A Message from Rabbi Bellows

November 8, 2026/27 Cheshvan 5787

Dear Friends,

This week’s Torah portion, Toldot, is filled with family tensions, difficult choices, and competing voices. One of its most memorable lines comes when Isaac is blessing his sons. He says to Jacob, whom he believes is Esau: “The voice is the voice of Jacob, but the hands are the hands of Esau” (Genesis 27:22).

This line is worth considering as we think about democracy and our responsibility to make our voices heard.

We have just witnessed important elections in both the United States and Israel. Here at home, American voters went to the polls in the midterm elections, bringing significant changes to Congress. In Israel, voters participated in a closely contested national election, with no single political bloc securing a majority. In both countries, people showed up to make their voices heard and to help determine the direction of their nation.

Democracy gives us the right, the opportunity, and the responsibility to participate, to express our hopes and concerns, and to work toward the future we want to see. It reminds us that our voices matter, and we can and do make a difference. 

Jews especially know that we are not meant to be silent observers of the world around us. Our tradition teaches us to speak up, question, challenge injustice, and take responsibility for the communities we live in.

Parashat Toldot reminds us that voices have power. The question is what we choose to do with ours. Whether in the United States, in Israel, or in our school districts and municipalities, we have a voice. We have a vote. We have a responsibility to use them. May we never take that privilege for granted.

With Blessings,

Rabbi Bellows