Parshat Yitro: The Ten Commandments
Don Isaac Abravanel (1437-1508) was a preeminent Jewish thinker, scholar, and prolific Biblical commentator. We read in Exodus chapter 20, parshat Yitro, that the Ten Commandments were transmitted to the Hebrews on Mount Sinai.
“And God spoke all these words saying: I am God, Who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. You shall have no other gods before Me…”
Abravanel discusses...
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Parashat Yitro: Torah From Heaven
Don Isaac Abravanel (1437-1508) was a preeminent Jewish thinker, scholar, and prolific Biblical commentator. Exodus chapter 19 sets the backdrop for mankind’s defining moment: The transmission of the Torah on Mount Sinai.
“In the third month after the Children of Israel were gone forth out of the land of Egypt, the same day came into the wilderness of Sinai.”
Abravanel asks about the timing of the watershed event...
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Exodus Chapter 18: Moses Receives visitors
Bible studies with Don Isaac Abravanel’s commentary (also spelled Abarbanel) has withstood the test of time. For over five centuries, Abravanel has delighted – and enlightened – clergy and layman alike, offering enduring interpretations of the Bible.
“And it came to pass on the morrow, that Moses sat to judge the people. And the people stood about Moses from the morning unto evening.”
Don Isaac Abravanel (1437-1508) was a preeminent...
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Exodus Chapter 17:The Staff of Moses
Don Isaac Abravanel (1437-1508) was a preeminent Jewish thinker, scholar, and prolific Biblical commentator. Chapter 17 finds the Hebrews trudging along desert dunes, increasingly becoming road weary. Unbearable thirst made them more than cantankerous; they totally lost it.
“And God said unto Moses: Pass on before the people, and take with you the elders of Israel, and your staff wherewith you smote the river, and take in your hand...
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Exodus Chapter 16: Preparation for Mount Sinai
Don Isaac Abravanel (1437-1508) was a preeminent Jewish thinker, scholar, and prolific Biblical commentator. In Exodus Chapter 16 we read about the Hebrews one month into their desert sojourns. By that time, the nation began to experience extreme hardships due to dwindling food and water supplies.
“And they journeyed from Elim, and all the congregation of the Children of Israel came unto the wilderness of Sin, which is between...
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Exodus Chapter 15: Song at the Red Sea
Don Isaac Abravanel (1437-1508) was a preeminent Jewish thinker, scholar, and prolific Biblical commentator. Chapter 15 pertains to the Jew’s jubilation after experiencing the miracle at the Red Sea. Abravanel takes the opportunity to digress from his verse-to-verse commentary and discuss song or poetry, from a Jewish retrospective. The Hebrew essay is lengthy. Please see Abravanel’s World.
“Then sang Moses and the Children of Israel...
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Exodus Chapter 14: The Egyptians and the Red Sea
Don Isaac Abravanel (1437-1508) was a preeminent Jewish thinker, scholar, and prolific Biblical commentator. In Exodus, Chapter 14 captures the dramatic story of the utter demise of Pharaoh and his army. Down to the last man, they all drowned in the Red Sea.
“And God said to Moses saying: Speak unto the Children of Israel, that they turn back and encamp before Pi-hahiroth…And Pharaoh will say of...
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Exodus Chapter 13: The Hebrews Leave Egypt
Bible studies with Don Isaac Abravanel’s commentary (also spelled Abarbanel) has withstood the test of time. For over five centuries, Abravanel has delighted – and enlightened – clergy and layman alike, offering enduring interpretations of the Bible. Chapter 13 tracks the escape route of the departing Hebrews from Egypt.
“And it came to pass, when Pharaoh had let the people go, that God led them not by the way of the...
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Exodus Chapter 12: The Jewish Calendar
Don Isaac Abravanel (1437-1508) was a preeminent Jewish thinker, scholar, and prolific Biblical commentator. Exodus Chapter 12 pertains to the Pascal lamb sacrifice, providing a plethora of details about it. When was it sacrificed? What type of animal could be used? How was it eaten? These are a sampling of some salient aspects of the divine commandment given to the Jewish nation.
“And God said unto Moses and Aaron...
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Exodus Chapter 11: Pharaoh and the Plagues
Don Isaac Abravanel (1437-1508) was a preeminent Jewish thinker, scholar, and prolific Biblical commentator. Chapter 11 delves into the tenth and final plague: the slaying of Egypt’s first born. It also touches on Pharaoh’s obstinacy, before relating Moses’ and Aaron’s pivotal roles in the Exodus.
“And God said unto Moses: Pharaoh will not hearken unto you, that My wonders may be multiplied in the land of...
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Exodus Chapter 10: Egypt and the Plagues
Don Isaac Abravanel (1437-1508) was a preeminent Jewish thinker, scholar, and prolific Biblical commentator. In Exodus Chapter 10, Bible students read about plagues number eight and nine to hit Egypt: locusts and darkness. (The tenth and final plague is a subject for the next chapter.)
“And Moses and Aaron went in unto Pharaoh and said unto him: Thus says God, the God of the Hebrews. How long will you...
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Exodus Chapter 9: The Plague of Boils in Egypt
Don Isaac Abravanel (1437-1508) was a preeminent Jewish thinker, scholar, and prolific Biblical commentator. In Exodus Chapter 9, the Bible details additional plagues to hit Egypt, including boils. On this particular plague, Abravanel notes an anomaly, giving way to a question: Of all ten plagues, why does God speak to both Moses and Aaron in the case of boils? In all other instances, the Creator solely addressed Moses.
“And...
