Matriarchs and Patriarchs

 Matriarchs and Patriarchs

The Torah tells us what characteristics are embodied within the Matriarchs and Patriarchs.

In this week’s Torah portion,Toldot, we learn something about Isaac and Rebecca and their approach to God.

 

At 25:21 –

וַיֶּעְתַּר יִצְחָק לַיהוָה לְנֹכַח אִשְׁתּוֹ, כִּי עֲקָרָה הִוא; וַיֵּעָתֶר לוֹ יְהוָה, וַתַּהַר רִבְקָה אִשְׁתּוֹ.

 

“And Isaac entreated the LORD for his wife, because she was barren; and the LORD let Himself be entreated of him, and Rebekah his wife conceived”.

The word “entreat” (in Hebrew עְתַּר) means to humbly and respectfully ask or plea for something. This is Isaac’s approach.

Toldot is a painting by Starr Weems 

At 25:22 -

When Rebecca becomes pregnant with twins struggling within her, she seeks an answer from Hashem as to what was going on.

Her approach is different from that of Isaac.  She does not entreat. She demands (in Hebrew דְר֥שׁ).

וַתֵּ֖לֶךְ לִדְר֥שׁ אֶת־יְהֹוָֽה

"And she went to demand of Hashem".

 

Different strokes for different folks.