Study

Jacob's response to his dream provides us with two models of discovering God's presence.

Recognizing that Creation and many natural phenomena are clouded in mystery can actually enrich our lives with meaning.

Rather than dividing the spiritual and physical blessings between Jacob and Esau, Rebecca saw the need for Jacob to receive both.

Reflected in the names of her children, Leah grows to recognize her own worth, independent of Jacob's feelings for her.

Jacob's response to his dream teaches us to turn our dreams into visions and our visions into reality.

Abraham's relationship to the Land of Israel teaches us to use it as a means of building a just and compassionate society.

Abraham and Rebecca, known for their kindness, are strong role models for us.

Isaac's decision to bless both of his sons gives us hope for achieving a peaceful solution to the conflict between Jews and Palestinians.

Jacob and Rebecca teach us that we can alter our fates and achieve greatness.

The Midrash explains what it means that Abraham was blessed with everything and what a blessed life could mean for us.

Like Abraham, who introduced a new model for relating to God and humankind, we continue to integrate social justice into religious practice.

Honesty is a value only insofar as it leads to growth, compassion and peace.