NOVEMBER 4 • 2021 | 39 Avot 1:2). These are the spir- itual pillars of the world. The Maharal of Prague explains that our forefathers, Avraham, Yitzchak and Yaakov, each embodied one of these pillars. Avraham is the icon of acts of kindness. He embodied compassion, giving and love for all people. Yitzchak is the icon of service of God. It was he who willingly submitted himself as a sacrifice to God, and embodied devout service and prayer. And Yaakov is the icon of Torah learning. This week’s parshah, Toldot, describes him as a pure man who dwelt in “tents, ” which our sages understand to mean the tents of Torah learning. Yaakov was someone devoted to the pursuit of truth. Rav Yaakov Kamanetsky raises an interesting question. He points out that Avraham and Yaakov each have a number of Torah portions devoted to their life story, while Yitzchak has just one — Toldot. Why is there so much told about Avraham and Yaakov and comparatively little about Yitzchak? Rav Yaakov Kamanetsky explains the discrepancy is related to the impact each had on the world around them. The Rambam writes that Avraham influenced tens of thousands of people to become adherents of ethical monothe- ism. His impact on the world was substantial. As the embod- iment of loving-kindness, he reached out to others — and people associated his kindness and compassion with God’s own kindness and compassion. The Midrash says, for example, that when Avraham would host guests in his home, at the end of the meal they would thank him, and he would redi- rect them to thank Hashem. As the one who disseminat- ed Torah to the world, Yaakov had a similarly momen- tous impact. Rav Yaakov Kamanetsky explains that Yaakov’s approach in teaching Torah was through its intellec- tual power. He was able to con- vey the depth of the wisdom of Torah to so many, illuminating both the world around them and within them. Yitzchak, on the other hand, was very private. He embodied personal discipline and self-sacrifice, and a deep, unwavering commitment to God. His impact on the world was through his one and only disciple — his son, Yaakov. Rav Yaakov Kamanetsky goes on to explain that Avraham and Yaakov had a much wider impact because their teachings were based on kindness and wisdom respec- tively, which are appealing and compelling to people. But Yitzchak’s message was one of discipline and self-control, of personal integrity and self-sac- rifice. These aren’t popular notions, and therefore his impact on the world was far more limited. Rav Yaakov Kamanetsky makes the point that while these three different approach- es impacted the world to dif- ferent degrees, nevertheless all three are essential. Kindness and empathy; wisdom and insight; self-discipline and personal integrity — all three are vital components of true greatness. And all three — and the people who embodied them — are the spiritual pillars on which the world stands and the very essence of the Jewish people. Rabbi Warren Goldstein is the chief rabbi of South Africa. This essay was first published on aish.com. OPEN DAILY 8:00 AM - 5:30 PM DAILY • INDOOR & OUTDOOR SALES AREAS Voted Best of the Best & Hour Magazine’s #1 Apple Cider Mill 2020 & 2021 ***** ***** 7450 Franklin Rd., Bloomfield Hills, MI 48301 • 248.626.8261 Order your Thanksgiving Pies NOW! All Sales Areas Open....Plus Easy Online Ordering Option! Pre-Pay Pick-up www.franklincidermill.com Order Your Thanksgiving Pies! Call 248.626.8261 or email: thefranklincidermill.gmail.com Apples! Apples! Apples! Buy your Discounted Bushels While they Last! Sign-up for Mill Messages....Updates & Special Offers Send your email address to: thefranklincidermill.gmail.com Franklin Cider Mill A NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE ESTABLISHED 1832 OPEN DAILY! 8:00 AM - 5:30 PM ...through Sunday, November 28, 2021 Stay in the know with all things Jewish... Get The Detroit Jewish News print edition delivered to your door every week for less than $2 per issue. thejewishnews.com/subscription Get The Detroit Jewish News print edition delivered Subscribe Today!