Biblical Events

Esau’s Evil Ways, Rebekah’s Ploy, The Blessing, Esau Returns

Birth of the Twins, Jacob and Esau Grow Up, Abraham’s Death, Esau Kills Nimrod, Jacob Buys the Birthright, Isaac Goes To Philistina

I trust that I shall never thus sell my birthright for a mess of pottage. Henry David Thoreau, Life Without Principle Selling something for “a messNot as in “This room is a mess,” but as in “mess hall” or “officer’s mess.” of pottage” isn’t as common an e...

Esau is born red and as hairy as an adult, and so he remains—red, intense, driven, violent. Jacob is born with his issues as well. Timid, a bookworm, Mama’s boy. Yet he is willing to acknowledge and confront Esau...

Esau was understandably perturbed over losing the blessing. But why was he suddenly concerned over his birthright? He had surrendered it with barely a protest years earlier, so what changed now?

Esau wasn't all bad. He had a stellar soul which shone brightly. So why didn't he receive the blessings?

When Jacob receives the blessings of his father Isaac he received a double blessing. What is the double blessings significance?

Love for G-d is limited by its own size. When we confront an obstacle greater than our love, we need something stronger to catapult us. Isaac's abnegation of self and strict code of obedience shifted his focus from himself onto G-d. Thus he was able to "u...

Esau sold his birthright for a pot of beans. But what did Jacob pay for it?

Who was Isaac? Even in Toldot, the only Parshah devoted primarily to Isaac’s 180 years, we are hard-pressed to find some clues to his identity and personality.