With the Festival of Sukkot, we mark a transition. The great gift that Judaism holds out to us it to be mindful of the phases of our lives, so that we don't rush through it, thoughtlessly, but we take a moment to step out of the rat race.

Nicodemus's night visit to Jesus is not exactly empathic, but there is an intimacy to the setting. It is a tête-à-tête: Not a Sermon on the Mount, not a raising of Lazarus, but a private conversation between people who have studied God.

During the emotional reunion of Jacob and Joseph, only one of them hugs the other initially. What is the other one doing, and why?

Joseph faces extraordinary temptation as his master's wife attempts to seduce him. His father's image saves him, foreshadowing a later heroic attempt by King David to save his son.