Parashah Roundup: Toldos 5769

by Steve Brizel

The Negative Impact of Cynicism

R. Yissocher Frand suggests that we should work on avoiding the destructive power of thinking in a cynical manner: link

The Wells of Avraham and Yitzchak

R. Yitzchak Adlerstein, based upon the Nesivos Shalom, explains why the Phillistines did not disturb the wells that were reopened by Yitzchak: link

The Tefilos of Yitzchak and Rivkah

R. Ephraim Buchwald, based upon a comment of Rashi and the view of the Malbim, explores why Yitchak's tefilah for Rivkah to have children was answered: link

Click here to read moreThe Blindness of Yitzchak

R. Ezra Bick, based on approaches rooted in both Pshat and Drush, explores the blindness of Yitzchak: link

R. Berel Wein, R. Michael Rosensweig and R. Mordechai Willig warn us that one cannot educate children with different educational needs and abilities in the same manner: link 1, link 2, link 3

R. Asher Weiss and R. Dovid Gottlieb explores the halachic obligations of the blind: link 1, link 2 (audio)

Yaakov and Esau

R. Yaakov Medan, based upon varying Midrashic traditions, investigates the personality of Esau: link

R. Avigdor Nevenzal and R. Joshua Hoffman, based upon the teachings of both Nechama Leibovits, Zicronah Livracha, and R. Yeruchem of Mir, zt"l, shows us that Esau lacked a consistency between his heart and mouth: link 1, link 2

R. Herschel Shachter explains the fundamental and immutable differences between Yaakov and Esau: link

Yitzchak, Rivkah, Yaakov and Esau

R. Yitzchak Etshalom suggests why Rivkah favored Yaakov: link 1, link 2

R. Shlomo Riskin explains that the essence of the dissagreement between Yitzchak and Rivkah was rooted in the unity of the birthright and the blessings of Avraham: link

Esau and the Birthright

R. Aharon Lichtenstein reminds us that one cannot approach Avodas HaShem with the attitude of “what's in it for me?” or with the view that it is a privilege, as opposed to a sacred responsibility: link 1, link 2

The Torah and the Avos

R. Menachem Liebtag and R. Michoel Zylberman discuss which Mitzvos the Avos observed: link 1 (audio), link 2 (audio)

Yitzchak's Brachah

R. Baruch Simon investigates the Bracha of Yitzchak: link (audio)

R. Jonathan Sacks reminds us that the blessings given to Yaakov and Esau cannot be reduced to being chosen and unchosen: link

Averah Lishmah

R. Asher Weiss discusses when one may apply the concept of an Averah Lishmah: link

Last year's roundup: link