The Sages argue that peace in the home is a fundamental value that is to be upheld by both husbands and wives, supported by the community, and sometimes even God Herself. Sh’lom bayit supersedes other obligations

My mailbox is overflowing this time of year. There are the holiday cards from friends near and far, the packages, mostly addressed to my son, stuffed into the mailbox or left on the doorstep. And the solicitations from charities – so many requests for donations.

“Have you but one blessing, Father? Bless me too, Father!” These might just be the most heartbreaking words in the whole Torah. Isaac, old and blind, is nearing death. He wants to give a special blessing to his favorite son, Esau...