Chavarah- Jewish Community Learning

Issac, Wealth & Wells

2012-01-21T21:18:00.000-08:00

Torah study 1-21 Rabbi Janet MarderGenesis 26:14-22 Isaac and the Philistines Well Water... Isaac has become wealthy and the Philistines were jealous Gold and silver vs flocks... Conspicuous wealth changes the dynamic of the relationship with neighbors. Has aroused the resentment of his neighbors. "One rich man is envious of other rich men particularly if one is a Jew. " SRH - Envious of the

Issac & Rebecca in Gerar

2012-01-14T19:59:00.000-08:00

Torah Study 1-14 Genesis 26:6-11 Finish the Narrative about Isaac and Rebecca in GerarPassinng his wife as sister. - Beauty of Rebecca. Isaac resorts to the same strategy that his father did... Same phrase that introduced Rebecca is used here. She is still beautiful in his eyes.Apologetic theory there is the wife sister institution. Is a higher status of relation in history... Torah Study 12-31 Genesis 25:30-34Sale of birthright - summary1. Archeological findings. Mare and uzie sites excavated found stone tablets. Established that oldest got a double portion of the inheritance.2. Ch 21 Deuteronomy says the father cannot take away the firstborns birthright.3. Arheological find in Newzie.. Where someone sold his birthright for sheep...

Birthrights and Lentils....

2011-12-28T07:08:00.000-08:00

Torah Study 12-24 Genesis 25:28-34R. David Lieber. On Isaacs preference for Esau because he was compensating for his own lacking.Midrash that Isaac comes back to say he loved his not so good son!Because of the lentil stew they derive the Midrash regarding the mourning for the death of Abraham. Lentils because they are shaped like a wheel...round. Also that they have no

Jacob and Esau grow up.

2011-12-21T19:56:00.000-08:00

Torah study. 12-17 Genesis 25:27-34Parent favoritism a Trade: Stew for birthright. Esau is the hunter a man of the field. Metaphoric reflection on his character. Midrash pictures Esau as evil, negative, not good: Rashi –says he is an idler not favorable SRH. The man who hunts is the one who can stalk and be sneaky. Malicious nature of the hunter.

About Esau & Jacob

2011-12-14T21:45:00.000-08:00

Torah Study 12-10Genesis 25:24-30Esau red. Isaac hold heel.Red - hair or skin.Famous red heads and prejudice.Carol Burnett, Lucille Ball, Margaret Sanger, Judas Iscariot, Ron Hubbard, Napoleon Bonapart, Lizzie BordenCleopatra, Emily Dickenson, Oliver Cromwell, Thomas Jefferson, Vincent Van Gogh, Mark TwainDifferent interpretations:Red all over and all over like a hairy

Jacob & Esau Struggle in the Womb

2011-12-07T20:16:00.000-08:00

Torah study 12-3 Genesis 25:19-26 Rebecca's pregnancy Two nations. Elder serve younger. Rebecca was barren. Literary device repeated in Torah. Shows the miracle of birth of children. She seeks an answer to her barrenness and why her pregnancy is difficult.Automatic succession is challenged. Younger sons dislodging the elders is another theme throughout Torah. What happens is foretold.Esau

Religion, Relations and Politics

2011-11-29T08:55:00.000-08:00

Torah Study notes by Howard (thanks) for 11/26Genesis 25:19-23 political background ◊ Esau is considered the father of the Edomites. ◊ Numbers 20 – Moses requests to pass through land of Edom invoking name of Israel. ◊ Deuteronomy 23:8 do not hate Edomites; they are your kin. Yet Edomites may have participated in plunder and massacre of Jerusalem as suggested in Psalm 137 and in the

Todlot - 11 times... Chronicles of families

2011-11-23T11:00:00.000-08:00

Genesis 25:19 – new Parashah: Toldot ◊ Phrase elle todlot – used 11 times in Genesis • Typically followed by family tree, such as for Ishmael in Gen ___. • However, in this case, there is no tree; better translation here is “chronicles.” There is no Isaac “begot” because there is no child yet. Chain of procreation is interrupted ◊ Vav at beginning, why? • It can mean “and” and

Ishmael Returns...

