Torah VeAhava - Torah With Love: Recent Episodes
Rabbi Haim Ovadia
In our weekly Minyan club memebrs share their stories. In this session we hear Suzy Levin and Reynaldo Yehoshua Rodriguez
Avraham's brilliant negotiation with Hittites. Surprise, Ephron is not a greedy villain.
How was Avraham's servant able to convince Rivka's family to let her go to an unknown land?
Pointers and food for thought on the Parasha. Focus on the two negotiations in the Parasha. Avraham with the Hittites and his servants with Rivka's family.
The Akedah is one of the most challenging episodes of the Torah, if not of the whole Tanakh. the idea Dying for God has become embedded in Jewish consciousness largely because of the Akedah, but it has evolved differently among Sepharadm and Ashkenazim. In this episode we examine the Ashkenazi school of though and the possible influence Christianity had on it.
Chapter 18 in Genesis: The mysterious visitors. Why did Lot serve Matzah? What was the problem of Sodom and how is it related to the Tower of Babel?
According to the Midrash Abraham hesitated, or even refused, to be circumcised. in this discussion we see that this interpretation was a clever campaign by the rabbis to convince their contemporaries t circumcise their children, despite Greek influence. We also discuss the importance of the Exodus and why Abraham did not object when he was told that his descendants will be enslaved in Egypt.
In this episode: The Tower of Babel was an attempt at a 1984 style society. What exactly happened there? who is Nimrod? What was the origin of Abraham? The first energy war, and the mysterious King Melchizedek.
Here we analyze the story of Cain and Abel. It is a multi-layered story which represents rifts in society and among families. Is it possible that God favored Abel in order to show us what not to do, as the horrible consequence was the first murder? Further in Genesis we find Lemekh as the father of civilization and a ruthless ruler, whose children symbolize all of humanity.
Third session of the discussion of Genesis. Here we analyze the events following the act of eating of the Forbidden Fruit, the symbolism of Gan Eden in parallel to the Mishkan and the Jewish Home, and how to break out of the inevitable cycle of life and death.
The Tree of Knowledge was not an obstacle planted on man's path to make him sin, but rather a symbolic description of the process of coming of age and discovering free will.
An analysis of the differences between the two creation stories in Bereshit. Here I offer my theory that the first story describes God's perfect world while the second describes the imperfect world in which we live.
When Jacob meets Joseph after more than 20 years of separation he does not cry. Was he really reading the Shema, as the Midrash says, or was he upset at Joseph?
In this discussion this question is addressed and with it the riddle of Joseph's long silence and why he never let his father know that he is alive and well in Egypt.
Yosef starts his journey as an innocent and naive child, oblivious to the emotions of his brothers. He is betrayed by them, by Potiphar’s wife, and by the cup bearer, until he finally finds his own voice.
Pre- Shabbat sermon on VaYishlah. Why all families are dysfunctional and what can we learn from the non-apology of Yaacob to Esau.
What was the meaning of the ladder? Why does Jacob switch between God’s names? How we transmit subliminal messages to our children, and how Jacob misunderstood Rachel.
What went on between Ephron and Avraham? Why was Avraham away from Sara?
We also discussed the clever manipulations of Avraham’s servant, the reason why Avraham wanted to import a bride, and why Rivka had communication problems with Yitzhak.
Why did the rabbis say that Abraham had doubts regarding the circumcision?
Sodom and extreme capital.
The Ten Concepts form a covenant which help us make sense of the world and get the best in us.
The Torah never calls the 10 Commandments by that name. Rather, they are referred to as the 10 statements or the 10 concepts. In this discussion we try to understand the overall structure of the 10 Commandments and the character of each one of them, as leading towards a greater and and more comprehensive worldview.
Positive psychology meets the Torah’s golden rule and social philosophy. It explains the compelling and healing power of the Torah.
In the last chapters of Nehemiah we find a surprising description of the status of Shabbat. We examine it in comparison with Jeremiah ch. 17 and Isaiah ch. 58.
Ch. 5-8: Oppression by the upper class creates a situation similar to slavery. Nehemiah serves as a role model. First religious awakening gathering. Questions regarding Torah observance.
