Torah Commentary

Jacob inspires us to overcome our Esau-like desires for instant gratification and physical power.

Isaac and Rebecca provide us with two models of parenting--love dependent on a specific interaction and love that is unconditional.

God and Abram's covenant between the pieces raises issues of conditionality and obligation still relevant today.

Jacob's death provokes the latent fear in Joseph's brothers that Joseph bears a grudge against them and the desire to make peace with him.

Jacob and Pharaoh's brief interaction over Jacob's age raises many questions about the complex relationship between the two.

Joseph serves as a model of creating opportunities for repentance and forgiveness.

The creation of many languages raises questions about communication today.

In their relationships with each other, Isaac, Rebecca, Jacob, and Esau, struggle between models of unity and connection and separation and deceit.

Rachel and Leah's complex relationship allows us to imagine new possibilities for strengthening our own relationships.

Isaac and Rebecca serve as a paradigm for Jewish marriage, and yet, their relationship is more complex than it may appear.