2011-11-16T11:05:00.000-08:00

Torah study 11-12 Genesis 25:7-19 Abraham content that Ishmael returns. Peaceful end of his life.Ishmael's sons. Details about his life. End of Ishmael's life. Gathered to his people. Early reference to the soul lasting and referring to returning to ones ancestors or one's people. Following the path of those before you. V9 two sons hurried him. Isaac and Ishmael. Isaac mentioned first. Rashi

Abraham Marries Again - Dies at 175

2011-11-09T19:54:00.000-08:00

Torah study 11-5 with Rabbi Marder - Genesis. 25:1-11 Abraham marries Keturah. And the genealogy from there. Each refers to a place and a connection to the spice trade. Footnote to his life... Third wife. Queen of Sheba. Grandchild to Abraham. Unlike the film about Solomon. Not a love situation First Kings ch 10. She tested the king. He knew all she asked showing his wisdom. Presented him

The Longest Chapter in Torah

2011-11-01T19:57:00.000-07:00

Torah study 10-29 With Rabbi Marder - Genesis 24:63-67 Longest chapter in Torah. R Nachman. Says Isaac was "strolling" in the greenery. Says that everyone should take time to be with nature each day. Book last child in the woods... Impact of nature on children's development. Take the veil... When she veiled herself results in the custom of bedekin. Wedding customs. End of bedekin parents

An Eager Bride...

2011-10-26T21:52:00.000-07:00

Torah Study 10-22 Genesis 24:57-67 Rebecca's response...meeting Isaac V57 let's call the girl and ask her personally if willing to go... In her presence. To assure she is not being manipulated. A woman may never be given in marriage without her consent Will you go with this man? One word response. Yes.Naomi Rosenblat... Why is she so eager to go? She is eager to search for more meaning

Marriage Negotiation - Eliezer Twists the Story....

2011-10-19T21:06:00.000-07:00

Study 10-15Genesis 24:39-60Rehearsal come true. Marriage negotiations. Rebecca agrees to go with him. V39. Eliezer - servant recounts story in a way to impress the family. What if she doesn't follow him? V5-6 Abraham had said if she doesn't follow DO NOT bring Isaac there.Here Eliezer changes the story a bit. Not from fathers house now from land. To family if not go with me... Implying that it

Details - Rebecca's Family...

2011-10-05T20:53:00.000-07:00

Torah Study 10-1Genesis 24:26-41 Servants prayer. Rebecca's family... Brother Laban. Eliazer according to Midrash. Prayer to the God of Abraham. Personal prayer. Prayer of praise ... Bowed low. V26. All the way to the ground. SRH - offering entirely to God. V27. Blessed is Adonai... Offering a blessing ... Giving something. What can we give to God? Translated in a different way. The

The Right Wife... a test!

2011-09-28T07:01:00.000-07:00

Torah Study 9-24 Genesis.24: 10-27Dialog between Rebecca and the servant at the well.Verse 12-14. The servant first person who offers a prayer for personal guidance. Nachum Sarna. Concept of the individual's connection with God. This is a spontaneous and unscripted prayer.Hasidic Rabbi Nachman. Important for people to speak to God in their own voice and language. Recommends to

Sending the Servant To Fetch A Bride

2011-09-17T18:14:00.000-07:00

Torah study 9-17Genesis 24:1-14Isaac gets a wife. How they met.THE Longest chapter. A lot of detail.Release from the tension of the previous verses.Abrahams concern turns to the next generation and feels that if Isaac’s wife comes from his birthplace he will find someone who can be loyal to God. Subtle reference that he should go to his family to find the wife for Isaac.

Finding A Wife for Isaac...

2011-09-10T15:29:00.000-07:00

Genesis 24:1-12 Rebekah at the wellLongest chapter in Genesis. Much detail. About marriage.Eulogy about the marriage of Abraham and SarahBook: Wrestling with Angels by Naomi RosenblattRelationship between monotheistic and monogamyAbraham and Sarah are prepared to make sacrifices for their family and marriage.Strong couples with strong commitment to their family and their

Sarah's Parasha About her Death

2011-09-07T15:36:00.001-07:00

27 Genesis 23 - SarahRabbi WolfName of the parasha is “the Life of Sarah”. It is about her death.full of ironies.Span of her life 100 years and 20 years and 7 years. Odd way to say it. 127 significant. Fullness.Why years repeated. At 100 she had the beauty of a 20 year oldTheories of why she dies:Satan tells her Isaac killed. She diesSatan comes looking like Isaac looking terribleIsaac comes

