The Power of One: Tefillah, Tears, and Teshuva in Parashat Toldot

Good evening, everyone!

It's very late here in Jerusalem, but as Shabbat approaches early, I wanted to share a message. There's nothing quite like returning to Yerushalayim from abroad. The constant worry for Eretz Yisrael transforms into a deeper connection to HaKadosh Baruch Hu. Our purpose now is clear: to connect, to daven, and to help those around us.

This week's Parashat Toldot holds profound lessons, especially as we enter Chodesh Kislev. I dedicate this message to Eloi Neshama ben Rabbi Yitzchak, for the yeshua (salvation) of our entire family, and for myself in particular.

We will explore the immense power of:

• One Tefillah (prayer)

• One Tear

• One Thought of Teshuva (repentance)

Understanding their potency can help us leverage them more effectively.

The Power of Persistent Prayer: Yitzchak and Rivka's Tefillah

The Parasha begins by telling us that Yitzchak and Rivka were childless for 20 years, a source of great heartache. Despite their ongoing prayers, they made a pivotal decision: to go together to Har HaMoriah, a place of immense merit where Yitzchak had willingly offered his life to Hashem.

The Torah uses a unique word to describe Yitzchak's prayer: "Vaye'etar Yitzchak la'Nochach Ishto" – "And Yitzchak prayed intensely opposite his wife." Rashi explains that "Vaye'etar" signifies a prayer that is relentless, overflowing, and pours forth from the heart.

Chazal teach that "Vaye'etar" is related to the word for a farmer's long iron fork used to turn hay for drying. Just as the farmer leaves no single blade of grass untouched, so too, when one davens from the depths of their heart, every word is infused with meaning and emotion.

We see this power again with King Chizkiyahu. When told by Yeshayahu HaNavi that he was destined to die, Chizkiyahu refused to give up hope. He declared, "Even if a sharp sword is placed upon a person's neck, he should never give up on mercy." He turned to the wall and "Vaye'itpalel" – he prayed. Chazal explain he davened with "chilot libo" – from the very core of his heart.

This is the power of such prayer. After Yitzchak and Rivka's heartfelt tefillah on Har HaMoriah, Rivka became pregnant. Such is the incredible power of intense prayer.

The Power of a Single Tear: Esav's Cry

When Yaakov received the blessings intended for Esav, Esav "Vayitz'ak tz'akah gedolah u'marah" – "And he cried a great and bitter cry." Chazal teach that a single tear, or some say two or three, fell as he screamed out in bitterness. This tear, we are told, ascended to the Kisei HaKavod (Divine Throne) in Heaven.

This is why, in the time of Purim, Haman – a descendant of Esav – caused Mordechai to cry out bitterly as well. The power of a tear is so immense that no tear goes unanswered. We may not see an immediate response, but Hashem preserves every tear, every tefillah, for the precise moment it is needed.

The Power of a Single Thought of Teshuva: The Story of Yakum Ish Tzurorot

The beginning of Parashat Toldot offers another deep insight into the power of teshuva. When Yitzchak blessed Yaakov, he "Vayeirach et Re'ach Begadav" – "He smelled the scent of his garments" and declared, "Re'ach b'ni k'Re'ach Sadeh asher Beircho Hashem" – "The scent of my son is like the scent of a field blessed by Hashem."

The Midrash, as my father zechrono livracha used to teach, offers an alternative reading: "Vayeirach et Re'ach Bogdav" – "He smelled the scent of his traitors." Yitzchak Avinu, through prophecy, foresaw future generations of Jewish traitors who would rebel against their roots and cause great destruction.

The story of Yakum Ish Tzurorot illustrates this. Yakum was the nephew of Rabbi Yossi ben Yo'ezer, a great Tanna during the Greek persecution. While Rabbi Yossi continued to teach Torah despite the death decree, Yakum assimilated into Hellenistic society. One Shabbat, Yakum encountered his uncle being led to execution. Yakum mocked him, saying, "You suffered your whole life for Torah, and this is your end. I rejected it all and have great honor."

Rabbi Yossi, with profound humility, calmly responded: "If I, who strive in Torah, receive such a challenging end, how much more will those who don't study Torah suffer? And if you, who transgress, receive such wealth in this world, then certainly those who keep Torah will receive immense reward, if not in this world, then in the World to Come."

Yakum was speechless. These words pierced his heart like a dagger. He realized the immense Chillul Hashem (desecration of God's Name) he had caused. He determined that the only way to atone was through self-sacrifice. He put himself to death, enduring four types of death to atone for his sins. Chazal teach that his uncle, upon hearing of Yakum's death, declared that his nephew had preceded him into Gan Eden.

This demonstrates the extraordinary power of teshuva. Even for a "boged" – one who rebels against their very essence – there is always hope for return and forgiveness through a sincere thought of teshuva. We must never give up on ourselves or on others.

The Blessings of Connection: "Ve'yiten Lecha"

How does Yitzchak's blessing to Yaakov begin? "Ve'yiten Lecha Ha'Elokim mi'Tal HaShamayim u'mi'Shmanei Ha'Aretz" – "And God shall give you of the dew of the heavens and of the fatness of the earth." The Midrash explains that the letter vav (ו) at the beginning of "Ve'yiten" signifies continuity. Blessings, once received, will continue to flow.

However, these blessings are contingent upon a crucial connection. "Ve'yiten Lecha" – "He shall give you" – only if there is a vav of connection. If you are connected to Hashem through prayer, through mitzvot, through Torah, then you merit the greatest blessings.

Hidden and Revealed: Trusting Hashem's Plan

This week, I heard a beautiful story from Rabbi Pesach Krohn. A non-religious family from Mexico emigrated to Los Angeles and enrolled their son in a religious school. The son became shomer Torah u'Mitzvot and inspired his entire family to become observant. Tragically, he was killed in a car accident at a young age.

Heartbroken, the parents sought guidance from their rabbi, who suggested commissioning a Sefer Torah in their son's merit, as he was so devoted to Torah. When selecting the parchment for the Sefer Torah in New York, the parents, in their grief, quickly chose the cheapest option.

Weeks later, the Sofer (scribe) came to Los Angeles to show them other parchment options. The rabbi was giving a powerful speech at a Hachnasat Sefer Torah (dedication of a Torah scroll) event, emphasizing the verse, "HaNistarot La'Shem Elokeinu v'HaNiglot Lanu u'L'Vaneinu ad Olam" – "The hidden things belong to Hashem our God, but the revealed things belong to us and to our children forever." He spoke of how some events in life are hidden from our understanding, but we must trust in Hashem's wisdom.

After the speech, the Sofer again presented the parchments. This time, the parents chose the most beautiful, likely most expensive, one. Why the change? This particular parchment had the very verse, "HaNistarot La'Shem Elokeinu..." written on it. Seeing those words, they felt an immense sense of chizuk (strengthening) and renewed trust in Hashem. This was the encouragement they needed.

Today, we too face so many "hidden things." We must strengthen our emunah (faith) and bitachon (trust) in Hashem. We must intensify our tefillot and perform every mitzvah with great love. If we do so, "Ve'yiten Lecha" – HaKadosh Baruch Hu will give us yeshua and geulah (redemption) very soon, mamash.

Have a wonderful Shabbos, and my love from Yerushalayim, the Holy City. May we only share good tidings!