Chapters 2-4 of Nehemiah describe his clever manipulation of the king and his success in uniting the Jews and building the walls of Jerusalem.
Ezra ch. 7-10. Ezra is authorized to travel to Israel and have judicial autonomy but is shocked to find out that there is massive assimilation.
Chapter 12 concludes the book of Qohelet with a beautiful and touching poem, and with final words which reiterate the author’s understanding of our purpose in life.
In chapters 10-11 Qohelet offers tidbits of wisdom, popular máxima, and some of his observations.
In chapter 8-9 Qohelet discusses emotions, body language, dealing with authority, and finally, the answer to the big question: what is my purpose in Life?
Towards the end of chapter 7 Qohelet has harsh words for women. But it turns out it is a hidden criticism of King Solomon himself.
In chapters 4-7 Qohelet questions the purpose of life, encourages people to visit a mourner’s house, and contemplates the futility of wealth.
Chapters 2-5. The famous list of “time to” is misleading. Signaling imperfection and imbalance.
Qohelet chapters 1-2: In the pursuit of happiness and purpose, Qohelet drags the readers into an abyss of despair.
At the conclusion of Job, Elihu disappears, Job and God have a dialog and both confess. Also comparison to Eikha-lamentations.
Job chapters 29-35: Job delivers s final statement in which the true nature of his personality and observance is revealed.
Muster man Elihu joins the conversation do deliver a revolutionary and not easily digestible solution to the question of theodicy.
Job chapters 11-28: The argument between Job and his friends intensifies, with insults thrown at each other. Job accuses God and then turns to talk of wisdom.
Job chapters 5-10. Job replies to Eliphaz. He argues that he is innocent and that had there been an objective arbiter he would win his suit against God.
Job 2:11-5:1: Job reveals his true belief. His friend Eliphaz offers consolation that is not very helpful.
Job 1:6-2:10. Job is afflicted. God and Satan fight over him. His wife turns out to be a heretic.
What was the basis for the Halakhic methodology of Rabbi Yosef Karo and why was it challenged?
When can a rabbi disagree with a majority? Can a community or a city discontinue a minhag based on the ruling of the new rabbi?
In this session we follow the analysis of rabbi David Chelouche in Hemda Genuza, discussing the source of halakhic tules.
The story of the struggle for hegemony between the chief rabbis of the Yosef dynasty and the rabbis of the Maghreb
The battle of Rabbi Ovadia Yosef against Moroccan tradition and, on the other hand, the modern and innovative approach of those rabbis.
The argument for the hegemony of the Shulhan Arukh is that he was the central authority in israel. We examine this argument.
R Shemueli b Hofni explains the nature of Talmudic texts and why illogical Midrashic material should be rejected. We also discuss the reason for the label Sephardic.
The Talmud is considered the central textbook in Yeshivot, but it hasn't always been that way.
After reviewing the decline in chapters 11-18 we analyze the general structure and message of the book.
In chapters 12-18 we see ongoing deterioration in the structure of nation and government.
A sample of Midrash Halakha. The concern of R Yehudah regarding the writing of the Mishnah. The importance of having a contemporary judge.
A brief discussion of the dispute between the schools of R Yishmael and R Akiva. The first known dispute and the reasons for its creation.
We discuss the rise of Hillel, how laws can be forgotten, and why there was s need to write the Mishnah.
In this new series we review the history of Jewish Law This session deals with the status of the different books of the Torah
A disturbing Midrash takes s surprising twist and is better understood in historical context.
Torah is much more than theoretical studies, and the rabbis emphasized the importance of work, in this succinct statement.
Several Midrashic sources reveal the deep love of the early rabbis to the Hebrew language and their fear of Greek takeover.
A man who got upset at his wife fir staying late in a class wanted her to spit at the rabbi's eye. R Meir reaction teaches us deep lessons. We also discuss current problems of domestic violence.
Despite Elisha's claim that he cannot come back, his actions show his deep hope to reconnect.
