Ramban on the Torah | 5785 | 08 | Vayeshev, by Rav Eli Weber

Why did Esav go to Edom and why does Yaakov stay? Did Yaakov believe Yosef's dreams? Was Yosef always a tzadik?

Where Mikra Meets Midrash - The Case of Yosef haTzaddik, by Rav Yitzchak Etshalom

In this shiur, we examine the Midrashic martyrology of the עשרה הרוגי מלכות and how it developed from several Midrashic tropes in a reading of the story of the sale of Yosef. The shiur was given in the context of the SAR-sponsored Yemei Iyyun in Tanakh (June 23, 2024) and was given in memory of Ari Levine. ארי בן מנחם צבי ז"ל.

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Ramban on the Torah | 5785 | 07 | Vayishlach, by Rav Eli Weber

What do we need to do in response to a modern Esav? Were Shimon and Levi right? Why did Yaakov not bury Rachel in Chevron?

Ramban on the Torah | 5785 | 06 | Vayetze, by Rav Eli Weber

Did Yaakov hate Leah? Why does Yaakov get angry at Rachel? Why does Yaakov get angry at Lavan?

Vayetze | Yaakov's Years in Haran, by Rav Yitzchak Etshalom

Parashat Vayetze, from beginning to end, details Yaakov's years "on the run", all of which are in Haran. How long was he there? Yaakov tells us - "I was in your house for 20 years..."; however, limiting Yaakov's years there to 20 raises numerous challenges, both within the text and with "realia". In this shiur, we propose a different chronology which serves to respond to these challenges.

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Ramban on the Torah | 5785 | 05 | Toldot, by Rav Eli Weber

Why did Hashem swear to each of the Avot? Did the Avot keep the Torah before it was given? Why was Yaakov ashamed of what he did?

Toldot | "Do You Have Only One Blessing, Father?" by Rav Yitzchak Etshalom

The central story of Parashat Toldot is Yaakov's successful deception of his father, Yitzchak, to "steal" the blessing intended for Esav. When Esav learns of the ruse, his plaint to his father is "do you have but one blessing, my father"? Indeed, why does Yitzchak have only one blessing for his sons? And why is a blessing, given under false pretenses, valid and irrevocable? A careful read of the text reveals what may be a surprising answer. This shiur was given, at the UCLA Hillel, in memory of "Jabo" Ehrlich, an amazing teacher and friend, lover of Tanakh and Eretz Yisrael, who fell defending our country last week. יהי זכרו ברוך.

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Ramban on the Torah | 5785 | 04 | Chayei Sara, by Rav Eli Weber

What was the miscommunication between Avraham and Efron? What is the meaning of a burial plot?  What fulfills a person?

Ramban on the Torah | 5785 | 03 | Vayera, by Rav Eli Weber

Why was Sedom punished? What does this have to do with Pilegesh BaGiv'a? What is the point of the Akeda?

Vayera | What Really (Almost) Happened in Sedom, by Rav Yitzchak Etshalom

How could Lot conceivably offer his daughters to the men of Sedom?

We are accustomed to reading the story of Sedom and imagining an angry gang of the men of the town surrounding Lot's house and demanding that he send out the two visitors for purposes of a gang-rape. We reexamine that assumption and note that our reading is influenced by the text in Shoftim 19 - and even that, as Rada"k points out, may not be as prurient a story as we imagine. In addition, Lot's readiness to offer his unmarried daughters to the gang is, in light of the common understanding, the most dastardly thing we could imagine a father doing. We propose a different understanding of the intent of the townsfolk and, in light of that, the context of Lot's offering his daughters to the crowd.

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