Dichotomy. The portion this week is called “and he lived”; yet, this portion is the long scene of how Jacob dies completely lucid, with intention, and surrounded by his family. Perhaps there is no dichotomy really at all- the way that we see Jacob die is how he sets up his legacy with intention and the loving care of a parent who has seen and experienced the fullest range of life’s trials and tribulations. Each week, a member of the clergy offers their personal perspective on a topic of their choice, such as the week's Torah portion, a Jewish holiday, ritual, custom, or history.