The Gift that Keeps on Giving
Exploring how through connecting more deeply with Hashem, we can tap into the continuity of blessing. Print and enjoy over Shabbos.
Recently, I celebrated my birthday and found myself reflecting on the incredible gift of life. It’s such a bracha, but it also made me wonder—how do we make the most of this gift?
In this week’s parashah, we read about a pivotal moment in our history: Yaakov receiving the bracha from Yitzchak, a bracha that would shape the destiny of our people. The Torah describes it as follows:
"ויתן־לך האלהים מטל השמים ומשמני הארץ ורב דגן ותירש. יעבדוך עמים וישתחוו לך לאמים הוה גביר לאחיך וישתחוו לך בני אמך ארריך ארור ומברכיך ברוך."
"And may God give you of the dew of heaven, and of the fatness [riches] of the land, and abundance of grain and wine. Peoples will serve you and nations bow to you. Be master over your brothers, and your mother’s sons will bow to you. Those who curse you are cursed, and those who bless you are blessed."
Rashi, with his sharp focus on textual nuance, questions why the letter ו, a conjunction indicating connection or continuation, opens this bracha. Drawing from the Midrash, Rashi explains that this bracha isn’t meant to be a one-time event but an ongoing gift. The Midrash beautifully conveys this idea with the phrase: "יתן ויחזור ויתן"—"Give, return, and give again."1
The Sfas Emes raises an insightful question on Rashi: If a bracha from Hashem is inherently enduring, meant to remain with Yaakov forever, why does the Midrash emphasize "give, return, and give again"? What deeper understanding is the Midrash conveying?
The Sfas Emes explains that the focus is not on how often Hashem gives, but on the ongoing cycle of receiving and utilizing the bracha. The true fulfillment of the bracha depends on our actions. When we use the bracha to bring Nachas Ruach to Hashem, we "return" it to its source. This return renews the bracha, creating a continuous integration between the Giver and the receiver.
The phrase "יתן ויחזור ויתן" expresses this ongoing connection. A bracha is not a one-time gift; it is part of a dynamic, living relationship.
The Sfas Emes also points out that while all nations receive bracha from Hashem, the unique cycle of renewal—of giving back and reactivating the bracha—is primarily available to those who use their blessings in service of Hashem. When the bracha is not used in this way, the cycle of continuous integration is interrupted, and the opportunity for renewal is lost.
This concept of "יתן ויחזור ויתן" isn’t confined to the spiritual realm—it has practical, tangible implications as well. When we use the brachos that Hashem grants us to support Torah or contribute to the collective efforts of Klal Yisrael, those brachos don’t fade away. Instead, they are rejuvenated, returning to us in even greater measure.
As we reflect on the preciousness of life and the brachos we’ve been given, let’s internalize this powerful truth: when you pay it forward, Hashem pays it back. May we all merit the enduring bracha of Yitzchak to Yaakov—a gift that truly keeps on giving.
From the archives:
On Parashas Toldos and its proximity with Rosh Chodesh Kislev
Bereishis Rabba 66:3