November 21, 2025
A PEEK AT THE PARSHA
Parshat Toldot tells the story of Yitzchak and Rivkah and the birth of their twin sons, Yaakov and Esav. At the beginning of the parsha, Yitzchak and Rivkah pray to Hashem for children. Hashem listens to their prayers, and Rivkah becomes pregnant with twins. The babies move a lot inside her, which worries her, so she asks Hashem what is happening. Hashem tells her that two nations are inside her, and one will be stronger than the other.
Esav is born first. He is red and hairy and grows up to be a hunter who spends most of his time outdoors. Yaakov is born second, holding Esav’s heel, and grows up to be a quiet, thoughtful boy who loves learning Torah.
ONE BIG IDEA
In Parshat Toldot, Esav gives away his birthright for a simple bowl of lentil stew. This shows us that Esav didn’t value something so special and holy. The birthright was not just about being the firstborn, it represented serving Hashem, leading the family, and being part of the Jewish future. Yaakov, on the other hand, understood how important the birthright was. He cared about serving Hashem and doing what was right, even when it wasn’t easy. From this story, we learn an important lesson: spiritual things, like learning Torah, saying tefillah, helping others, and doing mitzvot, are more important than physical things, like food, toys, or fun. Even when we are hungry, tired, or busy, we should remember what really matters most. Making the right choice, like Yaakov did, shows that we are thinking about Hashem and our future
One day, after hunting, Esav comes home very tired and hungry. He sees Yaakov cooking a pot of lentil stew and asks for some. Yaakov agrees, but only if Esav sells him his birthright, the special status of the firstborn who receives the family’s blessings. Esav is hungry and doesn’t think about the future, so he agrees and gives it away for the food.
Later, there is a famine in the land. Yitzchak considers going to Egypt, but Hashem tells him to stay in the Land of Canaan. Yitzchak obeys Hashem and becomes very successful. He digs wells like his father Avraham, and Hashem blesses him with wealth and peace. When Yitzchak becomes old and his eyes fail, he wants to bless Esav. Rivkah knows that Yaakov is the one who should receive the blessings because he follows Hashem. She helps Yaakov disguise himself as Esav and bring food to Yitzchak. Yitzchak blesses Yaakov with the special firstborn blessings.
When Esav finds out, he is very angry and wants to hurt Yaakov. Rivkah tells Yaakov to run away to her brother Lavan’s house. Yaakov leaves, and the parsha ends with him starting his journey to a new home.
Candle-lighting: 4:15pm
Havdalah: 5:12 pm
CHECKLIST
Check off as many as you can. To be filled out after shabbat and brought to school.
I called ________________________ to wish them a “Shabbat Shalom”
I went to ________________ shul (synagogue)
I did the Shabbat mitzvah of_______________
________ Hadlakat Nerot/Kiddush/Hamotzi/ Birkat Hamazon
I sang zemirot/songs
Iwore__________________ inhonor ofShabbat
To prepare my home for shabbat, I ____________________________set the table/ cleaned my room/took a shower/took a bath
Full Name: ______________________________
Class: __________________________________
Parent Signature: _________________________
UPCOMING
EVENTS & BIRTHDAYS
Upcoming Events:
11/24 3rd Grade:
Virtual Tour of Rashi’s life
11/26 Early Dismissal 11/27-11/29
Thanksgiving No School
Happy Birthday to:
11/21 Jacob Brenner (3)
Matthew Sheff (3)
11/22 Ben & Josh Kule (3)
Mack Weinstein (3)
Oscar Goldburt (1)