A new lesson from the cycle of weekly classes by the Chief Rabbi of Dnipro, Shmuel Kaminezki, dedicated to the weekly Torah portion of Toldot, has been released on the “Menorah” YouTube channel. This time, the Rav invites us to reflect on what makes relationships truly healthy and strong – in family, friendship, and spiritual life.
At the center of the lesson is the idea of mutuality. If only one person speaks in a relationship while the other merely listens, a full connection does not result. Each person must be not only a giver but also a receiver. To explain this principle, Rav Shmuel tells the story of the tzaddik of Ruzhin, who reprimanded his assistant for not setting out to a person ready to donate just two rubles. The trip cost four, but for the Rebbe what mattered was not the amount of money but the opportunity to let a person feel themselves a participant in a good deed.
Special attention is given to an episode from the portion of Toldos in which Yitzchak asks Esav to prepare him food before receiving the blessing. At first glance this request may seem strange, yet behind it hides an important lesson about relationships: blessing and closeness arise where there is mutual involvement and the desire to bring joy to another.
The episode concludes with a discussion about the relationship with the Almighty. Beyond the mitzvos that a person is obligated to fulfill, there is the possibility of doing something beyond the obligatory – not because it is prescribed, but out of a desire to bring joy to G-d. The Rav explains this through the concept of “nachas” – the joy that children bring to their parents. Such deeds help strengthen the connection with the Almighty and become a vessel for additional blessing.
Watch the new lesson by Rabbi Shmuel Kaminezki on the “Menorah” channel and share your thoughts in the comments!
