The Relationship of God and the People of Israel

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What Type of Relationship is a Brit?
Rabbi Dr. Joshua Berman
תאריך פרסום: תשס"ט | |
The Tanakh uses many paradigms to describe the relationship between Hashem and Am Yisrael, among them Av, Ro'eh, and Melekh. But just what does it mean that Hashem is a "brit partner" with us? In this shiur we will see how the Torah patterned our relationship with Hashem after a special type of relationship that existed between kings in the ancient world: the relationship of a vassal king to a soveriegn king, in a way that sheds new light on our Avodat Hashem.
Faces in the shadows: Decrypting Shir Hashirim
Rabbi Yitzchak Twersky
תאריך פרסום: תשע"ג | |
We tend to sense Shir Hashirim’s holiness and majesty, but are perplexed by every aspect of this deeply cryptic ”love story”. Both the surface metaphor and its underlying message seem to elude our grasp. This shiur will BE"H present a holistic approach to the sefer, focusing on a half dozen keys that unlock the deeper meaning of the book, and lend coherence and cogency to both its metaphor and message. In the end, we will better understand of what this Song of Songs sings, and why Shlomo Hamelech’s was uniquely suited to compose it.
The Difference Between Haftarat Nahamu and Haftarat Ekev
Haftarot: Ekev/Nahamu
Rabbi Mosheh Lichtenstein
The nation's suffering is intensified due to the length of the exile, and the feeling that God has abandoned them. The prophet encourages the nation by reminding them of the stable elements in their relationship with God: The fact that God relates to them as a parent, and views them as children; the fact that God vies them as a precious treasure; and the parable to a divorced wife to whom God continues to be loyal. The prophet later claims that God has not forgotten His nation, but the nation has shown that they are not ready for redemption.
"I Have Formed You; You Are My Servant"
Haftarot: Vayikra
Rabbi Mosheh Lichtenstein
The prophet describes the relationship between God and Am Yisrael in terms of a servant and master. Sacrifices are therefore necessary to enable the servant to stand before his master. The reason behind the redemption in the haftara is God's responsibility toward the nation as a master, who is obligated to care for his servants. The haftara ends with the prophet mocking idolaters who create their statues, and emphasizes God's role as a creator.
Concerning the Mishkan
Rabbi Yaakov Medan
The terms used to describe the Mishkan have specific meanings. Mikdash is another word for the Holy Ark; Mishkan refers to the fabrics covering the Mishkan; and the Ohel is the topmost goatskin covers. Placing the goatskins above the fabric coverings is symbolic of the Mishkan as a reflection of the relationship between God and Am Yisrael, as described in Shir Hashirim. This article discusses the symbolism of the structure, and the lengthiness of the Torah’s description of the measurements of the Mishkan.
"He Is Faithful With Holy Ones"
Haftarot: Vayetzeh
Rabbi Mosheh Lichtenstein
The prophet speaks out against the nation's lack of loyalty, and uses Yaakov as an example of complete loyalty to God.
Shir Ha-Shirim
Rabbi Mosheh Lichtenstein
In Shir Hashirim, the woman attempts to reach her beloved too early, and fails to determine when the time is ripe for the relationship to blossom. This lesson demonstrates this theme in two elements in the book - the function of time and literary imagery - as expressed by the man and woman in Shir Hashirim.
"And I Will Bring Back the Captivity of My People of Israel"
Haftarot: Kedoshim
Rabbi Mosheh Lichtenstein
The haftarot in Ezekiel and Amos relate to the list of prohibited relations described in Aharei Mot - Kedoshim. The haftarot introduce an additional perspective: while Am Yisrael might perform terrible sins, they still differ from the other nations due to their covenant with God, who will never destroy or abandon His nation.
The Crisis and the Consolation
Haftarot: Bemidbar
Rabbi Mosheh Lichtenstein
Hosea is the first prophet to speak about the exile; he therefore needs to convey the message of an everlasting relationship between God and His nation. A similar need arises in Sefer Bemidbar: while the nation sins severely, the book also includes commandments that enable atonement, and others that attest to the fact that the nation will indeed inherit the Promised Land. The Sin of the Spies is founded on the desire to live easily, without great effort, while the trials and tribulations of the desert convey the opposite message, and allow the nation to start anew.
