Our Middah this week is “Think Before You Act.” In Parshat Toldot, we encounter a powerful example of this principle in the interaction between Ya’akov and Eisav. Eisav, driven by impulsive hunger, sells his birthright to Ya’akov for a bowl of lentil stew. The Torah describes this moment:
וְיַעֲקֹב נָתַן לְעֵשָׂו לֶחֶם וּנְזִיד עֲדָשִׁים, וַיֹּאכַל וַיֵּשְׁתְּ, וַיָּקָם וַיֵּלַךְ; וַיִּבֶז עֵשָׂו, אֶת-הַבְּכֹרָה.
“Ya’akov gave Eisav bread and lentil stew, and he [Eisav] ate, and he drank, and got up and left; thus, Eisav spurned his birthright.” (Genesis 25:34)
Eisav’s impulsiveness here is a reminder of how acting on immediate emotions or needs, without stopping to reflect, can lead to decisions we later regret. His birthright, a privilege with profound significance, is dismissed in a moment of short-sighted hunger.
The ability to pause and think before acting is one of the defining traits that distinguishes human beings from animals. While animals often act instinctively, reacting to stimuli or immediate needs, human beings are gifted with the capacity for self-reflection, moral reasoning, and planning. Our developed prefrontal cortex allows us to weigh consequences, align our actions with our values, and make thoughtful decisions.
From a Jewish perspective, this capacity is central to our role as individuals with Bechira Chofshit—free will. We are not bound by instinct alone but are called to act with wisdom and intentionality. Eisav’s impulsive behaviour in Toldot illustrates what happens when we allow momentary desires to override long-term thinking. In contrast, Ya’akov’s calculated approach reflects forethought and a recognition of future consequences.
The Torah’s message here is clear: thoughtful actions lead to better outcomes. Acting impulsively, like Eisav, can damage our relationships, alter our goals, and leave us with lasting regret. But when we slow down, reflect on the values that guide us, and carefully consider the outcomes of our decisions, we elevate ourselves and those around us.
At The Toronto Heschel School we strive to help our students to think before they act. We promote skills such as mindfulness, meditation, and tefillah to help our students become more attuned to their inner voice that helps them to become more self-aware and reflective individuals. This week, let’s take inspiration from Parshat Toldot to pause before reacting, think before making decisions, and ensure our actions align with the kind of person we strive to be.
Shabbat Shalom U’Mevorach,
Moreh Alan
