Parashat haMelekh

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1. The Image of the Jewish King According to the Torah

   Rabbi Elyakim Krumbein

   What is the purpose and function of the king?

2. Torah and Song, Heaven and Earth

   Rabbi Amnon Bazak

   What is the Torah which Moshe is commanded to write? Is it the entire Torah, or only part of the Torah? What is the "song"? Why does God command Moshe to appoint both Torah and Song as witnesses for Bnei Yisrael? Why is one or the other insufficient? And why does Moshe add two additional witnesses - heaven and earth?

3. Give us a King I

   Chapter 8 (Part I)

   Rabbi Amnon Bazak

   Chapter 8 describes one of the most dramatic events in the bible: the nation's request for a king. Despite the fact that the laws of the king are discussed in the Torah, God and Shmuel are both negative about the request. This lesson will analyze the reason for the negative reactions to the nation's request, and discuss whether monarchy is positive or negative.

4. Give us a King II

   Chapter 8 (Part II)

   Rabbi Amnon Bazak

   After the nation requested a king, Shmuel is sent to explain the dangers of monarchy. Shmuel's outlook on the future of the nation is grim. Does his description express a legitimate reality? What does Shmuel wish to achieve with this description? Which rhetorical elements does he use to get his point across?

5. Why Was this Megilla Written?

   Introduction to Ruth

   Dr. Yael Ziegler

   What can we learn from the Book of Ruth? Is the purpose of Ruth to teach us about chessed? Or perhaps to clarify David's ancestry, and the fact that he descended from Moab? This lesson will show that Ruth discusses the generosity required to create the dynasty of the House of David, and inaugurate a monarchy free of corruption, which is worthy of leading the Nation of Israel.

6. Shlomo's Spiritual Aspirations

   Rabbi Alex Israel

   Shlomo's public spectacle in Givon is essentially his announcement of his initiative to transfer the altar to Jerusalem and eventually build the Mikdash there. He  offers sacrifices on the central altar at Givon, but then immediately travels to Jerusalem to offer sacrifices there.
   Shlomo's request for wisdom is followed by the famous case of his judgement. The story has two powerful messages: random people had access to the highest authority in the land and Shlomo sought to apply justice to the entire nation, and not simply to the upper classes.