The Marriage of Israel and the Holy One, Blessed Be He
Haftarot: Shavuot
Rabbi Mosheh Lichtenstein
Are the restrictions placed on the study of Ma'aseh Merkava based in the fear from error, or due to the immodesty of the subject? Does Ma'aseh Merkava relate to God's eminence, or to His relationship with Am Yisrael? Why is it permissible to read about God's chariot in public on Shavuot?
"I will surely have mercy on him"
Haftarot: The Second Day of Rosh Hashana
Rabbi Mosheh Lichtenstein
On the first day of Rosh Hashana we read of the desired model - inscription for good life by virtue of man's righteousness. However, not everyone merits; therefore, on the second day of Rosh Hashana the haftara emphasizes inscription for a good and peaceful life even if a person is unworthy. The haftara for the first day teaches us what meritorious conduct is; the haftara for the second day offers us the consolation that even if we lack that conduct, God will treat us graciously and with compassion.
The Covenant of Love Between God and Israel
Prof. Jonathan Grossman
Parashat Eikev begins in the middle of a literary unit that starts at the beginning of Va'ethanan. The unit is an introduction to the covenant between God and Israel, and includes the main principles of the covenant.
"For the Lord's Portion is His People"
Dr. Mordechai Sabato
Shirat Ha'azinu (the poem in Parashat Ha'azinu) is unique among all sections of the Torah, in that Moshe received an explicit command to write it and teach it to Bnei Yisrael. The shira will thereby be eternalized both in written form as well as orally - in the mouths of Bnei Yisrael. To this we must add God's explicit promise that the shira will never be forgotten from the nation. These details reflect the importance the Almighty afforded the shira. This article discusses the shira's function and its primary contents, in an attempt to explain its unique significance.
What is a "Covenant"?
Rabbi Dr. Joshua Berman
תאריך פרסום: תשסט | | 59 minutes
What is a covenant? How does it describe our relationship with God? What does it mean that God is a "brit partner" with us? Using archeological findings from the ancient Near East, Rabbi Josh Berman shows how the Torah patterned our relationship with God after a special type of covenant that existed between kings in the ancient world - the relationship of a vassal king to a sovereign king. Examining our relationship with God from this perspective allows us to appreciate the unique covenant based on loyalty and gratitude that each of us as individuals has with God.
Parshat Vayakhel- Pekudei
Rabbi Jonathan Snowbell | 29 minutes
Why are the parshiot of Teruma-Tetzveh repeated while the actual building of the mishkan took place in parshiot Vayakhel-Pekudei? Wouldn't it suffice to just state that Moshe built the mishkan as God commanded? An analysis of these questions contributes to an exploration of the dual nature of the mishkan and a deeper understanding of the nature of the relationship between Am Yisrael and Hashem.
Teshuva: Reciprocal Return or Automatic Redemption?
Rabbi Alex Israel | 33 minutes
We explore teshuva as presented in Nitzavim. The paradigm of teshuva (return) presented is a loving reciprocal process that is initiated by the people of Israel after sin and exile. God then responds to Israel’s return and continues to raise Israel to new heights. Apparently, though, the end of Vayikra presents a different model of teshuva: one that is initiated by God after Israel’s punishments. Redemption in Vayikra may not be contingent on Israel’s behavior, but the redemption presented in Devarim may be more worth the wait.
Benei Yisrael: The New Generation [audio]
Rabbi Amnon Bazak
תאריך פרסום: תשע"ו | | 14 minutes
What is the meaning of Moshe and Aharon's silent reaction to the nation's complaint at Mei Meriva, and what does this tell us about the nation's evolving relationship with God at the time?
Parshat Masei - Journeys
Rabbi Alex Israel | 32 minutes
Parashat Mas’ei opens with a rhythmic recounting of the 42 journeys of Israel. We are often taught that the Torah is careful with words. Why do we need this long list about the desert stops? Elsewhere in the Torah, we see that time is marked through lists (such as the genealogical lists in Bereisheet), and that this list form can be a form of literary style.

