Weekly Torah Commentary

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.

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

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.

Joy and laughter, often embodied in children, can help us begin to live again after extreme disappointment and tragedy.

Like Jacob, who paid attention to Joseph's dreams, we should be mindful of events and experiences that evoke a sense of the Divine presence.

Like Jacob's struggle, each of us must recognize, confront and struggle with our darker side.