Toldot – Genesi 25:19−28:9
Summary:
In our portion this week, Rebekah gives birth to twins, Esau and Jacob. Later in the portion, when he is hungry from a day hunting, Esau gives Jacob his birthright in exchange for some stew. Later, as death approaches, Isaac plans to bless Esau, his firstborn. Rebekah and Jacob deceive Isaac so that Jacob receives the blessing. Esau threatens to kill Jacob, who then flees to Haran.
Lesson:
Evan and I have a favorite Hannukah menorah on a shelf in our home. My father gave it to me before he died and whispered into my ear that it was an original piece of art, probably worth over $35,000. Wow. That’s a lot of money. However, when we had it appraised, it turned out that it was a reproduction, not worth anything near the $35,000 my father believed. I realize, when I see it sitting on the shelf, that the dollar amount is not what’s important. The Hannukah menorah is valuable because it came as a gift from my father before he died.
When we look around us, we see that there are many items in our lives that have sentimental value which exceeds their actual value. It's important that we recognize the difference.
Online sites such as eBay and Craigslist are full of personal items for sale by owners who may feel anguish—and even great pain—about letting go. Many people ending up selling personal items. Ads to sell gold for cash are everywhere. Everything seems to be negotiable.
In our Torah portion this week, Tol'dot, Esau comes home desperately hungry from a long day hunting and ends up selling his birthright for a song, without even considering its real or sentimental value. The Torah presents Esau as a man who acts quickly, believing himself to be in desperate circumstances.
In ancient cultures, the birthright was the special privilege given to the firstborn male of any patriarch. At his father's death, the eldest son received a "double portion" of the inheritance—double what his brothers would get. This inheritance wasn't just economic, however; it was also about leadership. Having the birthright meant exercising leadership over the family, replacing the father as the patriarch. The holder of the birthright ruled over his brothers, and the family line would be continued through him. In short, the birthright was designed to ensure the future of the family.
Esau’s actions lead us to ask…Are there some things you'd never sell, under any circumstances? If your situation became so difficult that you were between rock bottom and a very hard decision, what would you hold onto no matter what, regardless of the cost?
Some things just should never be for sale. Integrity, for example, or freedom or love should never have a price tag, and neither should one's body.
The story of Jacob and Esau reminds us that some things should just never be for sale and that one impulsive decision, made amid an anxious circumstance, can have devastating ramifications for the future. There are lots of examples of how this story gets repeated throughout history and in our own communities:
-The businessperson who compromises her integrity by pocketing huge profits at the expense of fair wages and treatment of the company's employees.
-The respected leader who sells away his career and family for the momentary pleasure of an affair.
-The teenager who wrecks his or her future by abusing drugs just because "everyone else is doing it."
-The driver who forgoes common sense by taking the wheel after an evening of drinking and winds up taking a life in a car crash.
There is always a reason for our selling out. The question is whether we are thinking clearly. The ultimate question is this: What determines the value of what we are willing to sell and the value of who we are? Do we allow God and our tradition to determine our value or do we let circumstances drive what we feel we need? There are values that are priceless. Integrity is foremost among them.
The story of Jacob and Esau reminds us that everything has value – both sentimental and actual value – and that anything can or should be sold. They also remind us not to follow in their footsteps. There are some things that should not be sold. Our integrity is worth preserving for ourselves and our children, no matter the price!
Shabbat Shalom
Rabbi Donald Goor