We examine three radically different approaches to Bnei Yisrael’s journeys in the wilderness. Rashi presents two different approaches: Rabbi Moshe HaDarshan emphasizes God’s kindness throughout the punishment of the long desert journeys, and the Tanhuma brings an analogy of a transformative healing experience. Seforno looks at Masei as emphasizing how good Bnei Yisrael were to follow God in the desert.

Masei is a fitting way to end Sefer BeMidbar, which often reads as a series of Bnei Yisrael’s failures. But the journey is one of growth, and there is a happy ending: they are now ready to enter the Land of Israel, Bnei Yisrael’s ultimate destination.
Devarim 10: What Does God Want from Us?
Rabbi Dr. Yoel Bin Nun
Yirmiyahu's First Address: Nostalgia or Confrontation?
Rabbi David Sabato
Parshat Eikev - Dependence and Independence
Rabbi Alex Israel | 37 minutes
This shiur analyzes the structure and content of Parshat Ekev, which discusses the reward and punishment that come with the covenant, and emphasizes that Israel’s tenure in the Land is contingent upon upholding the Torah. The main section also relates to different concerns “If you would say in your heart” and answers them with a call to remember something. There are responses for different mindsets and moments in life. Under-confidence- as well as certain types of overconfidence- are both religious errors. The motif of water that recurs in the parasha, especially in the contrast between the Land of Israel and Egypt, serves to highlight the tension between the human desire for independence and the Divine demand for dependence on God and adherence to the covenant.
The Lord is My Light and My Salvation (Psalm 27)
Rabbi Yitzhak Bart
Isaiah Chapter 62 - Relationship with God
Rabbi Moshe Cohen
Yeshayahu 40-41 - Matan Al HaPerek
Rabbi David Sabato
The prophecy in Chapter 40 opens with a call of consolation for Jerusalem, followed by a call for the clearing of a path to prepare for God's return to Jerusalem, and then God's arrival to Jerusalem is heralded. In the second part of the Chapter (12-31), the prophet presents an argument against idolaters, and contrasts the unique nature of God-with God as Omnipotent Creator and Ruler of the World against the futility and nothingness of idols.

Chapter 41 continues the polemic against idols and idol-worshippers from the previous chapter and calls for idolaters to be brought to justice. The chapter continues with a description of the desert blooming during the time of Redemption.
Yeshayahu 42-43 - Matan Al HaPerek
Rabbi David Sabato
Chapters 42-43 and afterward are made up of short prophetic speeches that deal with the redemption of the People, their special relationship with God, and their national and universal destiny as a "Light Unto the Nations."

Chapter 42 opens with a description of the Servant of God and ends by turning to Him. In the middle verses, the inhabitants of the ends of the earth are called to sing to God of valor. Chapter 43 opens with a heralding of the Redemption. After that, God calls the nations of the world to Judgment, as the People of Israel serve as witnesses to God's acts of salvation in history.
Yeshayahu 48-49 - Matan Al HaPerek
Rabbi David Sabato
In contrast to the majority of the prophecies that we've encountered up until now, in which the prophet argues with the idol worshippers outside the nation of Israel; in these chapters the prophet deals with other difficulties from within Israel.

In Chapter 48, the prophet addresses the Babylonian exiles with a harsh rebuke for being unfaithful to God. In the continuation, he details the supremacy of God over the idols, and his dominion and power over the world and throughout history.

