Some years ago, a bar mitzvah student reframed for me the rivalry between twin brothers Jacob and Esau. This young man, the son of restaurateurs and now a culinary student himself, said that everything depended on the brothers’ “cooking contest.”

His insight is true to the story. The brothers enact their rivalry over food. Early in their young adult lives, they vie for the birthright. Esau sells it to Jacob for a bowl of soup. Later in their young adult lives, they compete to receive the blessing from their father. Jacob, knowing that his father promised to bless Esau after dinner, rushes to feed his father first.

Over what, exactly, are these culinary brothers competing? The birthright seems to refer to a double share of their father’s monetary wealth. (In the end, each becomes independently wealthy in his chosen profession, and neither needs the family money.) The blessing seems to identify the son who will carry on the family’s spiritual tradition. The story hints that food is a key to spirituality.

In what way might food be a key to spirituality? Spiritual practices such as meditation, study, music, or prayer have their place. Each one appeals to some people, and turns off some people. Food, on the other hand, is universal. Everyone appreciates eating.

No wonder food is an important part of contemporary Jewish spiritual practice: ritual holiday foods, communal celebratory meals, feeding the hungry, fasts followed by feasts, and more. When I reflect on food and spirituality a few experiences stand out for me. Shabbat dinners, bringing joy; Yom Kippur fasts, bringing empathy for the hungry; and first meals after bouts of illness, bringing gratitude and appreciation for life.

How does food open you to spiritual experience?

For more perspectives on Parshat Toldot (Genesis 25:19-28:9) click here.