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It is very important for a person to know his/her heritage. The Jewish people are the children of Abraham Issac and Jacob. Jacob was given another name by God - Yisrael, that's why the Jews are also referred to as bnei Yisrael, the sons of Yisrael. Jacob had 12 children who are known as the twelve tribes. Each tribe was given a specific portion of Israel, AKA eretz Yisrael. The tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of Menashe asked to inherit the land on the other side of the Jordan river. Their notion was accepted by God and they received the grant through Moshe Rabainu (Moses).

The fruit relies on the roots for its livelihood, and not the other way around. We are the seeds of our ancestors. Knowing our ancestors is the basis of our lives. Reading the humash of Breishit (Genesis) will reveal the life styles of Abraham Issac and Jacob, the challenges they had to face and the choices made in order to appreciate Hashem's goodness.