This Shabbos we discussed parsha Toldot. David Schlesinger led discussion. In the parsha, Esau is the first born, but he gives up his birth rights to his brother, Jacob. Although Jacob is more well known as being renamed Israel, and being the father of the 12 tribes, Esau has a special role to play and is the one who is actually favored by Isaac, his father.
Avishai Schlesinger commented that Esau is really not “that bad”. Although Esau seemed to be more interested in hunting, and pursuits other than studying and being a scholar, maybe it is important in life to play up to our strengths whatever these may be, rather than play up to what our strengths should be. David has made the point that our mission in life is to do what we are good and passionate about, rather than choosing missions that force us to struggle to overcome weaknesses.
Norm, however, pointed out that it may be possible to play to our strengths too much. Tiger Woods played to his strengths so much, that they actually changed the rules and format of the game on him. So it would seem we don’t want to ignore overcoming our weaknesses, however gravitating towards what we do well and are passionate about seems to make sense. Yaki commented that our weaknesses may be spiritual in nature, and regardless of what we gravitate towards in the physical world, we are going to face spiritual challenges. We should be able to bring spirituality into any career. Brett has shared how in his career, he brings in Torah and spirituality, in getting ideas to use in his arguments.
We may be able to pick a career or mission that we are passionate about, but Judaism involves a lot of sacrifice for everyone and may be difficult to practice at times. Norm commented that what we get with Judaism is not a “fun” religion, but there is an intrinsic feeling of joy that does come with the deal. And this feeling can come from more than just a belief in Hashem. Avishai commented how he has a friend who is “sticking” with Judaism, although not necessarily a believer. David commented how our practice of observing shabbot has kept us all together for thousands of years. Even for atheist and agnostics, if they participate in our practices, it can provide to them great benefits. David asked what else we would be doing on a Saturday morning.
We discussed how in the past, we were forbidden to read and study certain texts, that covered material outside of the Torah. We were told that those who studied these subjects, would not receive a portion in the world to come. We discussed how the reason for these prohibitions were not a fear we would discover the truth, but a fear that it would be difficult for us to overcome the temptation to go with that which is easier and feels good. David talked about how today, all this “foreign” material is everywhere, and having a prohibition is no longer practical. David talked about what we have to do today, which is to confront ideas, such as arguments that Hashem does not exist, etc. etc. David’s father, HaRav Natan Ben HaRav Shmuel (aka Dr. Rabbi George N Schlesinger, is well known for his articles providing plenty of convincing evidence of Hashem’s existence.
We discussed how the model of Judaism, as a religion in which observance is optional, is not sustainable. There is a problem in not thinking for ourselves, and thinking something is ok because others do the same. David told a story from his father about someone who makes the same bids at an auction, simply because a “Dr. Goldstein” is doing the same. In our religion, we need to do what is right because it is right, and not simply do whatever others seems to be doing.
This is a summary of what we discussed. No Halachic rulings are intended or should be inferred.
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