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Exodus Chapter 8: Egypt Plagued with Lice
Bible studies with Don Isaac Abravanel’s commentary (also spelled Abarbanel) has withstood the test of time. For over five centuries, Abravanel has delighted – and enlightened – clergy and layman alike, offering enduring interpretations of the Bible.
Don Isaac Abravanel (1437-1508) was a preeminent Jewish thinker, scholar, and prolific Biblical commentator. In Exodus Chapter 8, Bible students read about the third plague to attack Egypt with a vengeance: lice.
“And...
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Exodus Chapter 7: Judaism and Free Choice
Don Isaac Abravanel (1437-1508) was a preeminent Jewish thinker, scholar, and prolific Biblical commentator. In Exodus chapter 7, Bible students encounter the most fundamental theological assumption of all: free choice. Indeed, no topic is more central to Judaism. Predictably, every major commentator has weighed in on free choice, featured front and center in the verse:
“And I will harden Pharaoh’s heart unto you, and multiply My signs and...
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Exodus Chapter 6: Hebrew Redemption from Egypt
Bible studies with Don Isaac Abravanel’s commentary (also spelled Abarbanel) has withstood the test of time. For over five centuries, Abravanel has delighted – and enlightened – clergy and layman alike, offering enduring interpretations of the Bible.
“And God spoke unto Moses, and said unto him: I am God…And moreover I have heard the groaning of the children of Israel. Wherefore say unto the children of Israel: I am God...
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Exodus Chapter 5: Let My People Go
Don Isaac Abravanel (1437-1508) was a preeminent Jewish thinker, scholar, and prolific Biblical commentator. In Exodus Chapter 5, Moses and Aaron petition Pharaoh in the name of God: Let My People Go. The king was unmoved, let alone impressed. “And Pharaoh said: Who is God that I should harken unto His voice to let Israel go? I know not God…”
“And afterward Moses and Aaron came, and said unto...
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Exodus Chapter 4: Moses and Jethro
Don Isaac Abravanel (1437-1508) was a preeminent Jewish thinker, scholar, and prolific Biblical commentator. In Exodus Chapter 4, God bids Moses to return to Egypt. There, he was to address his fellow countrymen, who had been enslaved by Pharaoh. God assured His prophet success, courtesy of divine miracle after miracle. Though initially reticent about being up to the task ahead, the Maker chided the prophet. Ultimately, Moses acquiesced.
A...
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Exodus Chapter 3: Moses and the Burning Bush
Don Isaac Abravanel (1437-1508) was a preeminent Jewish thinker, scholar, and prolific Biblical commentator. In Exodus Chapter 3, we learn of Moses’ pilot prophecy. The Bible relates that the divine communiqué took place in a wilderness – from the midst of a fiery, burning bush.
“Now Moses was keeping the flock of Jethro his father-in-law, the priest of Midian. And he led the flock to the farthest end...
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Exodus Chapter 2: Jochebed, Mother of Moses
Don Isaac Abravanel (1437-1508) was a preeminent Jewish thinker, scholar, and prolific Biblical commentator. In Exodus Chapter 2, we learn of Moses’ birth. He was born to Amram and Jochebed, both from the tribe of Levi.
“And there went a man of the house of Levi and took to wife a daughter of Levi. And the woman conceived and bore a son. And when she saw him that he...
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Exodus Chapter 1: Jews Multiply in Egypt
Don Isaac Abravanel (1437-1508) was a preeminent Jewish thinker, scholar, and prolific Biblical commentator. In Exodus Chapter 1 the Bible painstakingly details the Hebrew population explosion in Egypt, one that spooked the king and terrified his subjects.
“And the children of Israel were fruitful, and increased abundantly, and multiplied, and waxed exceedingly mighty. And the land was filled with them.”
Expressing fears of the Hebrews forming a fifth column...
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Genesis Chapter 50: Jacob’s Funeral Procession
Bible studies with Don Isaac Abravanel’s commentary (also spelled Abarbanel) has withstood the test of time. For over five centuries, Abravanel has delighted – and enlightened – clergy and layman alike, offering enduring interpretations of the Bible.
Don Isaac Abravanel (1437-1508) was a preeminent Jewish thinker, scholar, and prolific Biblical commentator. Chapter 50 closes out the book of Genesis, chronicling the state funeral procession accorded to Jacob, the third Hebrew...
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Chapter 49: Jacob Blesses His Sons
Don Isaac Abravanel (1437-1508) was a preeminent Jewish thinker, scholar, and prolific Biblical commentator. The bulk of chapter 49 pertains to Jacob’s final words to his twelve sons, the twelve tribes of Israel. The patriarch addresses each son by name. Concluding the section of benedictions, the Bible sums up: “All these are the twelve tribes of Israel…”
“All these are the twelve tribes of Israel, and this is...
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Genesis Chapter 48 : Jacob's Final Days
Bible studies with Don Isaac Abravanel’s commentary (also spelled Abarbanel) has withstood the test of time. For over five centuries, Abravanel has delighted – and enlightened – clergy and layman alike, offering enduring interpretations of the Bible.
Don Isaac Abravanel (1437-1508) was a preeminent Jewish thinker, scholar, and prolific Biblical commentator. Chapter 48 brings Bible students closer to Jacob’s final days. The patriarch summoned Joseph, as our chapter recounts...
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Genesis Chapter 47: Jacob and Sons in Egypt
Bible studies with Don Isaac Abravanel’s commentary (also spelled Abarbanel) has withstood the test of time. For over five centuries, Abravanel has delighted – and enlightened – clergy and layman alike, offering enduring interpretations of the Bible.
