Nov 28, 2024
Ramban on the Torah | 5785 | 05 | Toldot, by Rav Eli Weber
Why did Hashem swear to each of the Avot? Did the Avot keep the Torah before it was given? Why was Yaakov ashamed of what he did?
Nov 27, 2024
Toldot | "Do You Have Only One Blessing, Father?" by Rav Yitzchak Etshalom
The central story of Parashat Toldot is Yaakov's successful deception of his father, Yitzchak, to "steal" the blessing intended for Esav. When Esav learns of the ruse, his plaint to his father is "do you have but one blessing, my father"? Indeed,...
Nov 21, 2024
Ramban on the Torah | 5785 | 04 | Chayei Sara, by Rav Eli Weber
What was the miscommunication between Avraham and Efron? What is the meaning of a burial plot? What fulfills a person?
Nov 14, 2024
Ramban on the Torah | 5785 | 03 | Vayera, by Rav Eli Weber
Why was Sedom punished? What does this have to do with Pilegesh BaGiv'a? What is the point of the Akeda?
Nov 14, 2024
Vayera | What Really (Almost) Happened in Sedom, by Rav Yitzchak Etshalom
How could Lot conceivably offer his daughters to the men of Sedom?
We are accustomed to reading the story of Sedom and imagining an angry gang of the men of the town surrounding Lot's house and demanding that he send out the two visitors for...