The sixth reading from the book of Genesis is named Toldot (תולדות), which means “generations.” It is so named because the Torah portion begins with the words “Now these are the records of the generations of Isaac” (Genesis 25:19). Toldot tells us the story of the birth of Jacob and Esau and their struggle for the birthright and blessing of their father, Isaac. We also learn about Isaac’s trials and difficulties in the land of Canaan. The portion concludes with Jacob’s deception of Isaac in order to procure the family blessing. Genesis 25:19 – 28:6.
The fifth reading in the book of Genesis is translated, “Sarah lived.”
Genesis 23:1 – 25:18
The last portion ended with the binding of Isaac. This traumatic event contributed to the death of Sarah. Isaac was spared and Sarah died. Other things occur in the story like Abraham sending out Elazaar to find a wife for Isaac. Abraham purchases land with a cave to bury Sarah. Hagar comes back and has more children with Abraham. Read the section to connect to the story.
I am posting two videos here. One from Shual on this week’s portion and one from our favorite Rabbi talking about the Moshiach. Both videos bring the lesson to the events of the day.
This weeks portion is called Vayera. It is translated “He appears’. It is a portion of revelation. Genesis 18:1 – 22:24. A lot happening in this portion. This morning I was studying and I came across a few interesting videos. First, listen to Leonard Cohen’s song Everybody Knows…..
Then, Listen to this 10 minute presentation that was done exactly 4 years ago right after the last election.
We are in the third reading called Lech Lecha – Genesis 12:1 – 17:27. The reading starts with God talking to Abraham – “God said to Abram, “go away from your land, from your birthplace, and from your father’s house, to the land that I will show you.”
Last week’s reading, Noach, was about the flood and the tower of Babylon. …. ..The portion ends with God destroying the tower. During this time there was one language with all the people (unity). “God descended” to see the city and the tower that the sons of man had built. God said, ‘Come, let us descend and confuse their speech, so that one person will not understand another’s speech. God scattered them all over the face of the earth….”
Why did God flood the earth and why did He destroy the tower? Questions to be explored. Nevertheless, now Abram is told to move.
So, why do I include these Torah Portions in each week’s posts? I have been ‘following’ the Torah Portions over the past 10 or so years. Loosely at first and more intensely the last 3 years. Each week I research the portion and connect to the actual reading in the Bible. I also have a Zohar. The Zohar is a 23 volume work which interprets each Torah section. Each year I receive a new insight. Whether you identify as Jewish or Christian, Buddhist, Atheist, Agnostic or some other religious, spiritual or mystical school follower,, The first 5 books of the Bible; The Torah is a significant scripture.
I could be wrong, but as your yoga guide, I am confident that there is value in applying some inquiry here. Just as I am confident there is value in looking at the teachings of Jesus, The Buddha and other teachers of wisdom like Ken Wilber or Goenka or Genpo Roshi or Bill Harris..
REMEMBER: In order to do this work you do not have to believe or have faith in anything. In fact, the instructions are to remove your belief or better said…..suspend your belief as well as your disbelief…just like when you reach the end of the exhale….extend the exhale; stay empty….Find your “still point.
For those of you checking in to the weekly Torah sections we are in the 2nd reading in Genesis 6:9 – 11:32. I found 2 interesting videos to begin to paint a perspective on this reading. The second video is from one of Nedra’s favorite Kabbalah teachers who she knows personally…