Rabbi David Semah hosts classes every morning at 6:45 AM at West Deal Shul.

In this class, Rabbi David Semah explores how the tribe of Gad perceived God at Matan Torah. Having witnessed God as a mighty warrior at Yam Suf, they struggled to reconcile that image with the merciful, elder-like revelation at Har Sinai. Rabbi Semah examines the opening words of the Aseret HaDibrot, 'Anochi Hashem Elokecha,' and raises the question of why God addresses the Jewish people in the second person singular. Drawing on Rashi, he explains that God deliberately framed the Torah's introduction in personal terms because He knew the Jewish people — coming out of Egypt, surrounded by idol worship — would be drawn to idolatry, and so the language was meant to speak directly to each individual. The class closes with admiration for Rashi's depth and beauty of interpretation.

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(0:00) Opening: Bnei Gad at Matan Torah

(1:00) How Bnei Gad perceived God

(1:32) God revealed as merciful elder

(2:00) Two perceptions: warrior vs. elder

(3:03) Torah as the legal document

(3:17) Anochi: 'I am Hashem your God'

(3:29) Why God speaks in second person

(4:13) The Rashi's beautiful teaching

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