In Parshat Toldot, Yitzchak asked both his children a fundamental question. As they entered his tent, he asked them both, “Who are you (מִי־אָ֑תָּה)?” At first glance, one can think that Yitzchak just wanted to know who was in his tent because he couldn’t see, but I believe Yitzchak was teaching us something deeper.

Each one of us needs to know who we are. At different stages in life, different answers can be given but, when we know who we are, it makes what we are about to do easier and can help create more meaningful relationships. Yaakov recognized who he was! He realized he was the bechor (eldest) because Eisav gave him those rights.. He recognized that he was supposed to be the one who should receive the blessing because He feared and loved Hashem. When he knew that the essence of his being was being a person who was close to Hashem and can bring others closer, he knew that truth was a part of him but not the whole of Him. This allowed him to trick his father without lying too much.

Eisav, on the other hand, did not realize who he could be. He could have been a better person and could have reached greater heights, but he saw himself as a hunter who could die at any moment. He thought of himself as a warrior, a hunter and an idol worshipper. We are how we think of ourselves and when we see ourselves in one way, that is who we become instead of becoming who we truly can be.

May we all recognize who we are and acknowledge that we are part of a Jewish nation filled with love, unity and godliness. May we always have the ability to recognize who we are and who we could be!

Shira Sedek is a passionate educator at Ramaz Middle School in New York City who loves teaching Torah and inspiring her students.