Decades ago, I heard a humorous tale from the late Rabbi Yaakov Rosenberg, who was known for his contributions both to Philadelphia and world Jewry. He cast a large shadow figuratively, through his accomplishments, and literally, through his considerable size. One year, when visiting Israel, the rabbi was waiting in line. Many of us know that "standing on queue" in...

A vivid, recurring image in Genesis is of Jacob setting up pillars of stone along his journey. In Vayetze -- this week's Torah portion -- we learn just how significant stones are to Jacob. Arriving at the first stop on his journey to Haran, Jacob takes "one of the stones of that place," and puts it under his head when...