Don Isaac Abravanel (1437-1508) was a preeminent Jewish thinker, scholar, and prolific Biblical commentator. The end of chapter 47 focuses on Jacob’s final days. Earlier in the chapter, we read that Joseph...
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Genesis Chapter 47: An Egyptian Famine
Don Isaac Abravanel (1437-1508) was a preeminent Jewish thinker, scholar, and prolific Biblical commentator. Roughly half of chapter 47 pertains to Egypt’s economic collapse, as the famine impoverished an entire population.
“And there was no bread in the land…And Joseph gathered up all the money that was found in the land of Egypt. And Joseph said: Give me your cattle, and I will give you [bread] for...
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Jacob's Dilemma
Bible studies with Don Isaac Abravanel’s commentary (also spelled Abarbanel) has withstood the test of time. For over five centuries, Abravanel has delighted – and enlightened – clergy and layman alike, offering enduring interpretations of the Bible. In Genesis Chapter 46, we read that Jacob packed up his family to leave famine-plagued Canaan for Egypt, where Joseph ruled. A stopover in Beer Sheba, and a night vision there, nearly put...
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Genesis Chapter 45: Joseph Sends Wagons
Don Isaac Abravanel (1437-1508) was a preeminent Jewish thinker, scholar, and prolific Biblical commentator. Chapter 45 brings the revelation that Pharaoh’s viceroy is Joseph. Abravanel shares profound insights that Joseph had gained along his painful journey in reaching the pinnacle of success. That journey would pave the way for the family’s deep wounds to heal. At the end of the chapter, focus shifts to Jacob. How will...
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Joseph and Judah
Bible studies with Don Isaac Abravanel’s commentary (also spelled Abarbanel) has withstood the test of time. For over five centuries, Abravanel has delighted – and enlightened – clergy and layman alike, offering enduring interpretations of the Bible.
Don Isaac Abravanel (1437-1508) was a preeminent Jewish thinker, scholar, and prolific Biblical commentator. In chapter 44, an epic legal battle takes place between Joseph and Judah. Abravanel sets the courtroom scene for...
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Joseph and Benjamin
Bible studies with Don Isaac Abravanel’s commentary (also spelled Abarbanel) has withstood the test of time. For over five centuries, Abravanel has delighted – and enlightened – clergy and layman alike, offering enduring interpretations of the Bible.
Don Isaac Abravanel (1437-1508) was a preeminent Jewish thinker, scholar, and prolific Biblical commentator. In chapter 43, a heart-wrenching reunion takes place in Egypt. A disguised Joseph sets his eyes upon his...
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Jewish Work Ethic
Don Isaac Abravanel (1437-1508) was a preeminent Jewish thinker, scholar, and prolific Biblical commentator. In chapter 42, we read how Joseph’s interpretation of Pharaoh’s dreams was correct. Seven go-go years in Egypt came and went. A bitter famine began to rear its ugly head. This chapter focuses on Jacob’s reaction to the harsh reality and existential threat.
“Now Jacob saw that there were provisions in...
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Joseph's Rise to Power
Bible studies with Don Isaac Abravanel’s commentary (also spelled Abarbanel) has withstood the test of time. For over five centuries, Abravanel has delighted – and enlightened – clergy and layman alike, offering enduring interpretations of the Bible.
Don Isaac Abravanel (1437-1508) was a preeminent Jewish thinker, scholar, and prolific Biblical commentator. In chapter 41, we read how Joseph’s life takes a radical turn – for the better. His meteoric journey...
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The Pharoah's Ministers
Bible studies with Don Isaac Abravanel’s commentary (also spelled Abarbanel) has withstood the test of time. For over five centuries, Abravanel has delighted – and enlightened – clergy and layman alike, offering enduring interpretations of the Bible. Don Isaac Abravanel (1437-1508) was a preeminent Jewish thinker, scholar, and prolific Biblicalcommentator. Chapter 40 pertains to Joseph’s interactions with Pharaoh’s staff members, while in prison. But who were Joseph’s...
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Joseph: A Slave in Egypt
Don Isaac Abravanel (1437-1508) was a preeminent Jewish thinker, scholar, and prolific Biblical commentator. Chapter 39 chronicles Joseph’s ordeal, a slave sold to Egypt: “And Joseph was brought down to Egypt…”
“And Joseph was brought down to Egypt. And Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh’s, the captain of the guard, an Egyptian, bought him of the hand of the Ishmaelites, that had brought him down thither. And God...
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Bible Studies: The Story of Judah
Bible studies with Don Isaac Abravanel’s commentary (also spelled Abarbanel) has withstood the test of time. Don Isaac Abravanel (1437-1508) was a preeminent Jewish thinker, scholar, and prolific Biblical commentator. Abravanel observes that chapter 38 digresses from the Bible’s main storyline of Joseph, training a spotlight on Judah. Why the interlude, Abravanel asks?
“And it came to pass at that time, that Judah went down from his...
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Jacob’s Retirement
Bible studies with Don Isaac Abravanel’s commentary (also spelled Abarbanel) has withstood the test of time. For over five centuries, Abravanel has delighted – and enlightened – clergy and layman alike, offering enduring interpretations of the Bible. Don Isaac Abravanel (1437-1508) was a preeminent Jewish thinker, scholar, and prolific Biblical commentator. Chapter 37 starts one of the Bible’s most disturbing – and protracted – scandals: the sale of Joseph by his...
