from the Parsha

Description

Parshat Toldot introduces a new phase in Sefer Bereishit and in the lives of our Avot and Imahot. Beginning with our parsha, we are witness to episodes of intra-family tension and conflict. We are introduced to tension between the brothers from day one; disconnect between Yitzchak and Rivka regarding their sons; apparent deceit of Yitzchak by Yaacov and Rivka, and much more. Moving on to the next generation, we encounter Yaacov’s favoritism of one wife over another and one son over the others, tension between the brothers, and of course the climactic sale of Yosef. While there is a tremendous amount for us to learn from these stories, and from the example set by our great Avot and Imahot, the Torah does not shy away from sharing episodes of discord and conflict within the families. Why would the Torah share these negative episodes with us- wouldn’t it cause us to respect our Avot and Imahot less? And what can it teach us about parenting?