Parasha with dAvId Saltzman

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The shiur examines the encounter between Yaakov and Pharaoh, focusing on their dialogue regarding age and suffering. The sources explain that Yaakov’s weathered appearance led Pharaoh to inquire about his age, prompting a response that distinguished between total years of sojourning and actual years of quality life.

This Shiur traces the narrative from Yaakov sending Yosef to check on his brothers' well-being ("שְׁלוֹם" in Hebrew), through Yosef's eventual reunion with them in Egypt, including his emotional reactions to seeing his full brother, Binyamin. Commentaries analyze specific word choices, such as the meaning of asking about their father's "peace" to Yosef's final test of his brothers, where he frames Binyamin for the theft of his silver cup, before telling the others to depart in peace.

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This Shiur describes Yosef as a seventeen-year-old, herding with his brothers, and bringing an evil report (דִּבָּתָם רָעָה) about them to his father. Interpretations vary on the precise nature of Joseph's "evil report. The meforshim analyze the motivations behind Yosef's actions.

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In this shiur, we review Genesis chapters 32 and 33, exploring Yaakov's repeated motivation to find חֵן in the eyes of Esav and interpret his statements about divine grace, while also discussing the unique usage of the verb form וַיִּחַן when Jacob settles near the city of Shechem, implying he bestowed kindness or made improvements like markets and baths for the inhabitants.

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This shiur presents key biblical narratives from Beresheet detailing Jacob's (Yaakov's) significant journeys and the erection of several stone pillars, or matzeivot.

We analyze these monuments, particularly focusing on the events at Beit El and the pillar marking Rachel’s burial place. Commentators debate the theological justification for Jacob's actions, exploring whether the matzevot served as acts of worship, simple place markers, or indicators of future land inheritance.

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This shiur discusses Isaac's prayer for his barren wife, Rebekah. The sources systematically examine the meanings and implications of key terms such as Vaye'etar and L'nochaḥ Ishto. Furthermore, the commentaries explore the theological reasons for Rebekah's barrenness—suggesting it was a test, a motivation for intense prayer, or a way to ensure the children were cherished—and explain why Isaac's prayer alone was answered.

Shiur here This shiur analyzes the story of Avraham's acquisition of the Cave of Machpelah from the Hittites, with a focus on his self-description as a “resident alien” גֵּר וְתוֹשָׁב. A key part of the discussion is whether Abraham's request for a burial site was a humble plea, a strategic negotiation, or a subtle legal claim to the promised land.

We also explore the timeline of Abraham’s travels and the importance of land ownership as the first sign of God's covenant with him.

See source sheet here This shiur focuses on a close examination of Bereshit Chapter 20, verses 2-4, which recounts the story of Avimelech taking Sarah. Commentators offer detailed interpretations of how God communicated with Avimelech through a dream, why Avimelech did not physically approach Sarah, and the meaning behind Avimelech's plea to God, "Will you slay a righteous nation as well?"

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This shiur centers on the biblical encounter between Abram and Melchizedek as recorded in Genesis 14:18-20. The texts explore several critical issues, including the identity of Melchizedek and the significance of his appearance with bread and wine immediately preceding Abram's refusal of the King of Sodom’s offer. Commentaries debate why this section interrupts the narrative.

See Shiur hereThis class focuses on the moment when Lamech names his son Noach, stating he will bring comfort from the toil of the cursed ground.  We explore the significance of the name Noach, the root of his name, and the multifaceted expectation of comfort and respite that his father, Lamech, placed upon him. 

We delve into Rashi, Midrash, Isaac Mozeson, and Rabbi Yaakov Medan.