Lay Your Hands on Me Please: Toldot 2013 November 2
Name/Title
Lay Your Hands on Me Please: Toldot 2013 November 2Entry/Object ID
rdi-2013.11.02Scope and Content
The sermon explores the story of Jacob and Esau focusing on food, disguise, deception, and the deep human longing to be truly seen. First insight has to do with Isaac choosing between two sons, like his father Abraham -- he loves Esau because Esau brings him food; Rebecca loves Jacob just because. She sees that Jacob should receive the blessing. (Isaac doesn't see.) Second insight: Jacob’s words, “Perhaps my father will touch me,” which the sermon interprets not simply as fear of being exposed, but as a hope that Isaac will recognize Jacob’s true self beneath the disguise. Jacob’s lifelong pattern of scheming and hiding reflects a desire for connection and blessing, while his eventual transformation requires him to stop approaching life indirectly and learn to be “straight.”Category
Shabbat sermons