The Angel Intervenes

2011-09-03T15:37:00.000-07:00

8-27 Genesis 22:9-19Angel interventionIsaac is bound.Style is Hemmingway-like - lean descriptions – emotions not explained.Thus the midrash is needed to explore the feelings and emotions.1. Isaac speaks – he may jerk and ruin the sacrifice. Isaac volunteers to be sacrificed.2. Abraham feels joy and sadness – tears – Isaac saw the angels – epic drama with tears and angels who appeal to God to

The Akidah

2011-08-20T15:38:00.000-07:00

Study 8-20Genesis 22:5-14Abraham speaks with the servantsAbraham and Isaac go on togetherIsaac asks about the offeringAbraham binds IsaacV5. Stay here with donkeyAbraham saw the Devine presence.With donkey. Servants didn't see the devine and were like donkeysDonkey is about spiritual blindness.S R Hirsch. This is where they separate themselves from others.Theme of the story. True worship requires

Binding Of Isaac Interpretations

2011-08-13T15:42:00.000-07:00

Study 8-13Genesis 22:1-6Binding of IsaacTo see the lyrics to the Leonard Cohen song:http://www.lyricsfreak.com/l/leonard+cohen/story+of+isaac_20082852.htmlAgainst sacrifice of the children. Contemporary view relates to war. Insert lyrics.Richard Friedman. Book – Commentary on the TorahContrast the Sodom and Gemorah questioning vs not questioning in the case of sacrificing Isaac...Three

Binding Of Isaac - Literary Style and Prep

2011-08-10T15:45:00.000-07:00

8/10Genesis 22:1-5Binding of IsaacLiterary styleLeon Kass. Genesis narrative concerned with deeds rather than words. No clear vision of Abraham's psyche. Character comes from actions. Book. Mimesis. Eric Auerbach. Ch 1 compares Homers Osessy to the Bible. Detailed descriptions of actions in Homer with many adjectives. Vs biblical style is less vivid. It is less detailed and leaves more

Akidah Explored - Questions...

2011-07-30T15:47:00.000-07:00

Akidah Explored – 7/30Where is Mt Moriah? What does Moriah mean? And where other events happened according to midrash – Jerusalem, David episode with threshingfloor of Ornan, where the temple is built by Solomon, where Jesus died (?), Where Muslem believe Mohamed rose (?)and a few more significant events. (some say it is where the Garden of Eden is also!)Unsure what the meaning of the word is..

Questioning Abraham - Clive Lawton

2011-07-09T15:49:00.000-07:00

Clive Lawton guest teacher founder of Limmud International from EnglandTorah Study 7-9Abraham.Grew up in Mesopotamia and gets a command to leave and he takes his family and his nephew Lot. Lot is a "waste of space". Why did he take him?Maybe to be his heir but he is a disappointmentHe goes to Cannan. God promises land to his descendants. But the problem is that he didn't

Geography Lesson

2011-07-02T15:50:00.000-07:00

Torah study 7-2 Genesis 21:31-34Beersheba Well Seven OathOrigin of it's name. Phrase "from Dan to Beersheba" (see attachment thanks to Alan Warshaw)Mentioned in Amos telling the people not to worship outside Jerusalem. But Beersheba is known as a religious place. The well has been found by archeologists .Philistines - Ancient people at the time of Abraham listed previously. No mention of

The Well Incident and Lambs

2011-06-25T15:55:00.000-07:00

Study 6-25 Genesis 22:22-34Well Incident - Seven Lambs - BeershevaEli Munk. Pact between Abraham and Avimelach foreshadow of the future... The eventual messianic reconciliationV24. “I swear it.” Unusual Hebrew format. Word for "I". Emphasis is on self but not for future generations, Eli Munk. Anochi adds weight to the pronoun. Says I am taking the oath...not you. Avimelach is a

Non aggression pact with Avimelach.

