There is much for us to learn from Jacob’s walk that helps us to understand our own walk.

Have you ever felt that a path you were forced to take against your will ultimately turned out to be the very one that brought you back to yourself?

A close reading of the biblical text reveals antisemitic patterns that we still see today.

God’s ways are beyond our human logic. He separates to Himself, as Jacob divided the flocks of Laban, those who are called and respond to His covenant purposes, and cares for them as a shepherd does his flock.

When rereading a well-known Torah portion leaves you open-mouthed, goosebumps all over, swept up in a deep inner rapture.

As we consider this week’s Torah portion, we might also consider our own situations as present-day custodians and witnesses of God’s covenant promises.

How do we carry on when the great figures who sustained us are no longer here?

Abraham was chosen as the father of people from all nations who would join his family through faith in the God of Abraham.

Abraham needed to grow in faith on his long journey through life. It was his willingness to learn such faith that commended him to God.