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Esau’s generations
Don Isaac Abravanel (1437-1508) was a preeminent Jewish thinker, scholar, and prolific Biblical commentator. The Bible devotes an entire chapter in Genesis to Esau, meticulously charting out his family tree. Furthermore, our chapter traces Esau’s move from the Holy Land to Seir.
“And Esau dwelt in the mountain land of Seir, Esau is Edom.
Abravanel discusses both subjects, Esau’s descendants as well as his relocation to Seir...
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Bible Studies: Jacob Becomes Israel
In Blble studies, Don Isaac Abravanel (1437-1508) was a preeminent Jewish thinker, scholar, and prolific Biblical commentator. In Genesis chapter 35, we read that Jacob and family edge closer to home, to Isaac in Hebron. Along the way from Paddan-Aram, God appears to the patriarch and confirms what an angelic messenger had told him earlier – a name change was in the offing: “Your name shall not be called...
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Bible Studies: The Rape of Dinah
Bible studies with Don Isaac Abravanel’s commentary (also spelled Abarbanel) has withstood the test of time. For over five centuries, Abravanel has delighted – and enlightened – clergy and layman alike, offering enduring interpretations of the Bible. Don Isaac Abravanel (1437-1508) was a preeminent Jewish thinker, scholar, and prolific Biblical commentator. Genesis chapter 34 covers the violent rape of Dinah, and subsequent revenge killings carried out by her brothers.
“And...
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Bible Studies: Jacob and Esau
Bible studies with Don Isaac Abravanel’s commentary (also spelled Abarbanel) has withstood the test of time. For over five centuries, Abravanel has delighted – and enlightened – clergy and layman alike, offering enduring interpretations of the Bible. Don Isaac Abravanel (1437-1508) was a preeminent Jewish thinker, scholar, and prolific Biblical commentator. In Genesis Chapter 33, we read about the long-anticipated reunion of Jacob and Esau. Twenty years had elapsed...
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Bible Studies: Jacob Returns Home
Bible studies with Don Isaac Abravanel’s commentary (also spelled Abarbanel) has withstood the test of time. For over five centuries, Abravanel has delighted – and enlightened – clergy and layman alike, offering enduring interpretations of the Bible. Don Isaac Abravanel (1437-1508) was a preeminent Jewish thinker, scholar, and prolific Biblical commentator. In Genesis chapter 32, Jacob begins his trek home. The first leg of his journey starts auspiciously; angels huddle...
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Bible Students: Rachel Steals Laban’s Idols
Don Isaac Abravanel (1437-1508) was a preeminent Jewish thinker, scholar, and prolific Biblical commentator. In Genesis chapter 31, we read about Rachel swiping Laban’s idols. Her inexcusable deed raises a red flag, prompting Bible students to question: What could Rachel possibly have been thinking?
“Now Laban was gone to shear his sheep. And Rachel stole the teraphim that were her father’s.”
It certainly vexed Abravanel, leading him...
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Jacob’s Children
Don Isaac Abravanel (1437-1508) was a preeminent Jewish thinker, scholar, and prolific Biblical commentator. In Genesis chapter 30, God’s fulfilment of Jacob’s earlier dream continues to unfold. Abravanel supplies Bible students with proper context, as well as the right stance with which to approach divine blessing.
“And Reuben went in the days of wheat harvest, and found mandrakes in the field, and brought them unto his mother...
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Bible Studies: Jacob at the Well
Don Isaac Abravanel (1437-1508) was a preeminent Jewish thinker, scholar, and prolific Biblical commentator. In Genesis chapter 29, Jacob arrives at a well, outside of Haran. There, in a setting teeming with rich imagery, he meets local shepherds and plies them with questions. Abravanel explains the significance of the dialogue at the well, both significant topics for Bible students. As to Jacob’s questions, what was he getting at...
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Bible Studies: Jacob's Ladder
Don Isaac Abravanel (1437-1508) was a preeminent Jewish thinker, scholar, and prolific Biblical commentator. In Genesis chapter 28, Jacob leaves home and makes his way to Haran. The patriarch rests along the road. A prescient encounter with God will change his life forever. Abravanel deciphers the prophecy – Jacob’s ladder.
“And Jacob went out from Beer-Sheba, and went toward Haran. And he lighted upon the place, and tarried...
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Bible Studies: Jacob Leaves Home
“Now therefore, my son, hearken to my voice and arise. Flee to Laban my brother, to Haran.”
Bible studies with Don Isaac Abravanel’s commentary (also spelled Abarbanel) has withstood the test of time. For over five centuries, Abravanel has delighted – and enlightened – clergy and layman alike, offering enduring interpretations of the Bible.
Don Isaac Abravanel (1437-1508) was a preeminent Jewish thinker, scholar, and prolific Biblical commentator. In...
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Bible Studies: Isaac's Blessing
Don Isaac Abravanel (1437-1508) was a preeminent Jewish thinker, scholar, and prolific Biblical commentator. For Bible Studies, Genesis chapter 27,is one of the Bible’s most dramatic passages – Isaac’s blessing. Old and blind Isaac intends to bless Esau. His wife Rebeccah won’t hear of it. She plans on securing her husband’s blessing for her beloved Jacob, and not Esau. As for the stakes, they’re...
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Bible Studies: Esau's Wives
Don Isaac Abravanel (1437-1508) was a preeminent Jewish thinker, scholar, and prolific Biblical commentator. In Genesis chapter 26, we find out that Esau marries two women. Isaac and Rebeccah’s son’s choices in spouses were more than a source a friction; it haunted them.
“And when Esau was forty years old, he took to wife Judith the daughter of Beeri the Hittite, and Basemath the daughter of Elon...
