From the Chassidic Masters

From the rivalry between Leah and Rachel, through the animosity between Joseph and his brothers, the clash between Saul and David, the split between Judah and Israel, to the dual nature of the messianic redemption—a rift and twinship that extends across history.

Among the numerous births recounted in the book of Genesis, two are of twins: the births of Isaac and Rebecca’s twins, Jacob and Esau; and the births of Peretz and Zerach, twin sons of Tamar and Judah. The similarities and the differences, the mystical meaning and the lesson in life.