Rabbi Yair Kahn

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The Inauguration
Rabbi Yair Kahn
This lesson discusses two issues: 1. The significance of the Midian War in light of the detailed description of the loot gathered after the battle; 2. The reason half the tribe of Menashe was added to Gad and Reuven, after they requested land on the eastern side of the Jordan (the Transjordan).
Lack of Confidence, Lack of Faith
Rabbi Yair Kahn
The previous parasha tracked the spiritual deterioration of the nation when they embark on the desert journey. The Sin of the Spies presents a new low, damaging the very foundations of the Camp of Israel. A close reading reveals that the Sin of the Spies contains two very different aspects: a lack of belief in God, and a lack of maturity required to enter and inherit the Promised Land.
The Yom Kippur Service
Rabbi Yair Kahn | 12 minutes
The tragedy of Nadav and Avihu highlights the tension between the concepts of the “thirsting for the living God” and “No man shall see me and live”. Our parasha continues from where Shemini left off and prevents the tragedy from recurring by emphasizing the importance of the ketoret (the incense cloud) as necessary in the Kohen Gadol's entrance to the Holy of Holies, as the steps of the Yom Kippur Service are presented.
Be Holy, For I Hashem Am Holy
Rabbi Yair Kahn | 17 minutes
This shiur presents various ideas about what it means to "be holy" according to Parshat Kedoshim, and why the command needed to involve gathering the whole congregation of Israelites together (by exploring other instances of gathering the whole congregation). The content of the parasha is analyzed to shed some light on the above questions.
The Long and Winding Road
Rabbi Yair Kahn | 13 minutes
At first glance, Parshat Mas'ei appears to contain a summary of Bemidbar in list form. But it is not merely a summary or list. Rather, it is a narrative about nationhood, which we discover through analyzing the structure and apparent internal inconsistencies of our parsha.
This Nation Will Rise Up [audio]
Rabbi Yair Kahn | 13 minutes
Near the end of Moshe's life, God tells Moshe that coming generations will stray after deities of other nations. What is the source of Moshe's inner strength after his preventative attempts have apparently failed? Moshe has religious humility—and recognizes our inability to fully comprehend the Divine plan. Cognizant of the power of free will, still in his role as teacher, he warns the people as another preventative measure.
Zion Shall Be Redeemed With Justice
Rabbi Yair Kahn
A court system and administering justice are basic needs for any society in Eretz Yisrael or abroad. The Torah’s emphasis on Eretz Yisrael in this regard points to an additional significance to the appointment of judges as part of the commandment to settle Eretz Yisrael.
Remembering Sinai
Rabbi Yair Kahn
The threefold repetition of Ma’amad Har Sinai in Moshe’s speech stresses the centrality and complexity of that event. One central message is that Moshe is the facilitator in the transfer of the Torah to the nation. Both the Ramban and the Kuzari place Ma’amad Har Sinai as a central theological pillar.
Tzafnat Pane'ach- The Prince of Egypt
Rabbi Yair Kahn
תאריך פרסום: תשסט | | 57 minutes
The story of Yosef is a religious story as well as a human one. It impacts both on the unfolding of Jewish history as well as the realization of Jewish destiny, and contains ethical dilemmas as well as Divine messages. In this shiur, Rabbi Yair Kahn explores the problem of dual loyalty which Yosef faces in Egypt - loyalty to the Egyptians on one hand, and loyalty to his brothers on the other. By exploring this story from a purely human perspective, we can apply its dilemmas and messages to Am Yisrael today as well.
The Turning Point of Sefer Bamidbar
Rabbi Yair Kahn
תאריך פרסום: תש"ע | |
What is the turning point in Sefer Bamidbar? Although there could be various answers to that question, by exploring the story of Korach from a new angle we can notice its key role in shaping the rest of the book. The story teaches us about the role of the Kohanim within the nation, and what it means for every person to have their own mikdash within them.
Moshe: National Leader and Divine Representative
Rabbi Yair Kahn
The story of the beginning of Moshe's leadership in the beginning of sefer Shemot seems to be interrupted by the list of the family lineage of Moshe and Aharon, which seems entirely out of place. However, a close examination of the verses in question will reveal a sharp difference regarding the role of Moshe Rabbeinu, as described at the beginning and the end of the chapter, and Moshe's lineage is critical specifically for the role described at the end. By noticing these differences we can gain a new understanding about Moshe's leadership and his unique role as the representative of God.