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Bible Studies: Yaacov and Esau
Bible studies with Don Isaac Abravanel’s commentary (also spelled Abarbanel) has withstood the test of time. Don Isaac Abravanel (1437-1508) was a preeminent Jewish thinker, scholar, and prolific Biblical commentator. In Genesis chapter 25, we find a most vexing encounter between Jacob and Esau, twins born to Isaac and Rebeccah. The story requires context, if Bible students are going to begin to make sense of it.
“And Jacob...
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Bible Studies: Abraham and Keturah
Bible studies with Don Isaac Abravanel’s commentary (also spelled Abarbanel) has withstood the test of time. Don Isaac Abravanel (1437-1508) was a preeminent Jewish thinker, scholar, and prolific Biblical commentator. In Genesis chapter 25, Abraham marries again. For Abravanel, the patriarch’s decision to take a wife is more than baffling, it’s disturbing. That is because, at first glance, it seems so out of character.
“And Abraham...
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Bible Studies: Finding a Wife for Isaac
Bible studies with Don Isaac Abravanel’s commentary (also spelled Abarbanel) has withstood the test of time.
“And I will make you swear by God, the God in heaven and the God of the earth, that you shall not take a wife for my son of the daughters of the Canaanites, among whom I dwell. But you shall go unto my country, and to my kindred, and take a wife...
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Bible Studies: The Cave of Machpelah
Don Isaac Abravanel (1437-1508) was a preeminent Jewish thinker, scholar, and prolific Biblical commentator. In Genesis chapter 23, Sarah passes away. As we shall see, Abraham leaves no stone unturned in efforts to secure an honorable burial spot for his beloved Sarah.
“And Sarah died in Kiriatharba, the same is Hebron, in the land of Canaan. And Abraham came to mourn for Sarah, and to weep for her.
And...
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Bible Studies: The Binding of Isaac
Don Isaac Abravanel (1437-1508) was a preeminent Jewish thinker, scholar, and prolific Biblical commentator. In Genesis chapter 22, we read of the binding of Isaac. This blog covers a small snippet of Abravanel’s preface. He asserts that, arguably, this is one of the most defining and dramatic chapters in the entire Bible. Abravanel’s discourse is precious, and lengthy. For the full discussion, please see Abravanel’s World...
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Bible Studies: Genesis Chapter 21 Sarah’s Aftershock
Don Isaac Abravanel (1437-1508) was a preeminent Jewish thinker, scholar, and prolific Biblical commentator. In Genesis chapter 21, we learn about Sarah’s miracles associated with Isaac’s birth and first years.
“And she said: Who would have said regarding Abraham, that Sarah should nurse children – for I have borne him a son in his old age. And the child grew, and was weaned. And Abraham made a great...
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Bible Studies: Genesis chapter 20 Call Me Abraham
Don Isaac Abravanel (1437-1508) was a preeminent Jewish thinker, scholar, and prolific Biblical commentator. In Genesis Chapter 20, we read that Abraham left Hebron and relocated to Israel’s southern area, in or near Gaza.
“And Abraham journeyed from thence toward the land of the South, and dwelt between Kadesh and Shur. And he sojourned in Gerar.”
The move piqued Abravanel’s curiosity. He asks: What motivated the patriarch...
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Bible Studies: Lot's Daughters
Don Isaac Abravanel (1437-1508) was a preeminent Jewish thinker, scholar, and prolific Biblical commentator. In Genesis Chapter 19, we read about Sodom and Gomorrah’s destruction. Only Lot and his unwed daughters survived. However, the Bible makes clear that their own merits had nothing to do with it.
“And Lot went out unto them to the door, and shut the door after him. And he said: I pray you...
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Bible Studies: Abraham's Transformation
Bible studies with Don Isaac Abravanel’s commentary (also spelled Abarbanel) has withstood the test of time. For over five centuries, Abravanel has delighted – and enlightened – clergy and layman alike, offering enduring interpretations of the Bible.
In Genesis chapter 18, God once again appears to Abraham.
“And God appeared unto him by the terebinths of Mamre, as he sat by the tent door in the heat of the day.”
Abravanel...
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Bible Studies :The Covenant with Abram
“And when Abram was ninety-nine-years-old, God appeared to Abram and said unto him: I am God Almighty. Walk before Me and be wholehearted. And I will make My covenant between Me and you, and will multiply you exceedingly…This is My covenant, which you shall keep between Me and you and your seed after you. Every male among you shall be circumcised.”
Bible studies with Don...
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Bible Studies : Genesis Chapter 16 Ishmael
Bible studies with Don Isaac Abravanel’s commentary (also spelled Abarbanel) has withstood the test of time. For over five centuries, Abravanel has delighted – and enlightened – clergy and layman alike, offering enduring interpretations of the Bible.
“And the angel of God said unto her: Behold you are with child, and shall bear a son. And you shall call his name Ishmael, because God has heard your affliction. And he shall...
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Genesis Chapter 15: Divine Providence
Bible studies with Don Isaac Abravanel’s commentary (also spelled Abarbanel) has withstood the test of time. For over five centuries, Abravanel has delighted – and enlightened – clergy and layman alike, offering enduring interpretations of the Bible.
Don Isaac Abravanel (1437-1508) was a preeminent Jewish thinker, scholar, and prolific Biblical commentator. Genesis chapter 15, Abravanel imparts, is rich in material. He arrives at this conclusion after considerable study, as he...
