God Chooses Avraham

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  1. Avraham and the Idols: A Midrashic Reflection of a Biblical Story

    Rabbi Amnon Bazak

    This lesson will examine the famous midrash about Avraham breaking his father’s idols. The analysis will use the literary analogy to the biblical story of Gideon, to explain that the purpose of the midrash is to clarify why God chose Avraham. Is the biblical assessment of Gideon and Avraham similar?

  2. Unity and Individualism

    Rabbi Ezra Bick

    What was the sin of the builders of the Tower of Bavel? What could be wrong with unity? How does confusing mankind with languages solve the problem? What is the meaning of God's response? And what is the connection between the Tower of Bavel and the selection of Avraham?

  3. "Then Shall I Bring Upon the Nations a Clear Language"

    Rabbi Yaakov Medan

    Why did God choose Avraham? The midrash offers two explanations. The story of the furnace parallels the story of Chanania, Mishael and Azaria, and the story about destroying the idols is taken from Gideon. The two parallels points to a broader connection between Avraham and these characters, and about the sin of Nimrod and The Generation of Disunity (Dor Hapalaga).

  4. "They Who Wait Upon God Shall Renew Their Strength" (Yishayahu 40:27-41:16)

    Rabbi Yehuda Shaviv

    Avraham's character teaches all future generations what it means to love God, how God selects His nation, and encounters with the nations of the world - both in battle against them and also by bringing them into the worship of God. 

  5. Why is Avraham Commanded to Continue What he had Started?

    Rabbi David Silverberg

  6. Something from Nothing: Who is Avraham?

    Rabbi David Silverberg

  7. Avraham Standing Alone

    Rabbi David Silverberg

  8. Walk Before Me and Be Tamim

    Rabbi David Silverberg

  9. Cursing the Cursers or Showing Them the Light?

    Reuven Weiser

  10. Sons and Genealogies - Selection and Rejection

    Rabbi Jonathan Snowbell

    תאריך פרסום: 2006 | | 30 minutes

    Why do the generations of Yishmael appear in the Torah in addition to the genealogies of Yitzhak, the son selected to be Avraham’s successor? The lists are there partly as a contrast. Stories recur throughout Bereisheet with motifs of dynasties and transmission: There are two sons who can follow in their father’s footsteps—one is chosen and described in greater length, and one is sent away. In this shiur, we look at the pattern of selection and rejection throughout the various occurences of the lists of descendants.

  11. The Second Lekh Lekha

    Rabbi Jonathan Snowbell | 16 minutes

    This parasha contains the second "Lekh Lekha" story - God once again commands Avraham to go forth on a mission. But is Rashi's comment on the first "Lekh Lekha" (in Chapter 12), that it means "go for your benefit and goodness" still relevant in Vayera? In Parashat Lekh Lekha, Avraham was commanded to go and sacrifice his past, leaving his birthplace for a new land. Here, Avraham is being commanded to go and sacrifice his future. Unlike Parashat Lekh Lekha, there are no promises here - just a commandment. As we explore this second "Lekh Lekha" and examine the parallels to the first "Lekh Lekha," we gain insight into Avraham's commitment.

  12. Parshat Noah Part 6: From Shem to Avram

    Rabbi Alex Israel | 28 minutes

    Perek 11 describes God’s shift from a universalistic approach to the world to His focus on a specific person, family, and ultimately, nation. 

    Courtesy of www.tanachstudy.com

  13. “Look to Avraham, Your Forefather”

    Rabbi Shimon Klein

    In Parshat Lech Lecha, Avraham leaves the life circles in which he is ensconced and emerges to adopt a position that observes it all from on high, from a position raised above the here and now. An expression of this is to be found in his abstract attitude towards the land; in his attitude towards the Canaanites – the patience and honor that he shows them, taking care not to push them out of their place; his patience and containment of Lot, allowing him to join him; and – later on – his offer to divide the land (if Lot takes the north, Avraham will take the south, and vice versa). All of this is a clue to recognizing the spiritual position that Avraham has adopted, as well as a clue to his character and qualities.