Embracing Peace in a Troubled Land – Lessons from Isaac -Sermon for Parashat Toldot By Rabbi Or Zohar

Written by Writings & Sermons by others — 21 November 2023

Shabbat Shalom, dear friends. We have just had the pleasure of listening to Emily’s wonderful reading from the final portion of today’s parasha. Thank you, Emily, for being our teacher this morning and for sharing your wisdom regarding intergenerational relationships in parashat Toldot and in our modern lives. With your consent, and to avoid repetition, my sermon today will center on an earlier section of our weekly parasha – the tale of our patriarch Isaac’s excavation of the wells of peace in the land of Canaan.

 

Together, we will follow the footprints of our patriarch Isaac, and draw inspiration from his story. The portion of Toldot reminds us of the importance of peace, reconciliation and collaboration, as exemplified through Isaac’s journey and his interactions with the local inhabitants in the south western areas of the land of Kanaan.

 

Isaac, unlike his father Abraham and his son Jacob, who were both wonderers and travelers, chose to remain in the land of his birth, and never left it. Rather than running away, or seeking to find answers in faraway places, Isaac’s choice was to stay put in one place. What was is about him that made him so resilient and endurable?

 

As we reflect upon the story of Isaac this Shabbat, we encounter profound teachings that can guide our actions in times of turmoil, significanct especially in the context of our own lives, and the current tragic situation in the very same region in which Isaac had lived.

 

In this story, we witness how Isaac peacefully dug wells in the land of Gerar – an area geographically identical to the current Gaza strip and the surrounding Israel communities in the Western Negev desert. Isaac’s actions illustrate our people’s ability to apply advanced knowledge and technological innovation to solve humanity’s problems, as he successfully dug these ancient wells, satisfying his own water needs and nourishing the surrounding community in the process.

 

Yet Isaac’s main asset and advantage were not his intellectual wit and technological advancement. His actions revealed his true character, demonstrating his desire for harmony and cooperation with the people with whom he shared the land of Canaan. This serves as a reminder for us, the inheritors of his legacy, to emulate his commitment to peaceful coexistence.

 

Today, we find the same land in which Isaac had lived in his life to be a region burdened with tension and strife. It is disheartening to witness the continued animosity and discord among the inhabitants of this land. Yet, just as Isaac recognized the value of forging connections with the locals, we too have an obligation to create bridges and cultivate understanding amongst neighboring communities.

 

Isaac’s story offers us invaluable insights into the complexities of peacebuilding. When faced with conflict, he would patiently relocate and dig new wells rather than escalating the confrontation. This demonstrates his remarkable ability to adapt, accommodating the needs of others while carving out a space for himself. When Isaac approached the king of Gerar, he made the decision to engage in peaceful dialogue, considering the needs of everyone involved and acknowledging the vital importance of water as a shared resource. Instead of perceiving scarcity or solely focusing on his own needs, Isaac devised a viable solution that ensured all residents in the region would have access to water, resulting in a win-win situation.

 

In applying Isaac’s teachings to our contemporary reality, we recognize the necessity of promoting dialogue, finding common ground, and respecting the rights and dignity of all. Isaac’s path may have been difficult, but he persisted in his pursuit of peace and well-being. We too must embrace this perseverance despite the difficulties that manifest in such violent and tragic forms nowadays.

 

It is crucial to acknowledge the unfortunate reality plaguing this very same region Isaac inhabited so long ago. Conflicts still persist, causing immense suffering and displacing countless lives. In this moment, we must remember that Isaac’s story is not just an inspiring tale from our history but a call to action for today. In Isaac’s time, there were also war, strife and conflict between the various tribes and nations that lived in Kanaan. Yet Isaac’s choice was to resolve conflict by respectful dialogue rather than to resort to the force of the sword.

 

From my personal experience of living in Israel for many years, I cantestify that this possibility is within reach. The work undertaken by my colleagues and me in our organization, the Spirit of the Galilee, as well as the efforts made by numerous similar organizations throughout Israel, reinforce the notion that religious and community leaders of different denominations can engage in peaceful dialogue and unite their respective communities.

 

It is interesting to observe that in our specific region of Israel, where Jews and Arabs live side by side, there has not been a single stone thrown or gunshot fired since the outbreak of the recent war over a month ago. This prevailing peace is attributable to the fact that the people in our region, irrespective of their backgrounds, place great importance on dialogue, mutual respect, and harmonious coexistence.

 

As the inheritors of Isaac’s legacy, we are compelled to strive for peaceful dialogue, understanding, and empathy. In the Galilee region, in London, and everywhere else: Let us aspire to be the peacemakers of our generation, actively seeking resolutions rather than perpetuating division. By engaging in open and respectful conversations, we can bridge gaps, comprehend different perspectives, and work towards shared goals of harmony and justice in our society.

 

Let us draw inspiration from Isaac’s unwavering commitment to peace and apply it to the present circumstances. May this Shabbat be a time for deep reflection and introspection, as we consider how we can contribute to fostering understanding and empathy in a troubled world.

 

May we, the descendants of Isaac, follow in his footsteps. Through our collective efforts, may we contribute to the ongoing journey towards lasting peace, reconciliation, and justice.

 

Shabbat Shalom.