A new insight of the concept of קדוש not as the traditional "holy". The purpose of religion, moral values, and their place in evolution. A dispute with Yuval Noah Harari's Home Deus
Rabban Gamliel tries to appease R Yehosua but misunderstands him and is taught a lesson regarding rabbinical leadership
Ruth manages to bring Naomi full circle and change her attitude without letting her know that Ruth took matter into her hands.
In chapter 2 Ruth continues to surprise us by being manipulative and pragmatic while managing to create an image of a docile and submissive girl.
After the destruction, rabbis from the Davidic dynasty were the religious leaders. The contention among colleagues and followers led to a democratic, grass roots movement, culminating with the deposition of Rabban Gamliel
Though Hillel and Shammai had major disputes, they've accepted each other's actions. Later generations have mitigated their achievements and promote instead divisiveness.
Stories about scholars were extremely cautious not to mislead customers, and about a scholar who found ways to give the banished children of a grumpy man, a portion of their inheritance.
Akavya ben Mahalalel was a seeker of truth, excommunicated for his stubbornness. His last words to his son are surprising in their honesty and intensity.
Stories of three men rejected by Shammai but accepted by Hillel - is today's orthodoxy Shammai or Hillel?
The Talmudic story about Abba Hilqiyya paints a different picture of a tzaddik. The values of work, honesty, transparency, and business Ethics are conveyed through the narrative.
In this discussion we explore the obscure story of cult prostitution in its many manifestations in the Bible.
Starting in chapter 7 of the Megillah we review the final Confrontation of Esther with Haman.
In chapter 5 of the Megillah we find the two men, the king and Haman, mercilessly manipulated by Esther.
In the second installment of the series we discuss the theory that Mordechai and Esther were a married couple.
In the time of the II Temple a partition was adde in the courtyard. Why was it necessary? What was the argument for its creation? A look into a misunderstood mourning practice.
Several paragraphs from Mishna and midrash showing the deterioration in the status of the priests and high priests during second temple period.
Three paragraphs from midrash showing the deep
distaste of the rabbis towards the priests and what they represented. Also the idea that sacrifices are a compromise.
The rabbis, and their contemporaries, were awed by Alexander's prowess and feared his influence. We discuss here several paragraphs leveling harsh criticism at him.
The chilling midrashic rendition of Haman's decree, some thoughts on anti-Semitism and on the secret of survival and success of the Jewish people.
Rabbi Yehuda b. Simon praises Deborah and Esther. R Shimon b. Yohai rejects his disciples' criticism of Persian Jews and explains that sometimes even paganism is superficial.
In this segment, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Moses ask God to forgive the Jews as a reward for their merits. Each man lists his achievements and sacrifices but God doesn't respond. It is Rachel who wins the argument presenting a feminine and very daring perspective as she challenges God.
Here we see Abraham visiting the ruins of the Temple. He is described as practicing non-Jewish and even pagan mourning practices. We discuss the literal meaning of the prohibition to destroy the beard. Later on Abraham puts God on trial and summons witnesses.
Two beautiful paragraphs dealing with the reaction to destruction. In one Jeremiah meets the embodiment of Zion and forced himself out of his misery to comfort her. In the other, God mourns his actions and in a dialog with Metatron reveals insights of human psyche.
Here we explore the reason for the thundering silence of the rabbis regarding Hanukkah and Masada.
Two passages are discussed here. One is the corruption of the sons of Shemuel and how the rabbis drew analogy to their contemporary corrupt leaders.
The second is the sad story of Saul and his fall from grace, which ends with a surprising twist as in a last act of heroism he redeemed himself.
Why are Hanukkah and Christmas always adjacent? A Midrash found in the Talmud might shed light on the Dec 27 2016question.
The Midrash rebukes the successors of Yehoshua did failing to connect to the people. This message is very applicable today. Other sources speak disparagingly of Deborah, a premonition of the current situation in the orthodox Jewish community.
In this Talmudic passage the 10 commandments Joshua passes on to the Israelites deal with shared resources, civility, border flexibility and human dignity. Not your typical 10 commandments
The rabbis criticize the hypocrites who adhere to external factors but lack inner faith and moral values. The Midrash about the wife of Ohn Ben Pelet was distorted by later rabbis to the exact opposite of its original goal.