2011-06-18T15:57:00.000-07:00

Torah study 6-18 Genesis 21:22-26Non aggression pact with Avimelach.(There are no Hebrew names that begin with f – that is how we know the general is not a Hebrew name)Avimelach brings his general to the celebration if Isaacs weaning. Swear to me by God. - Most solemn and binding oath.SRHirsch. Take a shevouah. Seven is the root word. Week comes from seven.Oath comes from

Ishmael

2011-06-11T15:58:00.000-07:00

Torah Study Genesis 21:20-21All about Ishmael. “God was with the boy.” David Kimkee. Means that he prospered. Odd language using the word 'et'.Akivah says this implies that not only he prospers but all his descendants also. Few verses later God is with Abraham. No problem with God being with both of them. In Abrahams house not enough room for Ishmael contrast to this view

Hagar and Ishmael - what happens

2011-05-28T16:00:00.000-07:00

Torah study 5-28Genesis 21:15-21. End of the episode.Hagar left Ishmael to die. Angel speaks to her.Will make great nation of him.Find a well.Poem: The Opinion of Hagar / Alicia Suskin Ostriker. Inspired by Poem about William Yeats –Sensed that war was about to happen:“And the living nation awaits. .each sequestered in his hate” . 1939Ishmael is strong. Parallel to the

Abraham Sends Hagar Away...

2011-05-14T16:05:00.000-07:00

Torah Study ClassGenesis 21:14 -15Abraham sends Hagar away with bread and water. Water and bread gone and she puts her son under a bush.God has assured Abraham that Ishmael will become a nation.Abraham gets up early. That is used to show that a momentous event will follow.Rashi. Early because eager to carry out the command of God.Bread and a skin of water to Hagar. - Spousal

Expulsion of Hagar in Art & Literature

2011-05-14T16:01:00.000-07:00

5-14Genesis 21:14-16Shalom Bayit for the point of view of both the ideal and practicalIdeal. State of holiness when the relation is harmoniousPractical. Joseph Mesler. Not mean tranquility. Compromise and restraint to preserve harmony.In past the term was used to alleviate abuse of a spouse. Only in the past twenty years has it been recognized as a mask. "for the sake of shalom bayit.”Book

Do What Sarah Says...

2011-04-30T16:06:00.000-07:00

Torah Study ClassGenesis 21:12-14God tells Abraham not to worry and to do as Sarah asks!Now from Abraham's point of view. He was distressed because of the son.God's intervention. Caught in the middle between Sarah and HagarDon't be distressed about the boy or servant woman.God acts as therapist to Abraham. Don't be upset. What Sarah says: " listen in her voice". Idiom that

Sarah's Demand

2011-04-23T16:08:00.000-07:00

Torah Study 4-23 Genesis 21:1-14 discuss verse 11 Sarah demand that Hagar and her child are to be thrown out. Asking to give up the inheritance and then give Hagar freedom. First look from Sara's point of viewCommentators:R Joseph Karo. Descendants of Sarah were expelled from Egypt because of this action. Consequences measure for measure punishment References the Exodus as a punishment!

The Weaning Feast

2011-04-16T16:10:00.000-07:00

Torah study 4-16Genesis 21:1-10Naomi Rosenblat : Book Wrestling with Angels.Dream about the future. Dream fulfillment is really a starting point with new challenges.Sarah is caught unprepared for the new challenges for their family.Weaning feast: Rashi- Feast with wine. Great feast because the great men of the area were there including Avimelach. Abraham made a mistake because he didn't invite

Isaac Is Born

2011-04-09T16:11:00.000-07:00

Torah study 4-9 Rabbi MarderGenesis 21:7-9 Birth of IsaacName: Isaac - LaughterV7 structure. N Sarna. Isaac name occurs 6 times and the root of his name 3 times.Ishmaels name does not appear in this part. He is passing from the scene.Different interpretations of “who would have said?” Who can say? How unlikely is this? Or a rhetorical question...Or amazementSuckling.Ishmael is 14 years

Isaac = Laughter

2011-04-02T16:12:00.000-07:00

3/26 Torah Study with Rabbi Adam RosenwaserSarah having child – Laughter! Who is there. Sarah and God absent is Abraham. Sarah previously was just listening in. Now she is directly the focus. Some questions if the son is actually Abrahams son.Recurring theme of barren women then having children.Alter. V6 laughter suited to the complexity of the situation. God is not speaking to Sarah. You don't

Avimelach hears God

2011-03-05T16:18:00.000-08:00

Avimelach ordered by God to restore Abrahams wifeAbraham is a prophet Abraham will pray for AvimelachPrayer is intended to shift our consciousness.Praying for healing. (Abraham will pray for his healing.)Our prayer for healing is traced to the episode on leprosy. Current prayer we use is written and composed by Debbie Friedman and Drorah Setel - Controversy about speaking an ill persons name

