Daily Chumash

Yaakov splits his camp in two, ready for battle. Eisav runs to him and they embrace.

Yaakov sends gifts of livestock to Eisav. He encounters an angel with whom he has an altercation and prevails.

Yaakov prepares to encounter his brother Eisav. He prepares for battle, sends gifts of appeasement, and beseeched G-d.

Yaakov escapes. Lavan pursues him and challenges his intent. Yaakov defends the integrity of his actions.

Yaakov escapes his father-in-law Lavan's compound, for the land of Israel. He is pursued once again by Lavan and his men, and a treaty is made between them.

The historical meeting between Yaakov and Rachel at the well. Yaakov leaves Eretz Yisrael with a light heart, after receiving the blessings. He encounters shepherds and their flocks congregating around a great rock covering the cistern in the center of Charan. Yaakov removes the rock single-handedly upon the sight of his cousin, Rachel. Lavan embraces him and promises him his daughter as a wife, in exchange for work.

This portion discusses the marriage of Yaakov to Leah, Rachel, Bilhah, and Zilpah, and the birth of the first 10 of the 12 tribes.

This is Sunday's portion of Parshas Vayeitzei. Yaakov flees, has an epic dream

Offerings to G-d predated the giving of the Torah. This very physical act is also an act of love showing devotion to G-d and means of becoming close to Him.