Toldot

Honoring Spiritual Lineage

Adapted from Rabbi Shefa Gold

"Toldot" means "generations" or "lineage." To be fully human is to be connected to our lineage, to experience the presence of our ancestors within us. We receive the merit of their efforts, we learn from their mistakes, and we help heal wounds from the past.

Through the story of Toldot we learn to access our lineage. In his time, Avraham accomplished the great work of digging deep wells of spiritual sustenance. But his son Yitzchak lost access to the wealth of his lineage.  In middle age, he begins the difficult process of re-digging the stopped up wells of his father Avraham. He digs three wells before achieving success - direct communication from God, the Source.

The spiritual challenge of drawing from the well of our ancestors is to receive their essence and make it our own. There is always the danger of getting caught in the forms that we have inherited without tasting and knowing their essence. We must let our unique creative flow be opened by the legacy that we inherit.

How can we creatively be open to our lineage? Here are some activities. (1) Write a list of your beliefs about yourself and your world. Where did these beliefs come from?  Which of them remain useful? (2) Invoke the presence of your ancestors before your prayer. Ask for their encouragement, support and inspiration. (3) Go out in a place of spacious natural beauty and raise up your unique voice directly to God, the Source of all.

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