The Death of Aaron's Sons, and the Priestly Service on Yom Kippur
Rabbi Yair Kahn
The Torah draws a substantive connection between the commandment concerning the priestly service on Yom Kippur and the death of Aharon's sons. By examining this connection in light of the sin of Aharon's sons and the sin of the Golden Calf, we can reach a deeper understanding of the significance of Yom Kippur and its service, and of standing before God.
You Shall Dwell in the Land in Security
Rabbi Yair Kahn
The Torah begins the parsha with the laws of Shmitta, noting that they were given at Har Sinai. This prompts the commentators to ask the famous question: “Mah inyan shemitta etzel Har Sinai?” Why is shemitta found alongside Har Sinai? By examining the nature of the laws of shemitta and yovel, we can understand that they describe a religious ideal of human faith reciprocated by divine providence. They contain a promise of a relationship between God and Am Yisrael. Shemitta and yovel are more than just commandments – they are a context for attaining the blessings of the covenant of Sinai.
You Shall Dwell in the Land in Security (Audio)
Rabbi Yair Kahn | 11 minutes
The Torah begins the parsha with the laws of Shmitta, noting that they were given at Har Sinai. This prompts the commentators to ask the famous question: “Mah inyan shemitta etzel Har Sinai?” Why is shemitta found alongside Har Sinai? By examining the nature of the laws of shemitta and yovel, we can understand that they describe a religious ideal of human faith reciprocated by divine providence. They contain a promise of a relationship between God and Am Yisrael. Shemitta and yovel are more than just commandments – they are a context for attaining the blessings of the covenant of Sinai.
The Torah's Response to Calamity
Rabbi Yair Kahn
The end of the tokhacha - the section of Parshat Behukotai describing the curses that will befall Israel if they do not follow God's laws - contains curses far harsher than what seems justified. What is the explanation for this, and what does this tell us about the true purpose of divine punishment?
The Torah's Response to Calamity (Audio)
Rabbi Yair Kahn | 15 minutes
The end of the tokheha - the section of Parshat Behukotai describing the curses that will befall Israel if they do not follow God's laws - contains curses far harsher than what seems justified. What is the explanation for this, and what does this tell us about the true purpose of divine punishment?
The Three Books of Bamidbar
Rabbi Yair Kahn
According to Chazal, the section of this week's parasha beginning with "vayehi b'nesoa ha'aron" serves to split the entire book of Bamidbar into three independent books. What is the meaning of this statement, and which roles do each of the "fragments" of the book of Bamidbar play? By answering this question we can learn about the goal of Sefer Bamidbar - containing a profound truth about the essence of Am Yisrael, their relationship to God, and the fulfillment of their destiny.
The Three Books of Bamidbar (Audio)
Rabbi Yair Kahn | 15 minutes
According to Chazal, the section of this week's parasha beginning with "vayehi b'nesoa ha'aron" serves to split the entire book of Bamidbar into three independent books. What is the meaning of this statement, and which roles do each of the "fragments" of the book of Bamidbar play? By answering this question we can learn about the goal of Sefer Bamidbar - containing a profound truth about the essence of Am Yisrael, their relationship to God, and the fulfillment of their destiny.
The Entire Nation is Holy (Audio)
Rabbi Yair Kahn | 14 minutes
Despite Korach's rebellious intentions, he had a legitimate complaint. How can we answer Korach's charge that "the entire nation is holy"? By examining the ideas of sanctity and kehuna, we can learn about the borders that must be set in order to truly achieve a nation of holiness.
The Entire Nation is Holy
Rabbi Yair Kahn
Despite Korach's rebellious intentions, he had a legitimate complaint. How can we answer Korach's charge that "the entire nation is holy"? By examining the ideas of sanctity and kehuna, we can learn about the borders that must be set in order to truly achieve a nation of holiness.