Avimelach Returns Sarah to Abraham

2011-03-05T16:16:00.000-08:00

Torah Study 3/5 Genesis 20:7-18. To end of chapterReturning Sarah to Abraham. Avimelach confronts Abraham about this. Abraham explains the relationship. Avimelach does well by him.v7. Legal principle from this verse. Talmud Bava Comma -if give back wife he will pray for you. Relates to Compensation for injury requires an apology. If pray for him he must be fully

About Prayer - Avimelach

2011-02-19T16:20:00.000-08:00

Torah study Genesis 20:6-10 – About Prayer!Avimelach asks God: What were you thinking? v6. God says “I kept you from sinning.” Grammatical. How sinning is spelled het tet aleph usually. Here it is without the aleph unusual spelling. Mystical interpretation Zohar. Similar to the word for needle. Every sin is like a needle into God. Interpretation that our sins effect God. Different from the

Sarah is His Sister --- AGAIN

2011-02-12T16:22:00.000-08:00

Torah Study 2/12 Gen 20:1-9Abraham passes his wife as his sister as a form of protection(Hebrew issue. The wording implies that maybe Sarah didn't say anything when Abraham said she was his sister. So, it is not clear. )Avimelach responds to Gods message that he should not touch her to be on the defensive.Avimelach blames Abraham and Sarah as they told him they were sister and brother.Blameless

The Sojourner

2011-02-05T16:24:00.000-08:00

Torah Study 2/5Genesis 20:1-7Abraham Now in the capital city of the Philistines and a sojournerAbraham and Avimelach meet They discuss Sarah – Once again she is noted as Abraham’s sisterVerse 2 .. Avimelach saw Sarah and took her – many interpretationsEli Munk. How did she preserve her beauty? Why did he take herNachum Sarna. She is now 90 what interest would he have in her?Response to why.Gen

Back to Abraham - Heading South

2011-02-01T22:13:00.000-08:00

Torah study 1/29Starting Genesis Chapter 20! Back to Abraham...Abraham Sarah go South - Resumes narrative from ch 18.Close link to the. Previous story thematicallyBoundariesimmoralitymale handing over female to save his lifeSource criticism. Narrative replicates Gen 12Different source documentIn verse 20 God is Elohim from the "e" sourceIn ch 12 :17. God is Adonai From the "j" sourceWhy

Lot’s wife to salt and Back to Abraham

2011-01-01T14:06:00.000-08:00

Torah study 1-1-11 Rabbi Janet Marder Genesis 19: 25-35 Lot’s wife to salt and Back to Abraham Lots wife turns into salt. Many examples of use of salt to curse the land connects to the book of Judges. Connects to this reference. Naomi Rosenblat book Wrestling With Angels: Lots relationship with sons and his hesitation. His wife represents her preoccupation with

Fire and Brimstone and the Pillar of Salt

2010-12-18T15:31:00.000-08:00

Torah Study 12-18 – 10 with Rabbi Janet Marder Genesis 19:23-28It “ rained down on Sodom” started as normal rain to give them one more chance to change their ways.What rained down? Sulfurous fire - old translation: brimstone Hebrew: aleph nun shin - same root as for humans - link fire to this concept. Book: Catching Fire: How Cooking Made Us Human Richard Wrangham - cooking - launched

God and Strangers and Angels

2010-07-27T21:56:00.000-07:00

Torah Study 7/24 Led by Rabbi Sarah WolfGenesis 18:1 – 3 the beginning of Vyera - “He Appeared” AND “greeting strangers”Vayar – twice – He saw twice -Rashi – once for God and once for the strangers.different ways to see: 1 reality – 2 prophesy -question: Did Abraham know that the ‘strangers’ were angels?Three strangers / angelsEach has a different ‘mission’1 – announce

Visit Sick / Welcome Strangers

2010-07-21T07:07:00.000-07:00

Genesis 18:1 the beginning of Vyera - “He Appeared” Led by Rabbi Janet Marder Abraham’s Tent – he is sitting at the door watchingThe personality of Abraham develops even moreStructure divided in 2 partsthe three strangers the announcement of the destruction of Sodom & GomorrahFirst – when God appears this time there is no description of the content of the interaction between

God leaves and Abraham Circumcised at 99!

