Jewish Texts
Parashat Chayei Sara: Summary
Following the death of Sara, Abraham purchases a burial plot and sends his servant to find a wife for Isaac.
Exile–The Absence Of Jewish Context
The descent into Egypt and Jacob's death left his family in an alien culture, forced to find a context for their traditions within themselves.
Carrying On After The Golden Age
Living after the Civil Rights Movement, we, like the children of Jacob, have the opportunity to carry the ideals of previous generations into the future.
Summary of Parashat Vayera
Isaac's birth, the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, the exile of Hagar and the ultimate sacrifice.
Tied To The Land
Both Jacob and Joseph understood the importance of imbuing their descendants with a commitment to the Land of Israel.
From Fratricide To Fraternal Solidarity
The Joseph story provides us with a domestic model for our national ability to move through reconciliation to solidarity.
Parashat Vayechi: Summary
On his deathbed, Jacob blesses his sons and asks them to bury him in Canaan.
Parashat Miketz: Summary
Joseph interprets Pharaoh's dreams and is appointed to implement Egypt's anti-famine plan, which brings him into contact with his brothers again.
Meeting The Faces Of Need
By personally handing out rations, Joseph established a human connection and involvement with those for whom he provided.
Parashat Lech-Lecha: Summary
Abram and Sarai follow God's call to journey to Canaan, where the covenant between God and Abraham is affirmed.