Dr. Ruth Walfish
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The Story of Bilaam
Dr. Ruth Walfishתאריך פרסום: תשע"ב | |
The story of Bilaam raises some intriguing questions: why does the Torah dedicate three chapters to this story (Numbers, chapters 22-24)? What kind of figure is Bilaam? Are we meant to admire or despise him? How do the episodes reported in the original version shed light on Bilaam`s final act of defiance (Num. 31, 16) and death (vs. 8)? We will suggest answers to these questions by analyzing the story both from a traditional parshanut standpoint, as well as on the basis of literary clues and considerations.
Did Joseph Forgive his Brothers?
Dr. Ruth Walfishתאריך פרסום: תש"ע | |
Much thought has been devoted to the question of what Yosef wished to accomplish by his manipulation of his brothers. In this class we will explore the question of how Yosef felt towards his brothers, during and after his interaction with them in Egypt. Was Yosef able to put aside his hard feelings and really forgive them for the terrible deeds they had done to him? How did the brothers feel towards Yosef after he revealed himself to them? Our answers will be based both on close textual reading, as well as on an exploration of the emotional and psychological components of forgiveness.
Rationale for the Laws of Kashrut
Dr. Ruth Walfish | Hour and 8 minutesWhat is the rationale behind the laws of Kashrut? This lecture closely analyzes the various Kashrut laws, and explores the deeper meaning behind the animals that are prohibited and permitted to be eaten, the prohibition against eating blood, and vegetarianism as an ideal in Judaism. Through this analysis we also delve into the broader topic of the purpose of mitzvot in general, and the value of searching for meaning within the laws.
Miracles in the Book of Joshua
Dr. Ruth Walfish | Hour and 8 minutesThe book of Yehoshua is the point of transfer from a miraculous supernatural existence that Bnei Yisrael experienced in their years of sojourn through the desert to a more mundane, natural existence in the Land of Israel. This lecture points to a number of parallel events that occurred in both the desert and in the beginning of the book of Yehoshua, and draws comparisons between them, illustrating this gradual transition from the supernatural to mundane.