Torah Commentary

Both Jacob and Joseph understood the importance of imbuing their descendants with a commitment to the Land of Israel.

God's presence at Jacob's deathbed teaches us that our reactions to the situations in which we find ourselves determine our spiritual perceptions.

Isaac's birth, the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, the exile of Hagar and the ultimate sacrifice.

The Joseph story provides us with a domestic model for our national ability to move through reconciliation to solidarity.

On his deathbed, Jacob blesses his sons and asks them to bury him in Canaan.

A flood destroys all living creatures, aside from Noah, his family and the animals in their ark.

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.