“Healthy Loving.”
Together with Rebecca, Isaac parented twin sons, Eisav and Jacob.
Eisav, the first born, was red and hairy at birth.
He grew up to become a man
who enjoyed hunting and being in the field.
Eisav thrived when connected to physicality and
spent his days in pursuit of 'game.'
He focused on the present moment with
seemingly little thought of what was to come later or after.
Eisav even disparaged and mocked the birthright
that was his as the firstborn.
Jacob was the antithesis of Eisav.
He was the opposite cosmic force.
He was a man of the tent,
always studying, learning and growing in holiness and spirituality,
always looking to improve himself and become better.
Jacob constantly ran after spirituality and
was always in pursuit of holiness and transcendence.
We read that Isaac loved Esau and Rebecca oved Jacob.
Perhaps Isaac felt that Eisav needed more of his focus and
praise than Jacob, perhaps leaving Jacob
to thrive off of the close connection he had with Rebecca.
Isaac believed in Eisav and was unwilling to give up on him.
He kept looking to find that deeply hidden light
that he felt must surely be there.
He continued to search and dig, never giving up or
rejecting his first born.
Isaac was able to stay in relationship with and
help Eisav in ways that Rebecca was unable to
and Rebecca was able to nurture and help Jacob in ways
that Isaac was not able to.
Perhaps between them Rebecca and Isaac hoped
to provide what each child needed.
This raises the question as to how we treat children differently
depending on who they are and what their natural tendencies are.
It also highlights the importance of creating a home
where each child feels accepted, wanted, appreciated and
loved by all the adults in their lives.
May our families be ones where love is unconditional and
in which there is the space to be our truly authentic selves.
Shabbat shalom
With much love, Elissa
Commentaires