Torah Commentary

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

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

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

The brothers could not speak peacefully with Joseph because they allowed their anger and resentment to control them.

Judah merits the position of kingship because of his ability to acknowledge and overcome his mistakes.

Parashat Vayeshev teaches us the importance of ensuring that we enact justice in light of the ease with which our systems of justice can be abused.

The consequences of what we say are extremely far-reaching, demanding that we choose our words carefully.

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.