"See, I am setting before you today a blessing and a curse" Deuteronomy 11:26
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With a quick return to last week’s portion to address the tomb of Rachel, Yoel presents metaphors from Yosef’s life of exile and servitude, as well as technical elements in the story of Tamar and Yehuda in this week’s Torah Portion, Vayeshev (and He dwelt).
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“Of all the families on earth, only you have I intimately known. This is why I will punish you for all your crimes.”
We discuss oppression–what it is and what it isn’t–as we approach Amos’ prophecy of wisdom, counsel and correction against Israel in this week’s haftarah Vayeshev.
In this article I will demonstrate that the common understanding throughout the history of commentary on Genesis 32:24-31 has been that the “man” who struggled with Ya’aqov was not God. This is evident from the XXL through to the Midrashim. This article is mostly a collection of sources and not an in-depth discussion on theology.
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Ya’aqov becomes Israel in this week’s Torah Portion, Vayishlakh (He sent), and it teaches us many profound lessons.
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“When that Day comes,” says YHWH, won’t I destroy all the wise men of Edom and leave no discernment on Mount ‘Esav?”
The prophet Ovadiah gives only one prophecy and it’s not to Israel. We learn about the Edomites in this week’s haftarah Vayishlach.
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From inheritance issues to polygamy to bizarre genetic engineering, this week’s Torah Portion, Vayetse (He went out) tells us about the life of Ya’aqov.
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“Return, Isra’el, to YHWH your God, for your guilt has made you stumble.”
Did you know there was a god who retired? From our Hoshea series, Jeff and Yoel discuss the Israelites’ understanding of Canaanite/Phoenecian gods El and Ba’al, and the effect on their relationship with YHWH. Also, Hosea 12:14 leads to an intriguing discussion of Moses, Malachi and Elijah.
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Yoel delves into the practical and spiritual dynamics of marriage as demonstrated by Yitschaq and Rivqah, and draws parallels for today from Esav and Ya’aqov in this week’s Torah Portion, Toldot (Generations).
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“A son honors his father and a servant his master. But if I’m a father, where is the honor due me? and if I’m a master, where is the respect due me?”
We hear from the last prophet, Malachi, and learn about prophecy and the historical background of Malachi’s time.
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There is a critical, ancient Hittite-Israelite contract that gets overlooked in this week’s Torah Portion, Chaye Sarah (Sarah’s life). In this podcast we bring out the legal details recorded in this transaction.
The class is done in a virtual class room with multiple participants. We meet on Sundays at 11:45am US eastern, or 6:45pm Israel time. You do not need to know Hebrew for this class, and you also receive a recording of the classes every month. For the link and how to join, click the More Info Button to email us.
