Parashah Roundup: Toldos 5768

by Steve Brizel

Yitzchak & Rivkah

R. Efraim Buchwald analyzes the prayers of Yitxchak and Rivkah as they relate to the contemporary Jewish family: link

Dr. Yair Barkai compares the power of prayer among the Imahos and Chanah: link

Yitzchak and Esau

R. Avigdor Nevenzahl reminds us that brachos depend on who is bestowing the bracha: link

R. Mordechai Willig discusses how successful Chinuch requires sensitivity to the personality of each child: link

R. Shlomo Riskin, based upon the Netziv and R. Samson Raphael Hirsch, explores the relationship between Yitzchak and Rivkah and the consequences of Esau and Yaakov being given the same education without considering their individual personalities: link

R. Asher Brander explores why Yitzchak seemingly tolerated Esau: link

R. Shlomo Wolbe zt"l argues that Esau did not deserve the birthright because he did not have the proper respect for the mitzvos: link (DOC)

R. Yaakov Medan asks whether Esau was truly evil: link

R. Ezra Bick examines the blindness of Yitzchak with respect to Esau and how it impacted upon Rivkah's ability to communicate with Yitzchak: link

R. Yissachar Frand points out Esau's inability to choose between a life of Tzidkus and Rishus and his cynical attitude: link

Yitzchak, Yaakov , Esau and Jewish Destiny

The Chasam Sofer (as prepared by R. E. Kwass), discusses why Esau is identified with Edom: link

R. Michael Rosenzweig analyzes the different personalities of Yitzchak and Yaakov and their different styles of leadership: link

R. Jonathan Sacks explores the differences between oracle and prophecy and why what seems straightforward as described in Breishis is not as straightforward as it initially appears: link

R. Berel Wein asks whether and how Yaakov and Esau can be reconciled: link