בס”ד
Parashat Toldot In this week’s reading we find a repetition of concepts right at the beginning. The Torah is not just a book of stories, rather also a book of teachings. What is the teaching of this repetition? Based on Likutey Sichot, vol. 3, p. 780
This week’s Torah reading, titled Story Chronicles Etc., primarily focuses on one character named Yitzchak (Isaac). When the Torah introduces this character, it employs some unusual expressions that invite multiple interpretations. Let’s explore these explanations and delve into a deeper understanding of what is conveyed.
The Torah begins with the phrase, “This is the story of the son of Abraham,” immediately followed by, “Abraham begot Yitzchak.” This raises an obvious question: if Yitzchak is already identified as Abraham’s son, why is it necessary to reiterate that Abraham begot him?
Explanations of the Repetition
- Name Significance: When Yitzchak was born, Abraham was still called “Abram” (Avram). It was only after G-d added a letter to his name—transforming it into “Abraham”—that he was able to father Yitzchak with Sarah. The text may emphasize this to underline the transformative power of Abraham’s covenant with G-d.
- Paternity Concerns: There was skepticism among people at the time about Abraham and Sarah’s ability to have a child together. Some might have claimed that Sarah conceived with another man. To refute this, G-d ensured that Yitzchak’s appearance was identical to Abraham’s. The text underscores this: Yitzchak was unmistakably Abraham’s biological son.
- Parental Role: Another explanation is that the phrase emphasizes Abraham’s active role in raising Yitzchak. This dispels any notion that Sarah alone, or someone else entirely, was primarily responsible for Yitzchak’s upbringing.
- Direct Lineage: The text affirms unequivocally that Yitzchak was Abraham’s true heir, in every sense—spiritually, biologically, and morally.
The Bigger Picture: What Can We Learn?
While these explanations clarify the historical or textual context, the Torah is not merely a collection of stories. Its purpose is to teach us lessons that are timeless and relevant, offering guidance for our personal service to G-d.
The deeper message lies in understanding the spiritual attributes represented by Abraham and Yitzchak. Abraham embodied love—he expressed kindness and spread God’s message through love and generosity. Yitzchak, on the other hand, personified fear of G-d—a disciplined and awe-inspired service marked by restraint and reverence.
Levels of Love and Fear of G-d
The service of God involves a progression through four levels:
- Lower Fear: Fear driven by self-interest, such as fear of punishment or losing blessings.
- Lower Love: Love motivated by personal benefits, such as receiving rewards or experiencing G-d’s goodness.
- Higher Love: Love that is selfless, focused on fulfilling G-d’s desires and bringing His presence into the world.
- Higher Fear: A profound awe and reverence for G-d, transcending any personal considerations.
The Torah subtly illustrates this progression in the phrasing: “Yitzchak, the son of Abraham” (lower fear), then “Abraham begot Yitzchak” (lower love). This sequence encourages us to understand that while love may follow fear, the ultimate goal is to move beyond both lower levels to the higher levels of love and fear.
Serving Beyond Your Nature
Each individual has a natural inclination in their service to G-d. Abraham’s was love; Yitzchak’s was fear. However, true spiritual growth requires transcending one’s natural tendencies. A person must strive to serve G-d in ways that challenge them, addressing areas where they feel resistance or discomfort.
Why? Because when something is difficult, it reveals where your true work lies. Service to G-d is not about doing only what feels easy or enjoyable—it’s about stepping outside your comfort zone to align with G-d’s will. The effort to overcome what doesn’t come naturally is the essence of genuine service.
Conclusion
The Torah’s message in this passage is profound. It teaches us that our spiritual journey is like climbing a staircase, progressing through the levels of love and fear of G-d. Moreover, it challenges us to go beyond our innate tendencies and embrace the harder aspects of divine service, for it is in those efforts that we fulfill our ultimate purpose.
Parshat Talk from Rabbi Tuvia Serber
The above is a representation of the spoken text converted to written text.
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