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Bible Studies: The Patriarch and the King
Don Isaac Abravanel (1437-1508) was a preeminent Jewish thinker, scholar, and prolific Biblical commentator. In Genesis chapter 14, the Bible chronicles Abram’s dashing military success, which freed Lot and the other captives who were snatched from their homes in Sodom, and led away.
“And the king of Sodom said to Abram: Give me the persons, and take the goods for yourself. And Abram said to the king of...
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Bible Studies: God Speaks to Man
Don Isaac Abravanel (1437-1508) was a preeminent Jewish thinker, scholar, and prolific Biblical commentator. In Genesis chapter 13, the Bible reiterates divine promises previously made to Abram in an earlier chapter. Here again, God tells Abram that his progeny will wax prolific, and that they will inherit the Holy Land.
“And God said unto Abram, after Lot separated from him: Lift up your eyes, and look from the place...
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Bible Studies : Abram Leaves Canaan
Don Isaac Abravanel (1437-1508) was a preeminent Jewish thinker, scholar, and prolific Biblical commentator. In Genesis chapter 12, the Bible introduces the first of three patriarchs, Abram. God directed him to leave home and family to destination unknown. Our chapter informs us that Abram traveled westward with his wife, Sarai, and Lot, his nephew. Shortly, as the sojourners reached Canaan, the Maker appeared to Abram, and revealed the mystery...
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Bible Studies: The Tower of Babel
Don Isaac Abravanel (1437-1508) was a preeminent Jewish thinker, scholar, and prolific Biblical commentator. In Genesis chapter 11, Bible students encounter the inglorious debacle of the Tower of Babel. Abravanel digs deep into the puzzling storyline. He asks: Where did the generation go wrong? What underlaid the provocation of the Almighty?
“And the whole earth was of one language and of one speech. And it came to pass, as...
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Bible Studies: Is the Bible a History Book?
Don Isaac Abravanel (1437-1508) was a preeminent Jewish thinker, scholar, and prolific Biblical commentator. In Genesis chapter 10, the Bible chronicles Noah’s children’s progeny – but in fantastic shorthand. To be sure, history may be gleaned from the Bible, but it cannot narrowly be called a history or historical book. Let us explain, using the verses below as an illustration.
“Now these are the generations of the sons...
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Bible Studies: Is Meat OK?
Bible studies with Don Isaac Abravanel’s commentary (also spelled Abarbanel) has withstood the test of time. Don Isaac Abravanel (1437-1508) was a preeminent Jewish thinker, scholar, and prolific Biblical commentator. In Genesis chapter 9, the Bible turns to diet for Noah, his family, and their progeny. Is Scripture biased toward veganism or, at least, vegetarianism?
“Every moving thing that lives shall be food for you, as the green...
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Religious Faith and Fundamentals 101
“And God remembered Noah, and every living thing, and all the cattle that were with him in the ark. And God made a wind to pass over the earth, and the waters assuaged.”
Don Isaac Abravanel (1437-1508) was a preeminent Jewish thinker, scholar, and prolific Biblical commentator. In Genesis chapter 8, the Bible chronicles the conclusion of the great flood, replete with an exact timeline of events. When...
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Bible Studies : The Flood
Bible studies with Don Isaac Abravanel’s commentary (also spelled Abarbanel) has withstood the test of time. For over five centuries, Abravanel has delighted – and enlightened – clergy and layman alike, offering enduring interpretations of the Bible. In Genesis chapter 7, the Bible details and describes the flood that wiped clean an entire planet, after repeated Heavenly warnings fell on deaf ears.
“And the flood was forty days upon the earth...
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Bible Studies: Noah the Righteous
“These are the generations of Noah. Noah was in his generations a man righteous and whole-hearted. Noah walked with God.”
Bible studies with Don Isaac Abravanel’s commentary (also spelled Abarbanel) has withstood the test of time. For over five centuries, Abravanel has delighted – and enlightened – clergy and layman alike, offering enduring interpretations of the Bible. In Genesis chapter 6, the Bible focuses on an exemplary personality: Noah...
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The Bible is Not Mythology
“And it came to pass when men began to multiply on the face of the earth…that the sons of God saw the daughters of men that were fair. And they took them wives…The Nephilim were in the earth in those days, and also after that, when the sons of God came in unto the daughters of men. And they bore children to them. The same were the...
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Bible Studies: Enoch’s inner struggle
“Enoch lived 65 years, and he had a son Methuselah. Enoch walked with God for 300 years after he had Methuselah, and he had sons and daughters. All of Enoch’s years were 365 years. Enoch walked with God, and he was no more because God had taken him.”
Bible studies with Don Isaac Abravanel’s commentary (also spelled Abarbanel) has withstood the test of time. For over five...
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Bible Studies: Cain and Abel
“And Abel was a keeper of sheep, but Cain was a tiller of the ground…”
Bible studies with Don Isaac Abravanel’s commentary (also spelled Abarbanel) has withstood the test of time. For over five centuries, Abravanel has enlightened clergy and layman alike, offering enduring interpretations of the Bible.
Don Isaac Abravanel (1437-1508) was a preeminent Jewish thinker, scholar, and prolific Biblical commentator. In Genesis chapter 4, the...
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Bible Studies with Don Isaac Abarbanel : Genesis
Don Isaac Abravanel (1437-1508), also spelled Abarbanel was a penetrating Jewish thinker, scholar, and prolific Biblical commentator. In Genesis chapter 3, he explains one of the Bible’s more puzzling and curious narratives featuring a cunning and talking snake. Some English translations refer to it as a “subtle serpent.” Be that as it may, Bible readers need to understand this chapter. This blog provides a thoughtful approach to Genesis...
