Dedicate quality time to learning the weekly Torah portion on Shabbat to better understand the lives and actions of the Jewish Patriarchs and Matriarchs.

We are taught that the actions of the Jewish Patriarchs and Matriarchs are a sign for their progeny. How fortunate are we to be the descendants of both Abraham and Isaac. While on the surface, they may appear to have many similarities, as is recorded in this week’s Torah portion, Toledot, there is much that transpired in their lives that suggest important distinctions between them, especially how seemingly similar circumstances featured different results.

To appreciate how these differences truly reflect the different personalities of Abraham and Isaac, read this enlightening analysis entitled “Isaac, the Man of Commitment” from Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald’s Torah message for Toledot 5771-2010. Out of respect for Shabbat, please consider printing it on Friday afternoon if you plan to read it on Shabbat.