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Toldot (2025)

Shabbat Toldot

Dvar Torah
At the opening of Toldot, the Torah tells us that Rebecca was barren, and that Isaac’s prayers for children were answered. Rashi, drawing on a midrash and a close reading of the text, notes that while both Isaac and Rebecca prayed, it was Isaac’s prayer that was accepted. He explains that the prayer of a righteous person who is the child of the righteous carries a unique power, greater than that of a righteous person born to the wicked.Rashi’s comment is surprising. Why should Rebecca’s prayer be less effective simply because of her family background? She herself was extraordinarily righteous, despite having grown up in a home steeped in idolatry. Should that not make her merit even greater?Rav Shimon Schwab offers a beautiful explanation. Coming from her home, Rebecca’s vision for her future children was that they be upright, kind, and faithful — people of integrity who live lives of holiness and meaning. Her prayer reflected that perspective.Isaac, however, was raised by Abraham and Sarah. His frame of reference was different. He prayed for children who would carry forward the covenant, who would become the leaders and forefathers of the Jewish people. His hopes were shaped by the spiritual greatness he had witnessed firsthand.Sometimes, we set our expectations too low — not out of laziness or indifference, but simply because we lack the right perspective. The Torah reminds us that as members of Am Yisrael, we are part of something remarkable. By connecting to our rich heritage and to those who came before us, we can lift our vision higher and find continuous inspiration to dream — and to pray — on a grander scale.

Shabbat Shalom!

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