Jacob tricked his brother, ran away from home, and started a
family. Years later, he’s on his way back.
In anticipation of seeing his twin, Jacob sends Esau a huge
gift:
“200 goats and 20 he-goats, 200 ewes and 20 rams, 30 milk
camels and their young, 40 cows and 10 bulls, 20 female donkeys and 10 male
donkeys” (Genesis 21:16).
As his desperate prayer to God indicates, Jacob is terrified
that Esau means to harm him. “I will win him over with an offering in advance;
then, when I face him, he may pardon me,” Jacob, ever the schemer, reasons
(Genesis 21:21). His largess is really a bribe.
In this holiday season, it’s easy to think like Jacob does,
giving to get – perhaps a gift in return, some affection, or attention. But
there are eight nights of Hanukkah, eight chances to turn a perfunctory present
into a human connection. Can you elevate your gifting into something holy?
As you plan your gift giving this year, consider the
intangible: time spent with others, shared experiences, helping the community.
Sweaters fade and sweets get eaten. True connections last
forever.
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