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Don Isaac Abravanel: The Garden of Eden’s trees
Don Isaac Abravanel (1437-1508), also spelled Abarbanel was a penetrating Jewish thinker, scholar, and prolific Biblical commentator. In Genesis Chapter 2, he unearths the meaning of the two trees featured in the Garden of Eden: the tree of life and the tree of knowledge of good and evil.
Regarding the tree of life, Abravanel questions: How is it that the tree bestows eternal life upon someone who eats of...
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Don Isaac Abravanel’s Mission Statement
Don Isaac Abravanel (1437-1508), also spelled Abarbanel was a penetrating Jewish thinker, scholar, and prolific Biblical commentator. It is, of course, nary impossible to pare Abravanel’s encyclopedic and groundbreaking commentary on the Bible, and reduce it to a short blog. Indeed, where would one start? How could we sift through the thousands and thousands of pages of his magnus opus, in order to produce an Abravanel mission statement...
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Bible Studies with Don Isaac Abarbanel and Classic Bible Commentary: Angels
“In the beginning, God created the heaven and earth.”
Introduction to Angelology and Abarbanel
Throughout his groundbreaking Biblical commentaries, Don Isaac Abravanel (also spelled Abarbanel) (1437-1508) writes extensively on angels. This should not come as a surprise. After all, angels or heavenly facilitators played and continue to play significant roles in heaven and on earth. What is surprising, Abravanel asks, is this: Given that of all God’s...
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Red Cow Ashes According to the Abarbanel
“And God spoke to Moshe and to Aharon, saying: This is the governing law that God commands, saying: Speak to the Children of Israel that they should take for you a red cow, hardy [and] blemish free, which has never borne upon it a yoke.”
Don Isaac Abravanel (1437-1508) observes: One important question concerning the red cow commandment is its placement or position among the 613 Torah commandments...
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Did King David Sin with Batsheva?
The Biblical narrative in Samuel records one of the most controversial encounters in the entire Bible—the story of King David and Bat Sheva. This is precisely the question I put to my Bible study group, which has taken several sessions to work out, or rather, to work through.
A prefatory remark is in order. This discussion is based on the Abravanel’s
lengthy and thorough treatment of the subject...
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Parashat Tzav: An Excerpt
Abarbanel’s first Aliyah to Parashat Tzav, an excerpt from Abravanel’s World of Torah by Zev Bar Eitan
“And God spoke to Moses saying: Command Aaron and his sons saying. This is the law of the burnt offering…”
‘Recall that in the earlier section of Leviticus, Moses addressed the Hebrew general assembly. That was because the section dealt with and focused on categories of the populace needing to bring...
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Abarbanel Asks: Parashat Tzav
Parashat Tzav, First Aliyah, based on Abravanel’s World of Torah by Zev Bar Eitan
Bible Studies with Don Isaac Abarbanel and the Ramban. Sacrifices in the Tabernacle: Sin offerings, guilt offerings, and peace offerings. Abarbanel asks: Does God even want sacrifices? What does the Torah’s sequence of the offerings teach about God?
“And God spoke to Moses saying. Command Aaron and his sons saying, this is the law...
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Parshat Vayikra :An Excerpt
“And God called unto Moses, and spoke unto him out of the Tent of the Meeting. Speak unto the Children of Israel, and say unto them: When any man of you brings an offering unto God, you shall bring your offering of the cattle, even of the herd or the flock.”
‘Heaven acknowledged how priests deserved the Jews’ financial support. Through a system of tithes and gifts, their needs...
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Parashat Vayikra
Abarbanel’s introduction to Leviticus based on Abravanel’s World of Torah by Zev Bar Eitan
“And God called unto Moses, and spoke unto him out of the Tent of Meeting. Speak unto the Children of Israel, and say unto them: When any man of you brings an offering unto God, you shall bring your offering of the cattle, even of the herd or of the flock.”
In the Book...
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Abarbanel asks: Parashat Vayakhel,
“And Moshe assembled all the congregation of the Children of Israel and he said to them: These are the words that God has commanded to do them.”
Abarbanel asks : When did Moshe make the appeal to fund the Tabernacle?
‘After Moshe descended the mountain, he addressed the entire nation. His call, naturally, reached out to men and women. A gathering took place in the prophet’s personal Tent of...
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Parashat Vayakhel
“And Moses assembled all the congregation of the Children of Israel, and said unto them: These are the words which God has commanded, that you should do them.”
Abarbanel notes that the lead verse requires explanation. If Moshe gathered the Hebrews for the purpose of issuing a command to build the Tabernacle, as it says, “These are the words which God has commanded, that you should do them”, why...
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Parashat Ki Tasa: An Excerpt
Parashat Ki Tisa, First Aliyah, an excerpt from Abravanel’s World of Torah by Zev Bar Eitan
“And God said to Moshe saying: For the sake of your taking a census of the Children of Israel according to their count, each man shall give atonement for his soul to the Almighty in reckoning them so that plague does not befall them by dint of having been numbered.”
"Divine wisdom foresaw...
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Abarbanel asks: Parashat Ki Tisa
“And God spoke to Moshe saying. When you take the sum of the Children of Israel, according to their number, then shall they give every man a ransom for his soul unto God, when you number them, that there be no plague among them, when you number them.”
Our section speaks about a census for soldiers. The count is associated with a “ransom”, in efforts to ward off pestilence...
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Parashat Tetzaveh: An Excerpt
“And you shall command the Children of Israel, that they bring unto you pure olive oil beaten for the light, to cause a lamp to burn continually. In the Tent of Meeting…Aharon and his sons shall set it in order, to burn from evening to morning before God…”
‘This section’s opening paragraphs seem disjointed because they switch theme tracks. Note that the lead verse talks about lighting...
