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Parashat Toldot

תּוֹלְדוֹת · Genesis 25:19 to 28:9, portion 6 of 12 in the book of Genesis.

Next reading

Saturday 14 November 2026

4 Kislev 5787

In Israel and abroad

The year after

Saturday 4 December 2027

4 Kislev 5788

In Israel and abroad

What happens in Toldot

Rebecca gives birth to twins, Esau and Jacob, who struggle even before they are born. Esau sells his birthright to Jacob for a pot of lentil stew. Isaac lives among the Philistines and digs wells. When Isaac, old and blind, means to bless Esau, Rebecca has Jacob receive the blessing instead. Esau's anger sends Jacob away to Rebecca's brother Laban in Haran, and Esau marries a daughter of Ishmael.

וְאֵלֶּה תּוֹלְדֹת יִצְחָק בֶּן־אַבְרָהָם אַבְרָהָם הוֹלִיד אֶת־יִצְחָק

“And these are the generations of Isaac, Abraham’s son: Abraham begot Isaac.”

Genesis 25:19, the opening verse, in the 1917 Jewish Publication Society translation.

This week's portion·All 54 portions

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Frequently asked questions

When is Parashat Toldot read in 2026?+

On Shabbat 14 November 2026 (4 Kislev 5787), in Israel and in the Diaspora alike. The year after, it is read on 4 December 2027.

What is Parashat Toldot about?+

Rebecca gives birth to twins, Esau and Jacob, who struggle even before they are born. Esau sells his birthright to Jacob for a pot of lentil stew. Isaac lives among the Philistines and digs wells. When Isaac, old and blind, means to bless Esau, Rebecca has Jacob receive the blessing instead. Esau's anger sends Jacob away to Rebecca's brother Laban in Haran, and Esau marries a daughter of Ishmael.