Yosef becomes the leader of the civilized world, and tries to bring his younger, beloved brother to his side.

Yosef transforms from a young, disruptive kid, into a like-able, and trustworthy employee while experiencing a few significant hiccups a long the way

Yaakov becomes Yisrael. This parsha is all about Yaakov's transformation from a timid, and passive character, to one of the Forefathers, who shapes history.

Yaakov flees for his life, builds his family and business, and begins to experience considerable success - all while he is dreaming of angels...

Yitzchak and Rivka find their voices, try to find a space to live, and look to find their future.

Sarah passes and Avraham negotiates for a gravesight. Eleizer seeks out a wife for Yitzchok (66 verse narrative!) and returns succesfully. Avrham remarries, dies as does Yishmael.

Rabbi Shaffer of PJC (pikesvillejewish.com) offers a brief summary of the Parsha, aliya by aliya, peppered with insights.