The Emergence of the Second Generation
Rabbi Yair Kahn
Parshat Hukkat introduces the new generation, who are meant to triumph in the areas their predecessors failed. However, a cursory glance at our parsha leads to the concerning conclusion that seemingly nothing has changed. The members of the second generation repeat the same mistakes of the previous generation: complaining about food and water, desiring to return to Egypt, among others. However, a closer examination of the text reveals crucial differences between the two generations.
I Will Bless Those Who Bless You
Rabbi Yair Kahn
What did Bilam attempt to accomplish? What was God's response? What eternal message does the Torah wish to transmit in this section? This shiur deals with these questions by examining Bilam's blessings in light of his interactions with the donkey.
I Will Bless Those Who Bless You [audio]
Rabbi Yair Kahn | 14 minutes
What is the deeper meaning of Bil'am's narrative arc, and how is this connected to the role of blessings and curses in the Torah?
Parshat Naso - Bridging Vision and Reality
Rabbi Yair Kahn
תאריך פרסום: תשע"ו | | 10 minutes
How do the three prominent halakhic passages of Parashat Naso fit in with the overall narrative structure of Sefer Bamidbar?
Bemidbar - Not Just Numbers
Rabbi Yair Kahn
תאריך פרסום: תשע"ו | | 12 minutes
Why does Sefer Bamidbar open with the census of the people of Israel, and why do Chazal seem to view the census as reflective of the very essence of the book?
The Second Census
Rabbi Yair Kahn
The beginning of our parasha contains a rare scriptural phenomenon known as a "pesik be-emtza pasuk" – a break in the middle of a verse. In the Torah scroll, there is a space between the beginning of verse 26:1, "When the plague was over," and the continuation of the pasuk, "Hashem said to Moshe and to Elazar son of Aharon the Kohen."

This abrupt break itself demands an explanation, but the difficulty is compounded when we take a closer look at the context of this verse, that seemingly digresses from the general theme of the war with Midian. Suddenly, we find a thematic digression as the Torah introduces the recounting of Bnei Yisrael, the incident of the daughters of Tzelofchad, and the appointment of Yehoshua. This is followed by two halakhic sections, a lengthy description of communal sacrifices and a brief section dealing with personal vows. Finally, the Torah returns to the campaign against Midian and repeats the command to attack. Why is the command to attack Midian repeated? What is the meaning of this digression? Why was it necessary for the Torah to insert this entire section into such an inappropriate location? What is the connection between these sections to Sefer Bamidbar, and with the war against Midian?
The Second Census
Rabbi Yair Kahn
תאריך פרסום: תשע"ו | | 15 minutes
Why were the people of Israel commanded to battle Midian twice, and what does this teach us about the evolution of Israel's national identity?
Parshat Matot - The Inauguration
Rabbi Yair Kahn
תאריך פרסום: תשע"ו | | 12 minutes
Parshat Matot contains numerous, seemingly superfluous details surrounding the battle with Midian and the two and a half tribes who settled east of the Jordan. How do these details contribute to the theme of Israel becoming a cohesive whole prior to the nation's entry into the land?
Moshe's Interpretation of the Torah
Rabbi Yair Kahn
In Moshe's review of the events that occurred to the people of Israel in the wilderness beginning in Parshat Devarim, he seems to forget the exact nature of several incidents. Were these discrepancies simply the result of Moshe's faulty memory, or was some other factor at work here? By closely examining the incidents, we notice that Moshe tries to instill within the people a deep conviction that is critical for successfully settling Canaan.
Moshe's Interpretation of the Torah (Audio)
Rabbi Yair Kahn | 16 minutes
In Moshe's review of the events that occurred to the people of Israel in the wilderness beginning in Parshat Devarim, he seems to forget the exact nature of several incidents. Were these discrepancies simply the result of Moshe's faulty memory, or was some other factor at work here? By closely examining the incidents, we notice that Moshe tries to instill within the people a deep conviction that is critical for successfully settling Canaan.
Remembering Sinai (Audio)
Rabbi Yair Kahn | 13 minutes
The threefold repetition of Ma’amad Har Sinai in Moshe’s speech stresses the centrality and complexity of that event. One central message is that Moshe is the facilitator in the transfer of the Torah to the nation. Both the Ramban and the Kuzari place Ma’amad Har Sinai as a central theological pillar.
