KMTT - the Torah Podcast

Rosh Hashana | Akedat Yitzchak (4), by Rav Yitzchak Etshalom

Why didn't Avraham protest God's command?

In this four-part series, we examine one of the most mysterious and troubling stories in all of Tanakh - the story of Akeidat Yitzchak (Bereishit 22:1-19). We discuss the selection of this narrative as the קריאת התורה for (2nd day) Rosh Hashana (#1), the larger narrative contexts within which this story operates (#2), some classical approaches to unraveling the mystery of this "test" (#3) and some suggestions for a new approach to understanding this startling story (#4).

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Ramban On The Torah | 12 | Nitzavim-Vayelekh, by Rav Eli Weber

Why does HKDBH sometimes seem so angry with us? And other times, so encouraging? It's because He knows us.

Rosh Hashana | Akedat Yitzchak (3), by Rav Yitzchak Etshalom

How do the Midrashim interpret the word נסה in 22:1 - is it a "test" or something else?

In this four-part series, we examine one of the most mysterious and troubling stories in all of Tanakh - the story of Akeidat Yitzchak (Bereishit 22:1-19). We discuss the selection of this narrative as the קריאת התורה for (2nd day) Rosh Hashana (#1), the larger narrative contexts within which this story operates (#2), some classical approaches to unraveling the mystery of this "test" (#3) and some suggestions for a new approach to understanding this startling story (#4).

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Ramban On The Torah | 11 | Ki Tavo, by Rav Eli Weber

Akedat Yitzchak (2), by Rav Yitzchak Etshalom

How ought the Akedah be viewed from the larger perspective of the Avraham story?

In this four-part series, we examine one of the most mysterious and troubling stories in all of Tanakh - the story of Akeidat Yitzchak (Bereishit 22:1-19). We discuss the selection of this narrative as the קריאת התורה for (2nd day) Rosh Hashana (#1), the larger narrative contexts within which this story operates (#2), some classical approaches to unraveling the mystery of this "test" (#3) and some suggestions for a new approach to understanding this startling story (#4)

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Akedat Yitzchak (1), by Rav Yitzchak Etshalom

How did Akedat Yitzchak become selected as the preferred Keriat haTorah for 2nd day Rosh Hashana?

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Ramban On The Torah | 10 | Ki Tetze, by Rav Eli Weber

Ramban On The Torah | 09 | Shoftim, by Rav Eli Weber

Shoftim | You Shall Cleanse the Innocent Blood, by Rav Yitzchak Etshalom

Who is the audience of Devarim 21:9?

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Re'eh | Banim Atem - Why Here, Why Now? by Rav Yitzchak Etshalom

The turning point in Parashat Re'eh is at the beginning of Chapter 14. Having completed the presentation of Mitzvot related to idolatry and the special place where "Hashem will choose to cause His Name to reside," Mosheh's speech turns to issues of ritual sanctity, including a prohibition against cutting oneself as a funerary act. This prohibition is introduced with a declaration that "You are children of Hashem, your God." The connection between this powerful statement and the prohibitions which ensure is explored. Five different approaches suggested by the Rishonim are presented, followed by a sixth... What is the immediate implication of the address "You are children of Hashem your God" (בנים אתם לה' אלקיכם) which bisects Parashat Re'eh?

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