Chapter 49 opens with the prophecy of the “Suffering Servant” and then continues by depicting a dialogue between Zion, who is in despair, and God, who consoles her, describing the strength of their connection and promising the return of the children to their borders.
Yeshayahu 50-51 - Matan Al HaPerek
Rabbi David Sabato
Chapters 50-51 emphasize God's commitment to the redemption of Israel, and contrast the responsibility placed on Israel not to delay the time of redemption.
Complete Forgiveness
Amos Hakham
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.
Ramban on Haazinu: Exile - and Zionism?
Rabbi Ezra Bick
Why are There Stories in the Torah?
Dr. Baruch Alster
תאריך פרסום: תשע"ה | |
Rashi's first comment on the Torah famously asks why the Torah begins with creation and not with the mitzvot. In essence, he is dealing with the question of the Torah's genre - is it a history book or a legal text? This question is dealt with by other parshanim as well. In this lesson, we will compare three approaches - those of Rashi, Rashbam, and Ramban. We will see that each of the later parshanim saw the question as a dichotomy - the Torah is either law or narrative, while Rashi's view is more complex.
The Role of the Watchmen in Shir Hashirim
Rabbi Moshe Taragin
תאריך פרסום: תשע"ה | |
The watchmen appear in Shir HaShirim at two extremely dramatic, pivotal moments. At these critical moments they are not passive bystanders, but actually intervene. What is their role? We delve into these two passages, looking at the text as well as comments of Hazal. These two seemingly similar narrative are foils for each other and serve as metaphors for vastly different periods in Jewish History. The dramatic literary devices can help us appreciate lessons about exile, return to the Land, our relationship with God, and of the missed – and renewed - opportunities of Jewish History.
Rabbi David Tzvi Hoffman's Commentary and Methodology
Dr. Avigail Rock | Hour and 2 minutes
This shiur examines the commentary of Rabbi David Tzvi Hoffman. While responding to the Biblical critics of his time in his commentary, Rabbi Hoffman explores the text of Tanakh utilizing innovative and creative interpretations to help the readers gain a greater understanding and appreciation of pshat.
Like Stars or Like Dust - Blessing or Warning?
Rabbi David Silverberg
Hoshea 1-3 - Matan Al HaPerek
Rabbi David Sabato
The first unit in the book of Hoshea includes perakim 1-3, and deals with the prophet’s marriage and its symbolic meaning as regards the relationship of God and Israel.

These perakim are a mixture of prophecies of doom and harsh rebuke with words of consolation and visions of redemption. The unit comprises six sections, which are arranged in a chiastic structure. In this study guide, we will follow the sections in order, while comparing them to the parallel sections. An appendix deals with the topic of Ba'al worship.
Hoshea 9-11 - Matan Al HaPerek
Rabbi David Sabato
Perek 9 is divided into two sections – the first section (1-9) predicts the cessation of happiness
and holidays in Israel because of the exile. In the second section (10-17), the historical events
which brought the nation to this predicament from the time of the founding of the nation are
listed. These types of references are made in the coming perakim as well.
The Story of Bilaam in the Context of Bamidbar
Rabbi Menachem Leibtag |
What is unique about the unit of the story of Bilaam and how does it fit within the context of Sefer Bamidbar as a whole? Through an analysis of the unit we learn about the goal of the story of Bilaam and the purpose of sefer Bamidbar in teaching us about the relationship between God and Israel and the way in which mitzvot give meaning to our lives.
Hoshea 12-14 - Matan Al HaPerek
Rabbi David Sabato
Central to the prophecy of rebuke which appears in Chapter 12 are fraud and deception, which characterize the people’s actions in Hoshea’s time. Throughout the perek, scenes from the life of Yaakov Avinu serve as background and basis for the rebuke of his descendants.

The rebuke in Chapter 13 is mostly devoted to an attack on the worship of the golden calves in the kingdom of Israel.

