Sarah and Jason discuss Chayei Sarah, the fifth portion of the Torah, which covers the story of Sarah's death, Abraham purchasing a burial site, the search for Isaac's wife, and the death of Abraham and Ishmael.

Was this the first mention of the concept of private property? Why are characters always referenced in terms of who their father was? What is with the association of women and water? And what can we learn about dating and matchmaking from this story?

Sarah and Jason discuss Vayera, the fourth portion of the Torah, which covers the story of the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, the birth of Isaac, the continuation of the story of Hagar and Ishmael, and G-d’s test of Abraham where he asks him to offer Isaac as a burnt offering. Why is this portion filled with such dark stories? Why did G-d feel that He needed to test Abraham in such an extreme way? Did Abraham’s speech on justice change G-d’s mind about collective punishment?

Sarah and Jason discuss the third portion of the Torah, covering the story of Abraham and Sarah's journey to the land of Canaan, and the covenant between G-d, Abraham, and his descendants. Why is the promise of the land of Canaan so important? How does it relate to current events in the middle east? How have we internalized and interpreted the covenant differently over time? And what is the meaning of circumcision when a baby can't consent?