Ramban on the Torah | 5785 | 21 | Vayakhel, by Rav Eli Weber

How did the artisans who built the mishkan know what to do? Why did the women give first for the Mishkan?

Pesach | From Disgrace to Praise: A Reassessment, by Rav Yitzchak Etshalom

What is the purpose of the texts between "Avadim Hayyinu" until "Arami Oved Avi"?

The "Maggid" section of our Haggada has two central components - the first of which is the Midrash on "Arami Oved Avi" and the other is Rabban Gamliel's explanation of the foods. However, our Haggadot have quite a bit of text between the "quick answer" given in response to "Mah Nishtanah" - and these passages don't seem to conform to the aims of the evening. We reassess the rabbinic dictum מתחיל בגנות ומסיים בשבח - "begin with disgrace and end with praise" and propose an understanding of these four words and their location within the Mishna to offer a reassessment of these opening sections of Maggid.

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Ramban on the Torah | 5785 | 20 | Ki Tisa, by Rav Eli Weber

What did the Egel come to replace?

Ki Tisa- Purim | Kabbalat HaTorah: From Sinai to Shushan, by Rav Yair Kahn

The journey of Kabbalat haTorah: from Sinai to Shushan

Purim | Mordekhai Would Not Bow...Why Not? by Rav Yitzchak Etshalom

The critical catalyst for the story of Purim is Mordekhai's refusal, as a member of Ahashverosh's court, to show obeisance to Haman. The text never explicates the rationale behind this decision, in spite of its centrality to the plot. We survey some common answers given and suggest possible challenges to each - and then propose a new answer which impacts on our reading of the entire story, up to and including the climactic war that takes place 11 months after Haman's decree is formulated.

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Tetzaveh - Likrat Purim | The Garments of the High Priest and Queen Esther, by Rav Yair Kahn

Ramban on the Torah | 5785 | 19 | Tetzaveh, by Rav Eli Weber

What is the meaning of the clothes of the Cohanim? What are the Urim and Tumim? Why does HaShem want to be among us?

Teruma | From the Mishkan, by Rav Yair Kahn

To the Beit HaMikdash

Ramban on the Torah | 5785 | 18 | Teruma, by Rav Eli Weber

Is there an order to the Torah? What would me the meaning of the Mishkan without the Egel? Why is the order of building the Mishkan the way it is?

Conflicted and Confused, Horrified and Happy: Reflecting on the Return of Living and Murdered Hostages, by Rav Dovid Gottlieb

The height of strength or the expression of weakness, courage or desperation?