God laments the completion of the Tabernacle because it was just a distraction, a remedy for the tendency to turn religion into an obsession.
Listen to learn more.
The Midrash speaks of the gap felt in Egypt after the Exodus. It resonates with many similar events in later history.
The Midrash says that the Israelites did not change their names, clothes, and language, but it wasn't so throughout history. Are we missing something?
Why was it important for Yosef to be buried in Israel? Why the focus on Moshe's actions? Who is Sarah bat Asher?
The Midrash describes differ leadership styles, the selfish and unselfish. Moshe's encounter with Pharaoh is also described as a theological clash. Illustrated through a brilliant analogy.
A late European Midrash depicts Moshe as a loving leader, who cares about his people's well-being in the desert. God promises survival rather than comfort. Why? Also: God presents Himself by an enigmatic name.
What happened when Moshe first visited the Israelites? Why does the Midrash say he used mystical powers to kill the Egyptian? What energized Moshe?
The Midrash says that Moshe tried on the king's crown. Was it even possible? Was Moshe a stutterer? Why did Pharaoh seek to kill him?
Why did the Midrash bend the text to suggest a miracle happened when there is a much simpler explanation. Did the author of the Midrash believe that an arm can stretch to twice or three times its length or is there a hidden message here?
Jacob rebukes his children; he is about to reveal secrets; the origin of Shema and Barukh Shem; Embalming, cremation, removal of bones, and organ donation.
The Midrash turns and twists the dialog between the brothers into a magnificent drama. We also discuss the wisdom of Joseph in delivering subliminal messages and achieving his goals.
How did Joseph know his brothers were in Egypt? What did he base his accusations on? The rabbis made delicatessen from the story of the first encounter between the viceroy and his brothers.
Why weren't the sages able to interpret Pharaoh's dreams. How was Joseph able to convince Pharaoh to appoint him viceroy.
The story of Joseph's temptation was embellished by the rabbis. We also discuss the question whether biblical heroes are flawless.
How the rabbis used Midrash to uplift the spirit of Jews in Diaspora and how the disputed between Yaakov and Esau was never settled.
Yaakov shows preferential treatment to Yosef. He is deceived by his dons in the same method he deceived his father.
Yaakov deceives and is being deceived by Laban who makes all of his townspeople accomplices. Yaakov hurts Rachel, causes divide, and pays dear price.
Was intimacy feared in Talmudic times? How was Yaakov tricked? Rachel and Leah were possibly twins. Yaakov's actions return to haunt him.
Yaakov kisses Rachel. How did the rabbi's view of and what is women's status in Jewish orthodoxy today.
What is the significance of the place? Is quantum leap possible? One or many stones? Dreams and angels.
Why did Yitzhak lose his eyesight? Lesson from a great teacher. And - whose side is God on?
Why did Jacob allow himself to deceive his brother? Did he have a moral struggle? Why did his father give him the blessing even after casting doubt in his identity?
Why didn't Rivka speak to her husband about their sons? Was there a problem with their marriage or something that stemmed from their past and societal norms?
What is the meaning of the struggling twins? How it reflects the life of the author of the Midrash?
Last session on Akedah in Midradsh. Highlighting the idea of martyrdom as evolved in Ashkenazi Jewry under Christian influence.
Written in post Islamic period, this Midrash apologizes for Ishmael's expulsion by Abraham. It puts the blame on Sarah and shows Abraham as a doting father. Mohammed's wives are even mentioned by name.
One rabbi says that Ishmael worshipped idols, while another says he was kicked out bc of inheritance disputes? Who is right?
People believe that Sodom's sin was Sodomy, but Ezekiel and the Midrash teach otherwise.
Why did the rabbis cast Abraham in a negative light, as one who refuses to be circumcised?
The Midrash describes Abraham's hospitality, generosity, and religious teachings. It also describe Sarah as being hidden in a box or trunk - is that a metaphor for men locking women away?
In the Midrashic story of Abraham the rabbis deliver complex philosophical and theological ideas through an apparently simple story.