2010-07-13T20:56:00.000-07:00

Led by our Rabbinic Intern, Jen GubitzGenesis 17:22-27The end of the Parasha Lech LechaThe whole parasha is about relationships and defining the Jews and about covenant making.A grammatical issue of one word in verse 22 is the subject of much commentary.After God spoke to Abraham it either says God “ascended away from”, “went up away from”, “was gone from”, “disappeared”So

Laughter and Balance

2010-07-06T20:22:00.000-07:00

Genesis 17:19-27Isaac Arrives - Ishmael vs Isaac - BalanceAbraham is 99 and Isaac is 8 days old when they were both circumcised.The final section of God’s promiseThe meaning of Isaac’s name – LaughterHirsch – the absurdity of our continued existance – defiant laughter of the Jews (19th Cen)Sarna – originally Itzak El – Itzak is the short form – and meaning God Laughs or God

Sarah - Names and Responsibilities

2010-06-29T22:29:00.000-07:00

Genesis 17:15-19Revisit Circumcision – spiritual meaningLeon Kass – In pagan society it was a rite of passage, In Jewish society it is a paternal duty. The obligation of the father. - reminder of the generations - reminder of the spiritual obligations and the gift of a child - reminder of heritage -easy to sire – not easy to raise a child - symbolic gesture and

A sign to strive for improvement!

2010-06-22T22:52:00.000-07:00

Genesis 17:9-19More on Circumcision: Symbolic meaning of circumcisionRabbi David Kimchi- asked why circumcision – why not have created men without the foreskin.It is an important sign because it IS done by man. It is a symbol of the covenant.Midrash: Man is not born perfect – must strive for perfection. Man must attain his own perfection through his own actions Man

The Covenant - survival – and the role of the women

2010-06-15T22:07:00.000-07:00

Genesis 17:1 – 9v2 “I will establish my covenant with you”Samson R. Hirsch - “I will give...” make the decision to enter this on your own accord.The destiny of a Jew – no pragmatic history!Isaac – the archetype of the Jewish “phenomenon” - an unlikely or improbable set of circumstances!It is extraordinary that the Jews survived and continued – this is due to an element of

Relationships with God

2010-06-08T21:15:00.000-07:00

Genesis 17:1 –4The Covenant Ceremony - Walk Before GodThe repeating pattern of individuals making a covenant with God in Torah is a focus of this week’s Torah Study.Name of God – El Shadai – – used 9 times in Tanach different translations/interpretations: - Almighty - God of the MountainBook: Encountering God: A Spiritual Journey from Bozeman to Banaras by Diana L. EckIn

Circumcision & Name changes - part 1

2010-06-02T07:12:00.000-07:00

Genesis 17:1Torah Study with Rabbi RosenwaserSet up – name of God – El ShadaiGod of the MountainsRobert Altar – Exodus 6:3 God talks to Moses – Parallel to here where God talks to AbramRashi – Shadai = Dyanu = It would have been enough signals of strength form somewhere else.Name change – Abraham = father of multitudesWhy Circumcision?It was a widespread practice in other

Hagar names God and Abram names Ishmael

2010-05-26T06:56:00.001-07:00

13 – 17:1 Hagar names God and Abram names IshmaelStarting with the questions: “why would Hagar want to have a child who is like a wild ass...?” Note: The attitude of the nomadic tribes is different and perhaps this is a good quality to that community. And it was promised that he would lead to a ‘great nation’.Hagar was a progenitrix of a ‘great nation’.Theophany – Hagar’s experience with

Talking to the Angels

2010-05-19T06:52:00.000-07:00

Genesis 16: 7-12 Hagar –runs away and talks to the Angel(s)All about Angels – this is the first place where an angel speaks to a person...Malach HashemGreek for Angel = messengerThe same word is used for human and spiritual messengersThinking about angels evolved in Biblical times as well as contemporary.Jewish Angels - messenger of God / human messengers - prophetsConfusing

Hagar - Story of Gender and Class - different views

2010-05-12T06:54:00.000-07:00

Notes Torah Study 5/8 Rabbi Marder Genesis 16 Hagar – Sari – a complex story of jealousy and class – seen for more modern commentatorsSari = princess – a barren princess who is feeling unworthy because she is “empty”We discussed the views of modern commentators:Erik Erickson – psychologist – Womanhood and the InnerspaceA sense of loneliness and fear.Marc Gafni – The first

Hagar – A figure for concern or distaste?