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Abarbanel asks: Parashat Tetzaveh
“And you shall command the Children of Israel, that they bring unto you pure olive oil beaten for the light, to cause a lamp to burn continually. In the Tent of Meeting…Aharon and his sons shall set it in order, to burn from evening to morning before God…”
Isaac Abravanel contends that it is curious for our section to start with a divine command regarding the priests arranging...
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Parshat Terumah: An Excerpt
“And God said to Moshe, saying: Speak to the Children of Israel and collect a separated portion. From those who are generous you shall take a separated portion for Me.”
‘In a general Torah sense and here in this section in particular, Heaven’s modus operandi comes out in full splendor. That is, Hashem desired to increase both the Hebrew people’s merit and Moshe’s prominence. In our...
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Abarbanel asks: Parashat Terumah
“And let them make Me a sanctuary, that I may dwell among them.”
Don Isaac Abarbanel (1437-1508) asks on this Torah section of Terumah: Why did God command the Hebrews to build a sanctuary? As it says: “That I may dwell among them?” One might deduce that the Maker has physical properties and that a sanctuary can fully contain Him.
Preposterous. Hashem is non-corporeal. Thus, no chamber...
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Parshat Mishpatim : An Excerpt
"In sum, tight linkage between the Utterances (10 Commandments) and accompanying laws convincingly persuades readers that Parashat Mishpatim conveys divine directives unlike any manmade moral code."
Shemot: Sinai Rules, page 464
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Bible Studies with Don Isaac Abarbanel: Parashat Mishpatim
“Now these are the statutes which you shall set before them.”
This section pertains to Jewish law, a cornerstone of Judaism. Let us provide a brief introduction to this all-important subject. The Torah has three distinct categories of commandments or mitzvot. At present, we are only interested in statutes or mishpatim, divine laws which comprise Jewish jurisprudence. At root is what is commonly referred to as civil law...
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Parashat Yitro: An Excerpt
“Now Yitro, the priest of Midian, Moshe’s father-in-law, heard of all that God had done for Moshe, and for Yisrael His people, how God brought Yisrael out of Egypt.”
‘Before delving into our passage’s narrative, it is important to determine where it fits into the broader chronology scheme. When did Yitro arrive on the scene and advise Moshe to set up a multi-tiered court...
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Parashat Yitro
“Now Yitro, the priest of Midian, Moshe’s father-in-law, heard of all that God had done for Moshe, and for Yisrael His people, how God brought Yisrael out of Egypt.”
The verse creates a curious conundrum: After we read that Yitro “heard of all that God had done for Moshe, and for Yisrael”, which really represents a catch-all, it then offers a slimmed down version of...
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Bible Studies with Don Isaac Abarbanel
Splitting the Red Sea
“And God went before them by day in a pillar of cloud, to lead them the way; and by night in a pillar of fire, to give them light, that they might go by day and by night. The pillar of cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night departed not from before the people.”
‘The Almighty also provided these travelers with a pillar...
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Parashat Bo: An Excerpt
“So that I might place these signs of Mine in his midst.”
‘Pharoah was a lost cause but God aimed to instill lessons of eternal faith within His people. When they looked around them and saw God’s hand everywhere, it would be a boon. Belief would spring eternal. A better approach to these verses is that Moshe was taken in by Pharoah’s post-hail promise to liberate...
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Parashat Va’era, First Aliyah
“And I appeared unto Avraham, unto Yitzchak, and unto Yaakov, as God
Almighty, but by My name [Hashem] I made Me not known to them.”
Classic commentators struggled to make sense of our verse. Some hold that it means that God had not
revealed Himself to them via the Ineffable name. Others posit that Hashem made promises to them, but
did not fulfil them. Both positions are weak, as...
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The Neglected Prophet: Moses
"“And Moshe (Moses) spoke thusly to the Children of Israel but they did not heed Moshe on account of
exasperation and overexertion.” Work rendered the Hebrews emotionally drained and physically
overtaxed. They had neither patience nor time for Moshe’s assurances. His words fell on deaf ears.
Yes, they believed in the shepherd from Midian’s clarion call for deliverance, but these wearied
workers were essentially oblivious to Moshe...
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The Ten Plagues of Egypt
Parshot Bo:“And Moshe and Aharon went in unto Pharoah, and said…let My people
go, that they may serve Me….Else, if you refuse to let My people go,
behold, tomorrow will I bring locusts unto your border…”
We ask: Why did the Torah’s arranger of the parshiyot begin this parashah with the plague of locusts?
After all, it is not the Torah’s launch into what would...
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The Neglected Prophet
Parashat Va’era, First Aliyah
“And Moshe spoke thusly to the Children of Israel but they did not heed Moshe on account of
exasperation and overexertion.” Work rendered the Hebrews emotionally drained and physically
overtaxed. They had neither patience nor time for Moshe’s assurances. His words fell on deaf ears.
Yes, they believed in the shepherd from Midian’s clarion call for deliverance, but these wearied
workers were essentially...
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Prophets and Prophecy
“And I appeared unto Avraham, unto Yitzchak, and unto Yaakov, as God
Almighty, but by My name [Hashem] I made Me not known to them.” Parashat Va’era, First Aliyah
Classic commentators struggled to make sense of our verse. Some hold that it means that God had not
revealed Himself to them via the Ineffable name. Others posit that Hashem made promises to them, but
did not fulfil them...
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