This is the second in a three-part series from PJ Library and Ammud. Families can watch together as Rabbi Baruch Rosenberg shares an all-ages version of the Torah story of Jacob and Esau and then use the sections below to learn more together.
In this video Rabbi Baruch Rosenberg shares a retelling of the story of Jacob and Esau. As Rabbi Rosenberg tells the story, listen for clues about the relationship between Esau and Jacob, think about how Jacob feels at different moments and whether he might feel one thing in his body and another in his heart. You can also listen closely for how the Jewish people got their name, Israel. Use the buttons below to find books, activities, and more to continue learning with your family.
Big Question
How do you say you’re sorry?
Read
You can read about Jacob wrestling the angel in the Torah starting in Genesis 32:25
For children ages 5-8, learn together with one of these PJ Library books about ideas related to repairing relationships, wrestling with difficult (and big) feelings, and what it means to apologize:
In this story Max is jealous when his best friend Emma works with someone else on a class project, and he says some hurtful things. Using his cardboard time machine, he travels back to biblical times, where he sees the patriarch Jacob ask his brother Esau for forgiveness.
When Max sees Jacob apologize to Esau, he’s inspired to do some apologizing of his own. Centuries ago, the Jewish philosopher Maimonides outlined the ingredients of a good apology: specify what you are sorry for, show that you understand why it’s wrong, take full responsibility for the harm you caused, and take steps not to do it again. Everyone makes mistakes, which means that we all have to apologize sometimes. When we make things right with others, we are returning to the best version of ourselves. That’s why we refer to this process as teshuva, which in Hebrew means “returning.”
For more about the art and importance of a good apology, check out the following stories:
Do
How do we feel feelings in our body? How do we make sure that we are in touch with our bodies? What do we do when we make a mistake? If we feel like something is “off” with a friend?
Learn Together
About Ammud
Ammud is a national organization cultivating the next generation of Jewish leaders of color through Torah learning, educator training support, clergy support, family programs, thought leadership, and community building. By investing in inclusive Jewish wisdom, Ammud strengthens the future of Jewish life and ensures that the wisdom of our tradition reflects the full diversity of the Jewish people. Learn more about Ammud at Ammud.org and join a program near you!
More
Hannah’s Prayer: A Torah Story For Children
Jewish Text Study With Children: The Story of Shifrah and Puah
Age-Appropriate Torah Stories for Children
Covenant and Conversation: Jacob Wrestling via Rabbi Jonathan Sacks
Learning About Torah as a Family
June 29, 2026