This week we thank senior, Jay Levin, for sharing his D'var Torah with us...

This week's parashat, Toldot, begins with the marriage of Isaac and Rebecca. After twenty childless years, their prayers are finally answered. Rebecca is pregnant. She experiences a difficult pregnancy and eventually, G-d tells her that "two nations are in your womb, and two peoples from within you will be separated; one people will be stronger than the other, and the older will serve the younger." When Rebecca finally gives birth Esau emerges first, and Jacob follows right after, clutching Esau's heel. The differences between the brothers, which began in the womb, become more evident as they grow into individual people. Esau and Jacob grow up to be polar opposites of each other. While Esau is known as the manly hunter, Jacob is the more studious, well-rounded brother. Noticing the differences in their personalities I asked myself: Is it better to be more of a macho man or a scholar? While I still haven't found an answer to that question, I have discovered that by staying true to who you really are, you will be able to develop your own unique personality and live a more fulfilling life. We need to embrace our genuine personality instead of trying to be something we are not.

 

Throughout my middle and high school career, I'm sure there were times when I tried to dress and act just like all the other kids in my grade in order to fit in, but now I realize that this isn't necessarily the right thing to do. Like Esau remained fond of the outdoors and Jacob was satisfied staying inside and studying, all of us should be the people we are and not try to mold ourselves into something else. Teenagers, even here at TVT, suppress how they really want to be acting, dressing, or talking in order to make friends and fit in with their peers. I encourage all of you to reveal your true self, and not try to hide things you think might be unpopular. 

 

In support of this thought, the Torah portion describes the twins in Rebecca's belly as two entire peoples, as opposed to just two people. This play on words indicates that these brothers are going to be completely different kinds of people - so much so that they will be the fathers of entire nations - and this difference is perfectly alright. We aren't made to all be the same and act like each other; instead we are created to make our own impact on the world.

The Torah portion we are about to read is assigned specifically for Rosh Chodesh. It describes our obligation to mark the new moon - the new month. Kislev is most famous for containing the holiday Chanukah, the festival of lights, which balances out the darkness associated with this month. This relationship between the darkness and light is much like the one between Esau and Jacob. While they are completely opposite, they influence each other in a way that allows them to coexist. Without light there would be no darkness and vice-versa. So as we move into this month, please just remember to be yourself and worry less about what other people think of you.
 
Chodesh Tov!