Of our three Biblical forefathers, the Torah spends the least amount of time on Isaac. The Abraham narrative is spread out over 14 chapters of Genesis, and Jacob’s life occupies 9 chapters of Genesis. Isaac’s story only accounts for 3 chapters in total, all focused into this week’s Parashat, Toldot.

Why does our Torah spend so little time on Isaac? All we seem to know about his life is that he was almost killed by his father, that he marries Rebecca, that he is the father to twins, that he relocates at some point due to famine, that he loses his eyesight as he ages, and that he prefers his son Esau to his other son Jacob, possibly because he liked to eat wild game. Not a ton of detail for someone who lives 180 years.

Clearly, Isaac functions as a bridge character. He necessarily propels the narrative from Abraham to Jacob, the figures respectively who take on the mantle of monotheism and establish the large family that will become the Children of Israel.

Not only is being a secondary and less important protagonist perfectly ok, but our world also relies on people taking on these roles and doing them well. So many workplaces, families and relationships rely on that steady presence of someone who doesn’t want the spotlight. These are the lesser-known rock stars of our world, but they are as steady and grounded as a rock.

Superstars like Abraham and Jacob, people who have lots of stories and tremendous impact, tend to dominate. This week, on Parashat Toldot, let’s resolve to also appreciate the rock stars in our own lives. They might not want too much attention, but the story would fall apart without their presence and purpose.