2010-05-04T23:18:00.000-07:00

Genesis 16 Speculating about Hagar Rabbi Adam led Torah Study in a lively discussion on Hagar!The attitude changes – Hagar as a slave is neutral, When she has a child her status rises - maybe even above Sari.This becomes a big problem for Sari.Hagar runs away – Then she is convinced by an “angel” to return.Much midrash around what really happened here.Power Dynamics – Who is

Tale of Two Women

2010-04-27T21:38:00.000-07:00

Torah Study 4/23 Rabbi Marder Genesis 16 :1-5Triangle – Avram – Sari – HagarAll about ethics and misunderstandings. A tale of two women.The story is full of emotions:Pain of infertility, personal sense of failure, inadequacy to give to one you love, class and sexual jealousy.At the end of chapter 11 we learn of Sari’s being ‘barren’ and in this chapter it softens the

Akarah - Childlessness

2010-04-20T21:51:00.001-07:00

Rabbi Jennifer Clayman led a terrific discussion ... Genesis 16:1 - Childlessness This is first mentioned in Genesis 11:30 – the term akarah – barren but not necessarily infertileNachum Sarna – this is more of a literary divice – a focus on Avram’s family. Notes the recurring theme in Torah of childlessness – Sarah / Hannah / Samson’s Mother/ RachelRobert Alter Book: The Art of Biblical

Deep Dark Sleep and The Future

2010-04-13T22:12:00.000-07:00

From last week: link to the poem about eagles – ref the “bird of prey” Genesis 15:12-16 - the deep dark sleep! There is a mystical dimension here (v12) The sun is about to set – Avram is in a deep sleep – maybe induced type sleepSimilar to the sleep that Adam was in when Eve was created.“Tardema” a sleep with prophetic visions.Deep Dark Fear Falls upon him– terror and dread accompany this

Doubt and Faith

2010-03-30T21:57:00.000-07:00

Torah Study 3/27Genesis 15:2-11The Covenant Between the Parts - Brit bein HaBetarimAvram has doubts and anxietyAvram is reassured by God and this brings a bit of tranquility.But in V 7-8 Avram is once again questioning GodGod announces: I am Adonai who brought you out of Ur (parallel to what is to come later)THE MEANING OF THE TETRAGRAMMATONThis is four Hebrew letters (Yod,

Avram Distressed Under the Stars

2010-03-23T22:56:00.000-07:00

15:4-8 Avram is a bit distressedHe is reflecting on his life. A sudden interruption in his thoughts – God talks to him.Taken outside – a change of place under the stars.A place that can calm his despairing soulThere is a different type of communication with God that he has not had before.Poems: Walt Whitman: WHEN I heard the learn’d astronomerEdward Hirsch: In Spite of Everything the StarsLike a

Rewards and Promises of Children

2010-03-17T06:21:00.000-07:00

“Sometime later” - a reminder that the episode continues.Abram has mortality on his mind – he starts to contemplate that he has no children.The first time Abram actually SPEAKS to God and he expresses his doubts.(Robert Altar) - it is typical that we respond to God’s requests with doubt.Abraham is ‘human’ he is motivated by fear.(Eli Munk) - up till now Abraham’s life was a

Kings After Battle...Who is Melchizedek?

2010-02-23T21:46:00.000-08:00

Torah Study 2/20/10 Rabbi Janet MarderGenesis 14:17-20Abraham met the Melech Sodom – the King of Sodom – and yet it is not sure of the exact situation due to some tricky translation from the Hebrew.There seems to be a military implication in the wording but not sure if it is a confrontation or not.Where the met – in the “valley” - Rashi says it is just an open flat place. Midrash puts it in a

Abraham to the Rescue

2010-02-16T22:39:00.000-08:00

Torah Study 2/14 - Rabbi MarderGenesis 14:14-17 The Battle of 4 Kings vs 5 Kings and AbrahamSeems that Lot and his family are captured and Abraham comes to the rescue!Of course there are many questions:Lot is referred to as “brother” - think about that – last time we heard they didn’t really have that great a relationship – but then again it is “family”Book:A Problem from Hell: America and the

2010-02-09T21:57:00.000-08:00

Special Guest – Interfaith Weekend... Fern Chertok from Brandeis UniversityA researcher and teacher on interfaith trends and impact on the Jewish community, our speaker gave us a lot of insight into how assimilation had effected Jews over time.Data from the 2000 National Jewish Population study and the Birthright database showed that Jewish continuity does not depend on

A New Promise After Lot Leaves...

