Torah Commentary

Jacob and his family's evolving relationship with God illustrates the complex struggle with faith and monotheism.

By judging others favorably and responding to them with kindness, we add holiness to the world.

Jacob and the Jewish people have learned powerful lessons from the experience of exile.

Joseph's experience in prison teaches him, and us, that we succeed and flourish when we support those around us.

Joseph teaches us to temper love with a sense of duty and a knowledge of right and wrong.

Despite Jacob's negative experiences with favoritism, he repeats this trait in his own family and home.

We can learn from Jacob's encounter with Esau to meet others as we would meet God.

Esau and Jacob are able to reconcile only when each is secure in his achievements.