The Gift that Keeps on Giving

Exploring how through connecting more deeply with Hashem, we can tap into the continuity of blessing. Print and enjoy over Shabbos.

Recently, I celebrated my birthday and found myself reflecting on the incredible gift of life. It’s such a bracha, but it also made me wonder—how do we make the most of this gift?

In this week’s parashah, we read about a pivotal moment in our history: Yaakov receiving the bracha from Yitzchak, a bracha that would shape the destiny of our people. The Torah describes it as follows:

"ויתן־לך האלהים מטל השמים ומשמני הארץ ורב דגן ותירש. יעבדוך עמים וישתחוו לך לאמים הוה גביר לאחיך וישתחוו לך בני אמך ארריך ארור ומברכיך ברוך."

"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 sharp focus on textual nuance, questions why the letter ו, a conjunction indicating connection or continuation, opens this bracha. Drawing from the Midrash, …