Am Yisrael has 3 Patriarchs not merely as a biographical fact but because they fulfil a unique role and express a different approach to the challenges that they (and we) face. Thus, their relationships with surrounding society – a central motif throughout sefer Bereishit and Jewish History - present us with several paradigms for interaction with non-Jewish neighbors and nations. We focus mainly on Avraham and Yitzhak, and as we shall see, each of them has a distinct approach which is a function of their differing spiritual and personal qualities, their respective roles in building the Jewish nation and the changing circumstances which they confront.
 

Dedicated by Ruth M. Shane in memory of her mother, Sarah Poliakoff Shane חיה שרה בת חיים רפאל והענא גיטל, and her aunt, Bess Poliakoff Krivitsky פעשא בת חיים רפאל והענא גיטל who were חובבי תורה and devoted to the Land of Israel and her children.