Too often we retreat to worries about our own needs and our own feelings. Like Esau, we come to believe that our pangs of hunger are the center of the universe. The rabbis suggest we redirect these feelings. This is why they insisted we recite a blessing before we eat.

Caring for animals teaches compassion for all living things. Compassion for other human beings begins with caring for our pets.

Too often people allow their certainty to blind them and impel them to make harrowing decisions. People continue to commit atrocities in God’s name. Far too many people shout, “I know what God wants. I know what these words mean. I am certain of God’s truth.”

The call gives meaning to Abraham’s journey. He did nothing to bring this about. That’s not why God called to him. Instead, he chooses to see his new, unplanned journey as blessed by God. And this offers him meaning and rescue.

We must become at ease with the questioning. We must embrace the doubt. It does not weaken our faith but instead strengthens it. Abraham remains a hero not because of perfect faith, but instead because he was just like everyone of us.

Truly righteous people are those who swim against the tide, who despite bad influences surrounding them stay the course. They follow the dictates of a moral code regardless of what everyone else is doing.  They are righteous because they ignore the costs and remain focused on doing right.