Parasha with dAvId Saltzman

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In this shiur, we explore the biblical genealogy of Noach's descendants as outlined in Parshat Noach, focusing on the dispersion of nations and the linguistic divisions that followed the flood.

Various commentators examine how Eber prophesied through the naming of his sons, specifically Peleg, whose name signifies a period when lifespans shortened and the earth was divided, and Joktan, whose humility earned him numerous offspring. 

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This shiur explores the meaning and moral implications of the enigmatic בְנֵי הָאֱלֹהִים and their interactions with humanity.

Commentators offer contrasting interpretations, with some viewing these figures as celestial beings or fallen angels, while others identify them as earthly rulers, judges, or descendants of Seth.

Building upon these viewpoints, the sources examine how society progressively degraded divine principles by

• abandoning the original blueprint for marriage,
• misusing the concept of שֵׁם,
• and perverting the standard of כִּי טוֹב.

Ultimately, these widespread moral transgressions and acts of violence provoked God's anger, leading to the decision to cut humanity's lifespan short and flood the earth.

In this shiur, we analyze the term "Morashah" as it appears in the contexts of the Torah and the Land of Israel.

Commentators distinguish between a standard inheritance and a Morashah, suggesting that while the Torah belongs to all of Israel, it requires continuous effort and merit rather than being a passive gift.

Some interpretations use the wordplay of "Me'orasah" (betrothed) to describe the intimate, exclusive bond between the Jewish people and the divine Law, likening it to a marriage.

Regarding the Land of Israel, the sources explore the divine oath—symbolized by the "raising of the hand"—and how the land serves as a permanent heritage passed through generations.

Ultimately, these sources emphasize that both the Torah and the Land are existential anchors that define the identity and survival of the community of Jacob.

This shiur examines the final moments of Moshe as he surveyed the Promised Land from Mount Nebo before his death.

Commentators discuss why God granted him this vision, suggesting it was to confirm the fulfillment of the divine oath to the Patriarchs or to offer Moses a supernatural glimpse of future Jewish history.

The texts also address the unique nature of his passing, described as a "kiss" from God rather than a natural decline of his physical strength.

Some interpretations argue that Moshe did not truly die in a conventional sense but continues to exist in a lofty, spiritual state.

Ultimately, the collection highlights Moshes' unparalleled status as a prophet whose influence remained vital even as the leadership transitioned to Joshua.

In this shiur we analysis of the final moments of Moshe, focusing on why God showed him the Land of Israel before his death.

Commentators suggest this vision allowed Moses to inform the Patriarchs in the afterlife that the divine promise to their descendants had been fulfilled.

Others argue the experience was a miraculous reward, granting him a prophetic view of the nation's future history and its eventual tribal divisions.

The texts also explore the spiritual nature of his passing, describing it as a "divine kiss" rather than a natural expiration.

Ultimately, the collection highlights Moses' unique status as a leader whose influence transcends physical life.

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⁠In this shiur, we chronicle the final moments of Moshe as he prepares Bnei Yisrael for his departure and their entry into Israel. Central to this transition is the appointment of Yehoshua, called Hoshea, as the new leader, ensuring continuity through divine encouragement and public validation.

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In this shiur, we analyze the phrase "this day" from the book of Devarim to explain the profound relationship between the Jewish people and the divine commandments.

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In this shiur, we examine the Torah's prohibitions regarding the nations of Ammon, Moab, and Amalek, focusing on the moral justifications for their exclusion and eventual destruction. The Ammonites and Moabites are condemned for their profound ingratitude and calculated cruelty, as they refused to provide basic sustenance to the Israelites and actively sought to curse them.

Amalek is portrayed as the ultimate ideological enemy who targeted the most vulnerable members of the community without provocation.

Ultimately, the sources frame these commandments as essential reminders for Israel to uphold ethical integrity while actively opposing systemic evil and cruelty.

Source sheet here

In this shiur, we examine the prohibition of Bal Tashchit, which forbids the wanton destruction of fruit trees during a military siege.

Various meforshim debate the meaning of the phrase "for man is a tree of the field," offering different interpretations of the relationship between humanity and nature.

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In this shiur, we examine the Torah's mandate from Devarim 15 regarding the obligation to support the impoverished, specifically focusing on the prohibition against hardening one's heart as the Shmitah year approaches.

The Chumash warns that economic status is a rotating wheel; since wealth is temporary, giving serves as a spiritual investment that invites Divine blessing and ensures future communal support.

Ultimately, the sources teach that the manner of giving—with a pleasant countenance and sincere empathy—is as significant as the financial contribution itself.