Parshat Toldos
Rabbi Jablinowitz
We read in the first pasuk in this week's parsha V'Eileh Toldods Yitzchak ben Avraham, Avraham Holid es Yitzchak. These are the generations of Yitzchak the son of Avraham, Avraham fathered Yitzchak. The obvious question is why does the Torah repeat that Avraham fathered Yitzchak if the first half of the pasuk states that Yitzchak was ben Avraham? Rashi answers by quoting the Medrash which states that the Latzanei HaDor, the scoffers of the generation, were questioning Yitzchak's lineage. They said it didn't make sense that all the years Sarah lived with Avraham she didn't get pregnant, yet suddenly now she became pregnant after having been taken by Avimelech. Therefore, Hashem made Yitzchak similar in features to Avraham in order to clearly indicate that Avraham as the father. This is why the Torah stresses and repeats Avraham Holid es Yitzchak. Everyone realized that Avraham was the father of Yitzchak.
The Medrash Rabbah (63, 2) on the beginning of our parsha quotes the pausk in Mishlei (Chapter 17, Pasuk 6), Ateres Zekainim Bnei Banim, V'Tiferes Banim Avosam. The crown of the older generation is their grandchildren, and the glory of the sons is their father. The Nesivos Shalom explains that this pasuk is quoted in the Medrash because it relates to the opening pasuk. V'Eileh Toldos Yitzchak ben Avraham, this is an expression of the notion that the glory of the sons is their father. Yitzchak, who represented the trait of Yirah, of fear, needed to develop the trait of serving Gd through love; and he received that from his father Avraham. And Avraham, who served Hashem primarily from chesed and love, needed to develop the trait of serving Gd from fear. This was something he derived form his son Yitzchak, as the pasuk states Avraham Holid es Yitzchak. This is the idea taught in MIshlei that the crown of the fathers is their sons and grandsons. Avraham became more complete in his Avodas Hashem by adapting the trait of his son Yitzchak.
This is relevant at the beginning of the parsha when we read about the generations of Yitzchak because the main progeny of Yitzchak was Yaakov. And Yaakov, who was the trait of Rachamim, was the right mix of love and fear which had been developed by his father and grandfather. This is because one must learn from one's father and see his legacy as his crown. But in addition the father needs to appreciate the teachings of his offspring as well and see their achievements as his crowning glory.
The reason these two traits of love and fear need to be combined is because one ought to serve Gd in a willing manner of love and devotion. But his is not always possible. Sometimes one may not feel particularly moved to do mitzvos but he needs to do so regardless. This is why he needs to develop the trait of fear as well. Fear enables a person to serve Hashem even when he is not very inspired. This proper blend of these traits is the true and only way to serve Hashem. And this is the way of Yaakov about whom the pasuk states (Michah, Chapter 7, Pasuk 20) Titen Emes L'Yaakov, give truth to Yaakov.
Therefore, precisely at the point of introducing Yaakov Avinu to us, the Torah informs us that Yitzchak was the son of Avraham, he learned and acquired the traits of his father since he saw his glory as being the traditions of his father. But the Torah adds that Avraham Holid es Yitzchak, Avraham's crown was his son. The special trait of Yirah which Yitzchak had, Avraham acquired as his crowning achievement. In his ultimate nisayon at the Akeidah, the Torah says (Chapter 22, Pasuk 12), Atah Yadati Ki Yerei Elokim Atah. The angel of Gd tells Avraham now I know that you are a Gd fearing man; by pushing himself to serve Hashem even when he didn't really want to indicates a true sense of Yirah. And this is what the pasuk in Mishlei calls Ateres Zekainim Bnei Banim.
Good Shabbos
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