The book of Hoshea ends with a prophecy of consolation. There is a sense of progression moving from the failed earlier attempts at repentance to the people's more sincere, effective repentance followed by God’s responsiveness.
Who's Who in Shir Hashirim
Dr. Adina Sternberg
תאריך פרסום: תשעד | |
We look at some of the background and theories about Shir HaShirim and see how they can be applied in the text. Why is Shir HaShirim part of Tanakh?Most, though not all, opinions among Hazal view Shir HaShirim as allegorical. We seek to understand the pshat and offer varying perspectives about the allegory - many describe the "ra'aya" as representing Israel and the "dod" as representing God, but there is also a view that the "ra'aya" represents God and that the "dod" represents Israel. We explore the symbolism, and powerful message of commitment found in this perspective.
Beshalach - Tefilla and Action
Rabbi Jonathan Snowbell | 30 minutes
Bnei Yisrael are standing at the Sea, and they see the Egyptian forces coming. They call out to God, praying. Moshe tells them that God will fight for them, and that they are to proceed. How are Bnei Yisrael supposed to go if Moshe has not yet been commanded to split the sea? And how are we to understand the predicament of “Moshe’s hands were heavy” during the war with Amalek? And where does the story of the manna fit in? We find some interesting parallels to Korban Tamid. The connections between the successive stories in Beshallah, model different aspects of the idea that God demands tefilla combined with action.
Parashat HaShavua Tetzaveh - What is the Korban Tamid Doing Here?
Rabbi Ezra Bick | 27 minutes
Teruma is about how to build the mishkan. But what is Parashat Tetzave about? When we look at the parasha, ninety percent is about the Kohanim. These parashot form a dual whole about the construction of the Mikdash as a working building.
Close to the end of this week's parsha, the Torah sums up. But then there is a description of the Korban Tamid - the Daily Sacrifice, in a passage which is basically identical to one Parashat Pinhas. Why are there two identical sections about the Tamid, and what is it doing here in the Book of Shemot, instead of Vayikra or Bemidbar? The placement and unique aspect of giving of the Tamid at the opening of the Tent of Meeting in our parasha relates to a purpose of the Mishkan (And Mikdash): developing a relationship with God so that God will dwell within our midst.
Doing and Hearing
Rabbi Jonathan Sacks
One of the most famous phrases in the Torah makes its appearance in this week’s parsha. It has often been used to characterise Jewish faith as a whole. It consists of two words: na’aseh venishma, literally, “we will do and we will hear”. What does this mean and why does it matter?

Through an examination of the text we learn about community and individuality, and the difference between na’aseh and nishma. We respond to God’s commands “with one voice”, yet we hear God’s presence in many ways- for though God is One, we are all different, and we encounter Him each in our own way.

This article is part of the Covenant & Conversation series.

To read more from Rabbi Sacks or to subscribe to his mailing list, please visit http://www.rabbisacks.org/. You can also follow him on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
Doing and Hearing (Audio)
Rabbi Jonathan Sacks | 9 minutes
One of the most famous phrases in the Torah makes its appearance in this week’s parsha. It has often been used to characterise Jewish faith as a whole. It consists of two words: na’aseh venishma, literally, “we will do and we will hear”. What does this mean and why does it matter?

Through an examination of the text we learn about community and individuality, and the difference between na’aseh and nishma. We respond to God’s commands “with one voice”, yet we hear God’s presence in many ways- for though God is One, we are all different, and we encounter Him each in our own way.

To read more from Rabbi Sacks or to subscribe to his mailing list, please visit http://www.rabbisacks.org/. You can also follow him on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
Parashat Vayakhel Pekudei - Why the Repetition?
Rabbi Alex Israel | 30 minutes
Vayakhel - Pekudei contains the precise dimensions of the Mishkan, but these already appeared in Teruma and Tetzaveh. Why did "Moshe followed the instructions" not suffice? We try to understand the secrets behind this "list - repetition" phenomenon in Vayakhel - Pekudei.

