The Torah is full of examples of God blessing people, but it was just a few weeks ago in Torah Time, that Abraham becomes the first human to receive the power to bless. (Rashi on Genesis 12:2) But Abraham is afraid to use that power. According to medieval commentator Rashi, Abraham worries that he might bless the wrong person, or someone might use his blessing for evil. “Better not to bless at all,” Abraham thinks. So, he never gives a blessing – not even to his beloved son Isaac, for fear Isaac will bless bad people, too.

So God tries again, and gives Isaac the superpower power to bless. And Isaac, unlike his father, shows no hesitation. In this week’s parashah, Isaac does the very thing Abraham feared: he blesses both of his sons, the “good” Jacob and the “bad” Esav. He makes use of this superpower generously, without fear, without discrimination, following God’s example as the Giver of Blessings. And he passes this ability along to his son Jacob, who will bless all of his children with unique blessings tailored to their strengths.

May we follow Isaac’s example, wielding our ability to honor and empower others generously, granting blessing with a hopeful eye towards what might be. And may blessings increase for us, for all the Jewish people, and for all who dwell on Earth.