The Gift that Keeps on Giving

A Reflection on Parashas Toldos and the Continuity of Blessing on My Birthday

Today, as I celebrate my (Hebrew) birthday, I find myself deeply reflecting on the amazing gift we call life and contemplating how to make the most of this incredible bracha that we’ve been given.

In a pivotal moment of our history, Yaakov received the cherished bracha from Yitzchak, a bracha that would shape the destiny of our people. The Parsha vividly recounts this significant episode, detailing Yitzchak's bracha to his son Yaakov:

??????? ?????? ??? ????? ?????? ???? ??? ??? ?????. ?????? ???? ??????? ?? ????? ??? ???? ????? ??????? ?? ??? ??? ????? ???? ??????? ????.

And may God give you of the dew of heaven, and of the fatness [riches] of the land, and abundance of grain and wine. Peoples will serve you and nations bow to you. Be master over your brothers, and your mother’s sons will bow to you. Those who curse you are cursed, and those who bless you are blessed.

Rashi, with his characteristic attention to textual detail, queries the use of the letter ?, a conjunction denoting connection or continuation, as the opening of this bracha. Rashi explains based on the Midrash1, which suggests that the bracha is not a singular event but a continuous gift. The Midrash poetically expresses this hope: "??? ?????? ????" - "Give and return and give again."

The Sfas Emes raises a question on this interpretation: If Hashem bestows a bracha, isn't it inherently enduring, meant to be with Yaakov forever? What, then, is the deeper meaning of the Midrash that the bracha will have an element of repetition?

The Sfas Emes explains that the plea for Hashem to "give and return and give again" isn't about the frequency of the gifts from Hashem but about the cyclical nature of receiving and utilizing those brachos. The true fulfillment of the bracha hinges on our actions - when we use these gifts to bring Nachas Ruach, or satisfaction, to Hashem, we effectively return the bracha to its source, thereby renewing it and prompting a desire from Hashem to bestow us with further bracha.

"??? ?????? ????" thus becomes an expression of the continuous integration between the Giver and the receiver of the bracha.

The Sfas Emes also notes that while all nations receive sustenance and blessing from Hashem, the unique cycle of renewal through returning the bracha to its source is a pathway open primarily to those who use their blessings to serve Hashem. In contrast, when the bracha is not used as a means to serve Hashem, the recyclable benefit is lost.

This idea of ??? ?????? ???? is not just limited to the spiritual realm, it can have very real implications on a physical level. When we channel the bracha Hashem grants us into supporting Torah or aiding the collective endeavors of Klal Yisrael, the blessings do not dissipate. They are rejuvenated and returned to us.

Take, for instance, the exemplary service of United Hatzalah of Israel 's volunteers. Despite the challenging past weeks and months, they have unwaveringly upheld the sanctity of life. Hatzalah's work embodies the very essence of returning the bracha to its source - they safeguard life, the ultimate gift, allowing us to continue serving Hashem.

As we reflect on the preciousness of life and the blessings we've received, let's remember: when you pay it forward, God pays you back. Today, as I celebrate my double chai - 36th birthday, I invite you to join me in this cycle of blessing by supporting United Hatzalah. My fundraising goal is ambitious — $36,000 — symbolizing the continuity of life and bracha. Even if we fall short of the target, the intention and effort resonate with the spirit of ??? ?????? ????."

By contributing to this cause, may we all be blessed with the enduring bracha of Yitzchak to Yaakov, a gift that indeed keeps on giving.

Donate at: https://israelrescue.org/mymitzvah/celebrate-life-and-save-lives/