The show, Pawn Stars, is a runaway hit on the History Channel. It tells the story of three generations of the Harrison family and their Las Vegas pawnshop.
We've come to think of the twins Jacob and Esau as yin and yang, good guy and bad seed. But if we read the story with more sensitivity, we will note that neither character plays strictly to type. For political reasons, our tradition demonized Esau and elevated Jacob.
The Book of Genesis is full of unethical behavior or, at the least, highly questionable actions by our matriarchs and patriarchs. Abraham let Sarah be physically available to Pharaoh, indicating that she was his sister.
This week's Torah portion begins with the phrase, V'eileh toldot Yitzchak ben Avraham, "This is the line of Isaac son of Abraham" (Genesis 25:19), indicating that the text is now going to focus on Isaac, the second of the Patriarchs of our tradition.
Torah Commentary
What Would You Hold Onto – At Any Price?
The show, Pawn Stars, is a runaway hit on the History Channel. It tells the story of three generations of the Harrison family and their Las Vegas pawnshop.
Blessing: Not a Zero-Sum Game
We've come to think of the twins Jacob and Esau as yin and yang, good guy and bad seed. But if we read the story with more sensitivity, we will note that neither character plays strictly to type. For political reasons, our tradition demonized Esau and elevated Jacob.
Helicopter Parents and the Jewish Future
The Book of Genesis is full of unethical behavior or, at the least, highly questionable actions by our matriarchs and patriarchs. Abraham let Sarah be physically available to Pharaoh, indicating that she was his sister.
Isaac: Why Is This Patriarch Different from All Other Patriarchs?
This week's Torah portion begins with the phrase, V'eileh toldot Yitzchak ben Avraham, "This is the line of Isaac son of Abraham" (Genesis 25:19), indicating that the text is now going to focus on Isaac, the second of the Patriarchs of our tradition.
Tol’dot for Tots: Recognizing Your Child’s Strengths
A guide to help adults learn how to engage young children in a discussion about this week’s Torah portion.
Pagination