Questions for Preparation and Self Study
Questions for Preparation - Word Format

Shiur #1: 'Basic Training' in the Desert
Shiur #2: Amalek - genetic or generic?
Abstract for above shiurim [Html] [Word] [Text]
Shiur #3: Sefer Shmot - Introduction
Shiur #4: Sefer Shmot - Let My People Go: A Hoax or a Mission?

'Basic Training' in the Desert

Along their journey from Egypt towards Har Sinai, Bnei Yisrael encounter frightening war and life-threatening shortages of food and water. Are they expected not to complain, to passively accept this fate and just sit back and wait patiently for God's salvation? Is God simply 'testing' their patience? To answer these questions, this week's shiur analyzes the progressive nature of these events.

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Amalek - genetic or generic?

Many nations have attacked and oppressed Am Yisrael throughout its history. Yet, for some reason, Amalek is singled out as Israel's 'arch enemy.' What was so terrible about Amalek's attack that requires a battle 'for all generations'? To answer this question, we examine some very interesting details in the Torah's description of this event (that are often overlooked) in attempt to determine if Amalek is something 'genetic' or 'generic'.

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Sefer Shmot - Introduction

What is Sefer Shmot? Before we talk about what "shmot" means, let's first explain what the word "sefer" implies. In our study of Chumash [the five 'books'], we work under the basic assumption that each "sefer" [book] carries a unique theme. Therefore, as we study each sefer we attempt to identify that theme. Then, we consider that theme in our study of each individual chapter or unit. In our study of Sefer Breishit, we employed this approach to uncover its primary theme of "bechira." Now, in our study of Sefer Shmot, we employ a similar approach to uncover its own theme, as well as its connection to that of Sefer Breishit. So what binds Sefer Shmot together? As we will show, this is not an easy question to answer.

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Let My People Go: A Hoax or a Mission?

Is 'Let My People Go' just a hoax? As preposterous as this might sound, Rashbam claims that it's "pshat"! He explains that each time Moshe commands Pharaoh to 'let My people go,' he requests permission merely to allow Bnei Yisrael a three-day journey to worship their God in the desert. Yet never do we find Moshe telling Pharaoh the 'whole truth,' that he in fact intends to lead Bnei Yisrael out of slavery to the Promised Land. Is Moshe 'telling a lie'?! In this week's shiur, we uncover the basis for this daring interpretation by Rashbam, while arriving ourselves at a much different conclusion.

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