The Chosen Place
Rabbi Yair Kahn
What does Parashat Re'eh's seemingly repetitive use of the phrase "the place that Hashem will choose" teach us about the prohibition on bringing sacrifices outside the Temple?
The Chosen Place (Audio)
Rabbi Yair Kahn | 13 minutes
What does Parashat Re'eh's seemingly repetitive use of the phrase "the place that Hashem will choose" teach us about the prohibition on bringing sacrifices outside the Temple?
Zion Shall Be Redeemed With Justice (Audio)
Rabbi Yair Kahn | 11 minutes
A court system and administering justice are basic needs for any society in Eretz Yisrael or abroad. The Torah’s emphasis on Eretz Yisrael in this regard points to an additional significance to the appointment of judges as part of the commandment to settle Eretz Yisrael.
For Your Eyes Only (Audio)
Rabbi Yair Kahn | 11 minutes
Throughout Sefer Devarim, and particularly in Parashat Ekev, an emphasis on what the "eyes" of the people of Israel had seen in Egypt and in the wilderness appears numerous times. What is the meaning of this phrase and how can its message be applied to future generations?
Parashat Ki Tetze - The Speech of the Torah (Audio)
Rabbi Yair Kahn | 12 minutes
The principle of" lo dibra Torah ela keneged yetzer ha-ra" (the Torah is speaking to counter the evil inclination" seems to imply that the Torah lowers its moral standards in certain situations, such as the case of the beautiful female captive (Eishet Yefat Toar) in our parasha. How can we accept and understand such a radical statement?
For Your Eyes Only
Rabbi Yair Kahn
Throughout Sefer Devarim, and particularly in Parashat Ekev, an emphasis on what the "eyes" of the people of Israel had seen in Egypt and in the wilderness appears numerous times. What is the meaning of this phrase and how can its message be applied to future generations?
The Speech of the Torah
Rabbi Yair Kahn
The principle of "lo dibra Torah ela keneged yetzer ha-ra" (the Torah is speaking to counter the evil inclination) seems to imply that the Torah lowers its moral standards in certain situations, such as the case of the beautiful female captive (Eishet Yefat Toar) in our parasha. How can we accept and understand such a radical statement?
The Covenant of Moav
Rabbi Yair Kahn
What are the fundamental ideas that underpin the blessing and curse sections of Parashat Ki Tavo, and how can we make organizational sense of these sections in light of these ideas? By exploring these questions we learn about the relationship between God and Israel and its sanctity and holiness, and the importance that the Torah places on economic prosperity, but only as a means to enable Israel to realize its destiny as a holy people and an earthly representative of malkhut Hashem.
The Covenant of Moav (Audio)
Rabbi Yair Kahn | 13 minutes
What are the fundamental ideas that underpin the blessing and curse sections of Parashat Ki Tavo, and how can we make organizational sense of these sections in light of these ideas? By exploring these questions we learn about the relationship between God and Israel and its sanctity and holiness, and the importance that the Torah places on economic prosperity, but only as a means to enable Israel to realize its destiny as a holy people and an earthly representative of malkhut Hashem.
Who Was Avraham?
Rabbi Yair Kahn
Although the documentation of events in the life of Avraham is relatively detailed, we are nonetheless confronted with a number of basic questions: Who actually was Avraham? Why was he chosen? What is the nature of the legacy that he passed on to the entire Jewish nation? How should this affect our lives? Avraham's search for God was not only a philosophical one, but a moral one as well. His quest for truth did not take place solely in the ivory towers of intellectual scholarship, and his discovery was not limited to the abstract world of philosophic speculation. He found faith in the real-life world, full of promise and disappointment, of suffering and joy. Therefore, he discovered not only Hashem, but justice and morality as well.
Avraham Established the Morning Prayer
Rabbi Yair Kahn
After Sedom and Amora were destroyed, Avraham woke up and returned to the spot where he had argued and appealed to Hashem on behalf of the people of Sedom the previous day. He gazed at the valley that was once a populated metropolis and saw thick smoke rising from the land, like the smoke of a furnace.

