The Torah portion is described as the “story of Isaac’s life,” even though we are already after the story — the Binding of Isaac, his willingness to give his life for God.
There is an important message here: With all due respect to the willingness to die for God, that is not the purpose of our lives. Our purpose is to live for God — in the way we interact with neighbors, friends, spouses, parents, and children. There, in daily life, we are meant to live as God expects of us.
So when the Torah says “These are the generations of Isaac,” it lists his marriage, the birth of his children, and his conduct with his neighbors, the people of Gerar. And in my eyes, the highlight is his loving approach in dealing with his own troublemaker — Esau: “And Isaac loved Esau,” the Torah tells us.
Shabbat Shalom
Rabbi Zalman Wishedski