Vayechi

Vayechi Jacob Blessing Ephraim and Menashe Rembrandt 1656

The parashah describes Jacob’s desire for burial in Canaan, Jacob’s blessing of Joseph’s sons Ephraim and Menashe, Jacob’s blessing of his sons, Jacob’s death and burial, and Joseph’s death.

Vayigash

Parashat Vayigash Joseph Recognized by His Brothers (1863 painting by Léon Pierre Urbain Bourgeois)

In the parashah, Judah pleads on behalf of his brother Benjamin, Joseph reveals himself to his brothers, Jacob travels to Egypt, and Joseph’s leadership of Egypt saves lives while converting all Egyptians into bondmen.

Miketz

Joseph Interprets the Dream of Pharaoh_19th Century painting by Jean-Adrien Guignet

Joseph’s interpretation of Pharaoh’s dreams, Joseph’s rise to power in Egypt, and Joseph’s testing of his brothers are all told in Parasha Miketz.

Vayeshev

Vayeshev Joseph Interprets Dreams in Prison_Friedrich Wilhelm Schadow 1816-1817

After struggling with a “man,” Jacob reconciles with Esau in this parasha. The prince Shechem rapes Dinah, and Dinah’s brothers sack Shechem in retaliation. Rachel gives birth to Benjamin and dies in delivery during the family’s subsequent departure.

Vayishlach

Vayishlach - Jacob Wrestling with the Angel by Rembrandt

After struggling with a “man,” Jacob reconciles with Esau in this parasha. The prince Shechem rapes Dinah, and Dinah’s brothers sack Shechem in retaliation. Rachel gives birth to Benjamin and dies in delivery during the family’s subsequent departure.

Vayetze

Vayetze Jacob's Dream_Bartolome Esteban Murillo 1660-1665

The parasha describes Jacob’s journey to Harran, stay there, and journey back. The parasha describes Jacob’s dream of a ladder to heaven, how he met Rachel at the well, how he lived with Rachel and Leah while working for Laban, how his children were born, and how Jacob’s family eventually left Laban.

Toledot

Toledot Esav and Jacob Presented to Isaac_Benjamin West 1779–1801

The Toledot describes Jacob and Esau’s fight, Isaac’s passing off his wife Rebekah as his sister, and Isaac’s blessing of his sons.