How did Avraham react? Was he angry? Did he scream at God and charge Him with injustice? Or did he accept the inscrutable will of God with humility, but felt nonetheless that all his unanswered prayers were pointless? According to our Rabbis, Avraham chose a third approach. He prayed. In his humility, he recognized that although Hashem is not bound to answer all our prayers, He nevertheless listens. With profound devotion, he understood that we pray not only out of need, expecting Hashem to respond, but also as a meaningful act of worship.
The Legacy of Sinai
Rabbi Yair Kahn |
How does the Revelation at Sinai help us in our days? What aspect of the experience helps with faith? Why is it that God promises Moshe that through this event, Am Yisrael will believe in Moshe as prophet forever? In this shiur, we discuss two dialogues with Moshe that bracket the Ten Commandments, focusing on the account in Parashat Vaetchanan.
Rav Soloveitchik's Interpretation of Sefer Iyov
Rabbi Yair Kahn | Hour and 10 minutes
Sefer Iyov is one of the more challenging books in Tanakh. What is the meaning of the conclusion and how does it solve the difficult problems raised throughout the sefer? This lesson focuses on Rav Soloveichik’s interpretations in his works “Kol Dodi Dofek” and “Out of the Whirlwind” and deal with the themes of evil, suffering, Divine justice, and the lessons we can learn after the Holocaust.
The Life of Sarah
Rabbi Yair Kahn
תאריך פרסום: תשעד | | Hour
Recent debates about "Tanakh at eye-level" have raised the question: to what extent do we have a right to analyze the forefathers (and mothers) as regular human beings? Hazal, after all, say thay they were like angels. On the other hand, there are places where the Torah itself seems to judge personalities.

In this shiur, we will attempt to fit "puzzle pieces" about Sara together as we try to find a coherent narrative about her. Moving from the periphery to more and more of a central role, Sara takes various risks. We examine different aspects of the Torah's portrayal of her continued acts of self-sacrifice.
The Matza Mystery - The Meaning of the Command to Eat Matza Prior to the Exodus
Rabbi Yair Kahn
תאריך פרסום: תשע"ג | |
Sefer Shemot describes how Bnei Yisrael baked matza as they were being rushed out of Egypt because they didn't have time to wait for the leavening process in bread. But there was already a law about matza that appeared in the instructions before the Pesach in Egypt. - that Bnei Yisrael were to eat the lamb with matza and maror. Why are Bnei Yisrael commanded to eat matza for Pesach Mitzrayim-- what is the symbolism for the matza before Bnei Yisrael left in haste? We find clues in earlier chapters in Shemot as well as in the Brit Bein HaBetarim (Covenant Between the Parts) that present the matza as paralleling two different parts of the exodus. Multiple aspects of the matza experience are important in commemorating the Exodus, as the matza may symbolize the enslavement, oppression (innuy), and redemption.
I Have Become Two Camps
Rabbi Yair Kahn | 19 minutes
Yaakov prays and recalls God’s promise, saying "God’s hessed is so great because I crossed the Jordan with my staff and have now become two camps". But this statement is odd- isn’t the reason that Yaakov became two camps is because Yaakov feared Esav? Perhaps now, after splitting his camps out of fear, he is able to realize how much he had and how great God’s hessed had been. However, this answer should be understood at a deeper level. By looking at Yaakov's mission, journey, and time with Lavan, we can better appreciate his appreciation of God's hessed: when Yaakov returns to the Land of Israel, he not only has fulfilled his father's mission, but also begins to become a "community of nations."
Parashat Bamidbar: Not Just Numbers
Rabbi Yair Kahn
Even a superficial glance at Parashat Bamidbar reveals a basic difficulty. The counting and recounting of the people seems superfluous and trivial. The Torah, which at times is so exacting regarding the use of words, is quite expansive and generous with respect to the census of Israel. Not only do we note surprising detail, but puzzling repetition as well. This presents a number of basic questions. How is this parasha relevant to us? Why was it included in the Torah, whose message is eternal? In short, what is the Torah trying to tell us by recording these statistics?

