This week’s parasha contains the story of the birth of Jacob and Esau, twins of vastly different personalities. After they grow, Torah includes a story involving the continuity of the Covenant.
This week’s parsha introduces a very important concept within the historical narrative. Abraham takes a new wife. But who is this woman? Where did she come from?
The Sages depict a powerful and graphic scenario in which a willing and submissive Isaac accepts his fate: “This is as one who carries his stake for his own execution on his shoulder.”
A burnt-offering represents the unparalleled devotion of the worshiper, symbolically committing his entire essence, the body (what is seen), the mind (what is unseen), to the service of God.
On two separate occasions, Abraham is commanded by God to set out on a journey. The ascension to Moriah represents the realization of Abraham's initial departure from Haran.