Alternate First Reading

We are accustomed to talking about the “sacrifice of Isaac,” but this story could be [...]

After two harrowing stories — the near-deaths of both Ishmael [...]

After two harrowing stories — the near-deaths of both Ishmael [...]

There is a Yiddish folk tale that goes something like this: Why did God not [...]

There is a Yiddish folk tale that goes something like this: Why did God not [...]

In the reading for this week, one of the most [...]

Genesis 25:19-34 begins a group of narratives that biblical commentators [...]

Jacob runs from Esau’s murderous rage. The man who has [...]

Jacob’s surprising encounter with God at Bethel leads to reflection [...]