We relate to the question of the detailed language and repetition of our parsha by looking at the wider context of the latter part of the Book of Shemot.
Is this repetition part of the emphasis on the possibility of Israel's atonement for the Sin of the Golden Calf? Ultimately, the structure of the parasha and Sefer Shemot is such that it ends off with the message that God has come back to dwell within the midst of Israel, as the Mishkan is filled with a Divine cloud.
Structure and Meaning of Sefer Shemot
Dr. Yael Ziegler | 36 minutes
This shiur looks at some of the broader themes in Sefer Shemot, the story of Bnei Yisrael’s development into a nation. Why was the nation created? What was the purpose of the idea of a nation with a special relationship with God? The Book of Shemot can be divided into three broad sections, but how do the stories between the Song at the Sea and Mount Sinai fit into these categories? We return to some of the motifs in the first section of Shemot in order to answer our questions.

The story of Yitro serves as Shemot’s finale to the universalist goal of the Exodus story—that Egypt will recognize God. The rest of Shemot – the Giving of the Torah and the setting up of the Mishkan – begins to fulfill the other goal of the Exodus story: helping the People of Israel cultivate their own recognition of and relationship with God.
The Song of Songs - What is it All About?
Rabbi Yuval Cherlow |
Rabbi Yuval Cherlow brings the story of the Song of Songs to life while insightfully presenting allegorical dimensions of the book. In a very relatable and down-to-earth way, his analysis sheds light on the challenge of confronting the unfathomable Otherness of the Divine, while trying to cultivate a human relationship with God.
Erev Shabbat Bo - Pharaoh's Thoughts on Freeing Bnei Yisrael
Rabbi Moshe Morris | 15 minutes
When Pharaoh contemplates releasing Bnei Yisrael, he asks who will go. When Moshe responds that all will go to serve God for their festival, Pharaoh responds that the end result will be evil. Is this some hint of understanding Bnei Yisrael's unique relationship with God? We consider what Pharoah was really saying about the nature of reality, and we consider different aspects of God's name. We look for a precedent for Bnei Yisrael's success by looking at blood in the Torah.
The Marriage of God and Israel in Yehezkel 16
Rabbi Dr. Joshua Berman | 54 minutes
This class examines the political, theological, and social allegories presented in Yehezkel chapter 16. Through a close analysis of the text, we examine the metaphor of a husband and wife relationship as reflecting the relationship between Am Yisrael and God, which is crucial for understanding the first chapter of Eicha.
Avraham's Aliya, Our Aliya, and the Chagim
Rabbi Jonathan Snowbell | 18 minutes
We see from last week’s parsha that Avraham has picked up and headed for Canaan, even before receiving a commandment from God.

This parasha is full of messages about belief, trust in God, and Aliyah - in the midst of Avraham's immigration which is full of question marks.

There is a commandment but also a pull toward Eretz Yisrael. For Avraham and for contemporary olim (immigrants), there is no initial promise that everything is going to work out - we have to wait for the next part of the parasha where God will give us the promise. The idea of hope during a time of many unknowns also relates to Rosh Hodesh, a time of optimism and looking forward to the middle of the month when the moon is in full view, and when many of our festivals are celebrated, symbolizing God's manifestation to Israel after periods of seeming obscurity - periods to cultivate optimism.
God's Presence in the Mishkan after the Golden Calf: The Nature of God's Relationship with Israel
Rabbi Jonathan Snowbell | 22 minutes
In Vayakhel-Pekudei, there is an interesting phenonenon of the repetition (in certain places) of "as God commanded" - mostly occuring in the descriptions of the construction of the Mishkan vessels. It comes up once again after the Mishkan is set up. Afterward, God's presence is felt in the Mishkan to the extent that even Moshe cannot enter the Tent of Meeting.

