Everyone has a unique lesson to contribute to the world, particularly, the patriarchs of the Jewish people. Each of them exhibited a different trait, and we should learn from all of them.
Abraham taught us how to be kind, how to leave the comfort of our own homes and be Jewish outside our homes. Abraham demonstrated that principle when he went to Egypt and other places and taught about G-d wherever he went.
Isaac, on the other hand, taught us the power of restraint. Isaac didn’t leave the comfort of home. However, his task was to create such a holy environment within his home that news would travel about his unique perspective on life, and people would come to him.
So which is a more daunting task: traveling to preach, or staying put to teach?
Traveling is an inconvenience, but the audience is easier to teach. As the saying goes, “A guest for a while, sees for a mile,” and therefore has an easier time making a good impression. On the other hand, staying home is much more convenient, but the message is much more challenging to deliver, as you have to be much more persuasive to attract people to come to you.
There is no right or wrong to this question because they are both right answers. These are two ways of behaving. Our ancestors are role models for us, and we must learn how to live in harmony both ways.
The question that we should be asking ourselves is, “When do we live like Abraham and when like Isaac?”
The name of this week’s Torah portion gives us the answer.
This week’s Torah portion is Toldot, which means “offspring.” This word is associated with Isaac more than with Abraham – Toldot teaches us that when it comes to our offspring, to our children, we have to create a home in Isaac’s style. We have to make our home so special that our children will want to be there, a home which our children will want to emulate in their own homes as they get older.
Abraham’s way of life is great for our professional life; Isaac’s way is great for our family life.