At the “Beit Tzindlicht” children’s educational center, a leading preschool institution of the Jewish Community of Dnipro, the children continued their acquaintance with the weekly Torah portions, studying the portion of Toldos, dedicated to the story of the Patriarch Yitzchak, his wife Rivka, and their sons Yaakov and Esav. Becoming acquainted with the stories of the Torah from early childhood is an important part of the center’s educational program, helping the little ones become part of the spiritual heritage of the Jewish people.
The weekly portion of Toldos, whose name is translated as “Descendants” or “Genealogy,” tells about the birth of the twins Yaakov and Esav, their different characters and life aspirations, as well as about the events connected with the birthright and Yitzchak’s blessing. In this story are revealed themes important for Jewish tradition – responsibility for one’s own choice, the value of spiritual heritage, and the continuity of generations.
A special place in the portion is occupied by the image of Yaakov, who strove for spiritual improvement and the study of Torah, in contrast to Esav, who preferred hunting and occupations connected with the material world. The story of the two brothers helps one speak about the fact that people may have different characters and inclinations, but it is precisely their deeds and life values that determine the path they choose.
For preschool Jewish education, such stories hold special significance. Through becoming acquainted with the patriarchs and matriarchs, children gradually learn where the history of the Jewish people begins, why it is so important to preserve the traditions of one’s family and to pass them on to future generations. The weekly turning to the Torah makes it possible to make this knowledge a natural part of education and to gradually form in the little ones a sense of belonging to their people.
“When we introduce children to the weekly Torah portions, we lay the foundations of their Jewish worldview,” noted preschool teacher Malka Averbukh. “The stories of our patriarchs and matriarchs help the little ones understand that they are part of a great history that has been continuing for thousands of years. It is especially important that children from an early age know that the Torah is not merely accounts of a distant past but a source of wisdom that helps us today as well. For the opportunity to raise the new generation of Jewish children in an atmosphere of Yiddishkeit, to pass on to them love for the Torah and the traditions of our people, we sincerely thank the united and cohesive Jewish Community of Dnipro under the leadership of Chief Rabbi Shmuel Kaminezki.”