The description of Bnei Yisrael's fulfilment of God's instructions, and especially, the description of God's presence entering the Mishkan, highlight the special relationship between God and Israel. Astonishingly, even after the Sin of the Golden Calf (and its aftermath), the relationship continues. In this shiur, we contemplate the duality of God's relationship with Israel as expressed in these chapters: there are aspects of the constancy (and difficulty) of a parent-child relationship, as well as the passion (and risks) of the marriage relationship.
Tetzaveh - Mishkan, Aharon, and the Sin of the Golden Calf
Rabbi Jonathan Snowbell | 20 minutes
Parashat Tetzaveh offers us a vantage point onto the place of sin in our reality. There is a well-known debate between Rashi and Ramban about the placement of Tetzaveh vis a vis the Sin of the Golden Calf. Was the command to build the Mishkan given before the Sin of the Golden Calf as a way to continue the experience of the Revelation at Sinai, or was it a way to facilitate an atonement process after the Sin of the Golden Calf?

We look at the implications to gain insight into the function and role of the mishkan according to each view – how does each deal with possibility of sin, and failure? And where does Aharon fit in with all of this?
Family Feeling
Rabbi Jonathan Sacks
Repeatedly in this week’s parsha we read of social legislation couched in the language of family. “Your brother” in these verses is not meant literally. At times it means “your relative”, but mostly it means “your fellow Jew”. This is a distinctive way of thinking about society and our obligations to others.

This article is part of the Covenant & Conversation series.

To read more from Rabbi Sacks or to subscribe to his mailing list, please visit http://www.rabbisacks.org/. You can also follow him on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
Family Feeling (Audio)
Rabbi Jonathan Sacks | 8 minutes
Repeatedly in this week’s parsha we read of social legislation couched in the language of family. “Your brother” in these verses is not meant literally. At times it means “your relative”, but mostly it means “your fellow Jew”. This is a distinctive way of thinking about society and our obligations to others.

This lecture is part of the Covenant & Conversation series.

To read more from Rabbi Sacks or to subscribe to his mailing list, please visit http://www.rabbisacks.org/. You can also follow him on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
Behar-Bechukotai: God Will Not Be Repulsed
Rabbi David Silverberg
Haftarat Bemidbar: Two Terms for "Husband"
Rabbi David Silverberg
Behalotcha: Running Away
Rabbi Jay Kelman
Moshe Confronts Korah: Pragmatic Humility and Covenantal Attitudes
Rabbi Jonathan Snowbell | 18 minutes
This week, we examine the challenge of Korah. Though (in Parashat Behaalotekha) Moshe himself expressed a positive view about the entire nation being on a plane in which they could receive prophecy, he is able to see through Korach's claim of the entire nation being holy, without a need for Moshe. Moshe, though humble, sees Korach's ulterior motives - he wants a chunk of the leadership status for himself.

We turn to the book of Yirmiahu for an insight into the renewal of the covenant in future times: though God established the covenant with Israel when they came out of Egypt, at that time they were like children in their relationship with God, as he "led them by the hand" out of Egypt. In future times, they will not need constant, overt, reassurances that God is present - they will all "know God" in their more adult phase of the relationship with God.
Dreams and Dialogues in Shir Hashirim
Rabbi Moshe Taragin
תאריך פרסום: 5777 | | Hour and 11 minutes
In this shiur, we look at the four main poems in Shir HaShirim: the song of longing and wistfulness, the wedding preparations, the frustrated expectations, and the search for renewal (as well as the chorus of the “oaths”). We consider the nature of the communication in Shir Hashirim, and explore the multiple perspectives within the songs and within the midrash and commentaries on Shir HaShirim. As we navigate the blending of time and blurred consciousness in the dream sequences, we ask:What messages about Am Yisrael can we uncover from the dream metaphors in Shir HaShirim? What roles do the dreams play in expressing emotions, and how many characters are really in Shir HaShirim?
Our Father, Our King: The Difference Between Shirat Hayam and Shirat Ha’azinu
Dr. Yael Ziegler
תאריך פרסום: 5777 | | Hour
We will be looking at the two major songs of the Torah - Shirat HaYam- the Song at the Sea, and Shirat Haazinu - the song of dire warnings before Moshe's death. These songs are strikingly different - from their respective literary tones to the way they are recorded on the parchment of the Torah scrolls, and yet each of them are viewed as a national anthem of Am Yisrael. Somehow, these songs are intriguingly linked. We explore how each song represents a different situation and paradigm, and a important aspect of the relationship between God and His nation.
Nitzavim-Vayeilech: Where's the Happy Ending?
Rabbi David Fohrman |
In this video, the first of a three-part series, we ask about God's odd prophecy to Moses at the end of the Torah. As Moses is about to die, why does God tell him about how the Israelites will ruin everything? Rabbi Fohrman hints that Moses has the power to help us get out of a vicious cycle, which we will explore in next week's video.