Furthermore, the census at the beginning of Bamidbar is not the only one found in the sefer. The people are counted once again in detail in Parashat Pinchas. (We also find elaborate statistics of the spoils won in the war with Midyan in Parashat Matot). Therefore, the title awarded to this sefer by Chazal, "Chumash Ha-pekudim," may reflect a deeper understanding of the essence of the sefer. If we succeed in discovering the significance of the census, it will help us not only gain a greater appreciation of Parashat Bamidbar, but a more profound insight into the entire section of the Torah known as "Chumash Ha-pekudim."
Parashat Bamidbar: Not Just Numbers (Audio)
Rabbi Yair Kahn | 11 minutes
Even a superficial glance at Parashat Bamidbar reveals a basic difficulty. The counting and recounting of the people seems superfluous and trivial. The Torah, which at times is so exacting regarding the use of words, is quite expansive and generous with respect to the census of Israel. Not only do we note surprising detail, but puzzling repetition as well. This presents a number of basic questions. How is this parasha relevant to us? Why was it included in the Torah, whose message is eternal? In short, what is the Torah trying to tell us by recording these statistics?

Furthermore, the census at the beginning of Bamidbar is not the only one found in the sefer. The people are counted once again in detail in Parashat Pinchas. (We also find elaborate statistics of the spoils won in the war with Midyan in Parashat Matot). Therefore, the title awarded to this sefer by Chazal, "Chumash Ha-pekudim," may reflect a deeper understanding of the essence of the sefer. If we succeed in discovering the significance of the census, it will help us not only gain a greater appreciation of Parashat Bamidbar, but a more profound insight into the entire section of the Torah known as "Chumash Ha-pekudim."
Moshe and the Giving of the Torah
Rabbi Yair Kahn
Immediately prior to the Asseret Ha-dibbrot (Ten Commandments), an enigmatic dialogue is recorded (19:21-25). God orders Moshe to warn the nation not to attempt to catch a glimpse of God. Moshe argues that this is unnecessary, since Mt. Sinai was already placed out of limits to Am Yisrael (the Jewish People). Nevertheless, God overrules Moshe and insists that the nation be warned. Moshe complies and warns the people. Suddenly, directly following this warning, while Moshe is still among the people, Am Yisrael experience revelation. Some obvious questions arise. Why did God insist on repeating the warning to the people? What is so significant about this strange debate that it is recorded in the Torah? Is there any connection between this warning or debate and the mass revelation that followed?
Parashat Beha'alotekha: The Three Books of Bamidbar
Rabbi Yair Kahn
According to Rebbi in Tractate Shabbat, the parasha of "Va-yehi binsoa" is the dividing point of Sefer Bamidbar. In fact, Rebbi goes even farther, considering the sections of Bamidbar before and after this parasha as distinct books. A quick overview of Bamidbar is sufficient to reveal the sharp contrast that underlies Rebbi's position and a glimpse into the ideal purpose of Sefer Bamidbar - a profound truth about the essence of Am Yisrael and their relationship to God.
The Second Luchot and the Thirteen Middot
Rabbi Yair Kahn
תאריך פרסום: 5777 | | Hour
The Thirteen Middot (or the Thirteen Attributes of Mercy) occupy a very prominent position in Jewish liturgy, constituting a central part of Slihot, as well as the Torah reading on Fast days. Wh was this chosen? What singular theme did the Sages find expressed specifically here? I believe the solution lies in a deep appreciation of the Scriptural context of the Thirteen Middot.

We will examine this section in order to achiveve a more profound understanding that will hopefully lead to a more informed, inspired, and meaningful avodat Hashem whenever we recite Slihot. We will also come to appreciate the added significance of Yom Kippur as the day that Israel received the Second Divine Tablets, the day that the covenant is renewed and completed, and the day that Israel first experiences the Thirteen Middot, as they achieve atonement before God - as they behold the Divine Presence.
God's Rod and Staff - Churban and the Covenant
Rabbi Yair Kahn
תאריך פרסום: 5777 | | 3 minutes
When thinking about sin, exile, the Hidden Face of God, and God's eternal covenant with Israel, we can draw inspiration from a line in Psalms 23. Both God's shevet (rod) and mish'enet (leaning-stick) are comforting. Though God's rod symbolizes anger and punishment, both the shevet and the mish'enet signify that God is present. Though God warns at the end of Devarim that He will "Hide His Face" (as it were), the covenant with the Jewish people is eternal, and God never really leaves them. God is still there, upholding the covenant.
