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Shabbat starts on Friday at 7:48pm and ends on Saturday at 9:02pm. The weekly Torah portion is Toldot.

Mincha continues at 1.45pm at A-P GF/459 Collins Mon-Wed, and Thu 1.45pm at L1 Capital using the WhatsApp group to confirm numbers.

Weekly sushi & shiur continues on Wed at 1.20pm (before mincha) at A-P GF/459 Collins – and via zoom. Current topic: governance of charity collectors. Details here and on the WhatsApp group.

Thought of the Week with thanks to Avi Gordon.

It is well known that Rivka loved Yaakov. By contrast, the Parsha says that Yitzchok loved Esov.

However,  given what we know about Esov, how is it possible that Yizchok didn’t see what Rivka did?  How could Yitzchok in fact love Esov?

Some commentaries explain that Esov would give the impression that he was righteous through deception.

Rivkah coming from a  household of deceit and lies could see right through him. While Yitzchik, coming from the house of Avraham and Sara simply believed him and thought he was righteous and that’s why he loved him.

However, R’ Sacks suggests a different approach.

Maybe Yitzchok wasn’t fooled at all, maybe he actually saw Esov for what he really was, BUT that the exact reason why he loved him.

When children start behaving in a way different to their parents wishes, there is always the option of fire and brimstone and forcing the child into your ways. Berating them, punishing them or even cutting them off.

However Yitzchok saw there was a better approach. Give him an abundance of love. Show him that he is valued and appreciated even if he is not following in the desired pathway at the moment.  Given him love and maintain the connection and the influence. It might be difficult but in the long term can have a much more powerful impact.

If this was the approach of Yitzchok Avinu, surely there is something for us to learn with our own children too.