Chayei Sarah
Genesis 23:1 - 25:18
November 21-22, 2008

Abraham and Sarah arrive in the town of Hebron where Sarah lives. Abraham acquires the Cave of Machpelah where he buries Sarah. Abraham is eager to find a wife for Isaac. Therefore, Abraham sends his servant to find a suitable bride for Isaac from among his own people. Isaac marries Rebecca. Soon thereafter, Abraham dies.

Tol’dot
Genesis 25:19 - 28:9
November 28-29, 2008

The ancestral narrative continues. Isaac and Rebecca give birth to twins, Jacob and Esau, who begin their lifelong struggle in the womb. The narrative covers several crucial incidents: Esau sells Jacob his birthright, Isaac passes off Rebecca as his sister to avoid danger, Rebecca arranges for the younger son, Jacob to receive Isaac's final blessing, in place of the older son, Esau, the rightful heir. Jacob flies from Esau's anger and goes to stay with Rebecca's brother Laban in Haran.

Vayeitzei
Genesis 28:10 - 32:3
December 5-6, 2008

While fleeing to Haran, Jacob dreams of angels ascending and descending a ladder. God comes to Jacob and repeats the blessing given to his father and grandfather, Abraham and Isaac, and promises to protect him and return him to Canaan. Jacob vows faithfulness to God in return. Jacob marries Laban's daughters, Leah and Rachel, after fourteen years of labor for them and after having been given Leah as a bridge in place of Rachel after the first seven years. Jacob fathers eleven sons, who will begin eleven of the twelve tribes of Israel, and one daughter, Dina.

Vayishlach
Genesis 32:4 - 36:43
December 12-13, 2008

On his journey back to Canaan, Jacob seeks reconciliation with his brother, Esau, and achieves it. That night, an angel of God comes to Jacob and wrestles with him until dawn. Jacob prevails over him and demands a blessing. The angel blesses him and changes his name from Jacob to Israel.

Vayeishev
Genesis 37:1 - 40:23
December 19-20, 2008

The story of Joseph's rise to power is told. The favored son, Joseph, incurs his brothers' wrath and they sell him to some merchants who, in turn, sell him as a slave to Potiphar in Egypt. Joseph is unjustly sent to prison by Potiphar's wife because he resists her advances. While in prison, Joseph becomes known for his ability to interpret dreams.

Mikeitz
Genesis 41:1 - 44:17
December 26-27, 2008

Word of Joseph's ability to interpret dreams reaches Pharaoh and he is released from prison because he interprets Pharaoh's dreams correctly. Saving Egypt from devastating famine, Joseph is rewarded with power and position, marries, and fathers two sons, Mannaseh and Ephraim.

Meanwhile, back in Canaan, Jacob is forced to send his sons to Egypt to buy grain. They appear in Joseph's court but do not recognize this powerful Egyptian as their brother. Joseph hides his identity from them and puts them through several tests of loyalty.