Toldot

Digging the Wells: The Importance of Protecting Our Natural Resources

By RABBI YUVAL CHERLOW
(Translated from the original Hebrew by Ariel Shalem)

In this week’s Torah portion, Yitzchak (Isaac) faces conflict with the Philistines and the people of Gerar rooted in the age-old struggle surrounding the scarcity of water. The issue of water is one of the most primary issues impacting the environment and more directly and immediately influencing mankind’s current quality of living. The Torah offers us insight as to how to deal with Israel’s contemporary water crisis.

Undermining the Established Order

By RABBI JAMES JACOBSON-MAISELS

One of the great challenges of social action is that the difficulties we face often seem insurmountable. Yet we must not despair. Rather, our sacred texts tell us that reversals are possible, that tyranny can be overcome. We must reinvigorate and rededicate ourselves to the possibility of transformation, to enabling, once more, slaves to go free and the powerless to become great.

Extreme Peacemaking

By RABBI DAVID ROSENN

The Torah teaches us not to hate the Edomites or Egyptians, challenging us to overcome even our deepest, most justifiable hatreds.

God's Wealthy Messengers

By RABBI DAVID ROSENN

Does it change your view of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob to think of them as rich? Were the prophets materially rich, and if so, did it make their missions easier?

The Shame of Hunger

By RABBI DAVID ROSENN

“There was a famine in the land,” reports this Torah portion. A famine was a tragedy then; now it’s an avoidable cause for shame.