If you enjoyed this video, please visit AlephBeta.org to watch more.
Ha'azinu: A Unique Nation
Rabbi David Fohrman |
In this week's video, the second of a three-part series, we delve into the beautiful and mysterious song of Ha'azinu. Rabbi Fohrman notes some fascinating language in the song and asks, once we recognize that our separation from God is our fault, how do we repair it?

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Parashat Balak and Israel's Unique Relationship with God
Rabbi Jonathan Snowbell | 34 minutes
Parashat Balak is an island within the book of Bemidbar. What is it doing there?

We look at the story of Bilam's "negotiation" with God and discover that the story may teach us lessons about the relationship between God and Israel in unexpected ways.
Eikha: Chapter 1 (Continued 1)
Shiur #11
Dr. Yael Ziegler
Picking up the theme of loneliness from the previous verse, this verse emphasizes the haunting absence of comforters. Tears remain undried on Jerusalem’s face; emptied of her inhabitants, the city lacks community or consolers. Loved ones have abandoned her; friends betray her.

Throughout these two verses we pick up on the themes of friends, betrayals, exile, and hints at the slavery in Egypt. In requesting that God see her afflictions, Jerusalem endeavors to enlist the compassionate God who redeemed His nation from Egypt and returned them to the land of their forefathers. The echoes of Egypt may sound ominous, but they also allude to God’s eternal promise, His assurance of divine commitment. Evoking the Egyptian exile at this early stage of the Babylonian exile hints to the possibility of redemption and offers a quiet message of hope.
Weather and Environment in Shir Hashirim
Rabbi Moshe Taragin | Hour and 4 minutes
Shir Hashirim details a complex historical relationship between God and his chosen people. What role do weather and climate play in framing the repeated attempts the to bridge between the King and His bride? What happens when the darkness suddenly shifts into daytime?

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As the LORD had commanded Moshe
Rabbanit Dr. Michal Tikochinsky
"Who split apart the Sea of Reeds, His steadfast love is eternal" - Revelation and Human Endeavor at the Splitting of the Sea
Rabbanit Esti Rosenberg
תאריך פרסום: 2022 | | Hour and 5 minutes
In this lecture, we'll delve into a fascinating aspect of the nation's journey from Egypt. When they encountered the challenge of being trapped by the sea, they expressed frustration towards Moshe while simultaneously praying to God for rescue. As the narrative unfolds, we'll witness a transformation as the nation realizes the significance of transitioning from passivity to taking active measures during the miraculous event of the splitting of the sea.
Running Away from God? Tehillim 139
Dr. Yosefa (Fogel) Wruble
תאריך פרסום: 2022 | | Hour and 5 minutes
Tehillim 139 is commonly perceived as a psalm filled with unbridled praise for God. However, this lecture will present an alternative perspective, shedding light on why its candid portrayal of religious life has become increasingly relatable in contemporary times. By exploring this unique interpretation, we gain a deeper understanding of the tehillim's relevance and significance for our lives today.
Architecture and Identity: How Buildings and Structures Shape Shir Hashirim
Rabbi Moshe Taragin
תאריך פרסום: 2023 | | Hour and 10 minutes
When reading Shir Hashrim you have to read it in two lights, one, the literal story itself, and two, reading the characters as a representation of the relationship of God and the people of Israel. In this lecture, we’ll hyper-focus on the architecture in the story and show how it represents the identity and growth of the characters throughout the story.