The Fruit and the Flower
Rabbi Yair Kahn
The four species relate to different aspects of the botanical world. They combine in a comprehensive manner, in order to generate the appropriate religious response. The source, the majesty, the overflowing abundance and the produce are all represented. However, there seems to be one botanical aspect that was ignored, one field of agriculture that was omitted. The flower is not represented. Why is the beauty found in nature overlooked?

Beauty here is not an independent goal but rather is yoked to a higher purpose. Only thus can the aesthetic be redeemed and used to enhance human creativity and to inspire exalted spiritual objectives.
This is Hashem's Doing
Rabbi Yair Kahn
Upon glancing at Parashat Chayei Sara, one notices that the account of Avraham’s servant (identified by Chazal as Eliezer) and his quest for a bride for Yitzchak spans the majority of the parasha. One is immediately struck by the length and seemingly unnecessary repetition, so uncharacteristic of biblical narrative. The Torah, which at times seems so stingy and grudging regarding important details, is overly generous with respect to this particular story.

Why does the Torah relate both the actual encounter between Eliezer and Rivka as well as Eliezer's retelling of this meeting?

A close analysis of the text suggests an answer to the above question, through which we can gain a deeper understanding into the experience of encountering God.
Birthrights and Blessings
Rabbi Yair Kahn
Upon reaching old age, Yitzchak decides to bless his first born and favorite son – Esav. Rivka overhears the plan and concocts a plot to “steal” the berakhot for Yaakov, her favorite. The plot succeeds and Yaakov is blessed. This story raises many serious exegetical and ethical issues. How could Yitzchak be fooled by Esav? Why was it necessary to trick Yitzchak? Why couldn’t Rivka simply have spoken to her husband? How can fooling one’s elderly blind father be considered ethically acceptable behavior? On the other hand, if it’s not ethical, do ends justify the means? Through a close analysis of the text we will present two approaches, which deal with the difficulties in very different ways and discuss the question of human involvement in God’s plan.
Yosef and the Sar Hamashkim: The Limits of Human Involvement in the Redemptive Process
Rabbi Yair Kahn | 58 minutes
Rashi comments that Yosef had to remain in prison for an additional two years, because he requested that the Sar Hamashkim plea to Pharaoh on his behalf, instead of relying on Hashem. Was Yosef really out of line? Does perfect faith demand that Man be inactive on the practical level? Does proactive human action indicate a lack of faith? We will study the Yosef story and explore these fundamental questions, which lie at the very core of Religious Zionist philosophy.
Rehabilitation or Revenge: A Closer Look at Yosef's Treatment of his Brothers
Rabbi Yair Kahn | Hour
The Torah describes Yosef's treatment of his brother's, from the time they appear before him to purchase food, in great detail. However, there is no explicit source documenting Yosef's inner motivation. In general, the commentators preferred to promote an altruistic agenda, which can be supported by Yosef's behavior in other contexts. Nonetheless, in an attempt at "pshuto shel mikrah", one cannot totally rule out revenge as a significant, if not dominant factor. During the lecture, we will carefully examine nuances of the story in an attempt to show that via the detailed narrative, the Torah reveals the inner force motivating Yosef's actions.
“Due to the Virtue of Righteous Women”: Their Heroic Stand Against Egyptian Tyranny
Rabbi Yair Kahn
תאריך פרסום: 2023 | | Hour and 3 minutes
According to our sages, during the enslavement in Egypt, women played a crucial role in leading the nation to freedom. We will examine the scriptural roots from which this conclusion seemingly sprouted and attempt to understand why the singular feminine contribution was critical at this specific historical juncture.
Evening and Morning, Meat and Bread
Rabbi Yair Kahn
תאריך פרסום: 2022 | | Hour and 4 minutes
As the nation wanders through the desert, it encounters multiple crises. This lecture will analyze the complex and bewildering response to their request for food in the wilderness. By delving into the intricacies of this situation, we aim to gain a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by the nation and the complexities of their journey through the desert.