Parashat Toldot

Rebecca is barren for twenty years, then carries twins who struggle inside her. Esau is born first, red and hairy; Jacob follows holding his heel. Esau, a hunter, sells his birthright to Jacob for a bowl of lentil stew. Isaac lives among the Philistines, prospers, and reopens his father's wells. When Isaac grows old and blind, Rebecca dresses Jacob in Esau's clothes so that he receives the blessing meant for the firstborn. Esau vows to kill his brother, and Isaac sends Jacob to Haran to find a wife, blessing him again, this time knowingly.