2010-01-19T22:34:00.000-08:00

Torah Study 1/16Genesis 13: 12-18Lot and Avram part ways. Lot chooses greed over morality.v13 – Sodom- a fertile land that Lot chooses. Inhabitants are ‘wicked’ and ‘sinners’ - a redundancy -No details at this point on how they were wicked or sinning. the curse, "May [his / her] name and memory be obliterated," (Hebrew: ימח שמו וזכרו , yimach shmo ve-zichro)As opposed to:Z”L - zikhrono livrakha

Conflict and Solutions

2010-01-09T15:50:00.000-08:00

Genesis 13: 8-15 – Abraham’s Solution – the separationLeon Kass – why midrash? To fill in the gaps! To keep it fresh through 100s of generations.Abraham was always the ‘stranger’ ( Peter Pitzele)Avram stays in Canaan Lot goes to SodomAvram tries to make peace.They are “ahim” brothers/kin – how does the relationship effect their attitude and the attitude of the community?

Sendak, schmendak. - guest review of CJM exhibit

2010-01-07T18:15:00.000-08:00

304,805 at the CJM by Howard Selznick Sendak, schmendak.The much-ballyhooed exhibit on the acclaimed author and illustrator Maurice Sendak packs them into the San Francisco’s Contemporary Jewish Museum. What’s overlooked is the display upstairs.The CJM has commissioned a scribe, Julie Seltzer, to write a Torah scroll, all 304,805 letters of it. She’s a rookie soferet; it’s her first effort

Too Much Stuff Causes Big Family Split!

2010-01-06T06:38:00.000-08:00

Genesis 13: 1 - 10 (summary of notes - need to fill in details) Books & Articles Mentioned:Jews for Judaism: Know How to Answer (I could not find the book but here is their website )Collapse: How Societies Choose to Fail or Succeed by Jared DiamondReview by Malcolm Gladwell - The Tragedy of the Commons by Garrett Hardin, 1968 About Avram returning from Egypt the ‘way

Go Down to Go Up

2009-12-29T22:24:00.000-08:00

Books:That's Not What the Good Book Says by Yair Zakovitch Avigdor Shinan Compares the Story of Avram & Sari going to Egypt to the Book of Esther.The Genesis of Ethics by Burton L. VisotzkyChapter 13 - Going UP from EgyptRefers to both geographically and spiritually ‘going up’Eli Munk – on the spiritual journey of Abraham. Avram held his high moral standards and was not influenced by the

Sari - a Princess - Avram Not So Cool!

2009-12-22T20:56:00.000-08:00

Gen 12: Review of the Overall Story with Rabbi Sarah WolfDetails and Generalizations about Avram and Sari and their venture into Egypt were explored this week.Sari = Princess – word play in Torah. Whose Princess was she?The Morality of Avram Question: Per Leon Kass – Avram was just clueless. God intervenes and makes the situation right without the knowledge of Avram.

Lies and Gifts and Avram's Character

2009-12-15T23:15:00.000-08:00

Torah Study with Rabbi Marder Gen 12:10 - 20Many possible ways to interpret why Avram got all those gifts from Pharaoh. AND why was Pharaoh was so eager for Sari and Abraham to split and take all those gifts with them.Why did Avram tell Sari to say she was his sister? On the surface this seems very unethical and selfish.David Kimke – 13th Cen. France offered 2 options1 – The

A Promise - Takes a Long Time to Fulfill

2009-12-01T06:58:00.000-08:00

Gen 12:7-9 Torah Study 11/28with Rabbi MarderGod will give this land to Abraham's offspring. - "to your ‘seed’ I will give this land."A line that is the foundation of the idea that the land is divinely promised.This seems an absolute promise from God – but caused a lot of problems.Cannot have a rational dialogue on this today.In original context:relates to Beginning Chapter 12 ‘make you a great

The Controversial "THEN"

2009-11-10T07:23:00.000-08:00

Torah Study with Rabbi Sarah Wolf 11/7Genesis 12: 6 –The Canaanites were THEN in the land - This one word, "THEN" in this verse caused much anguish and controversy for Ibn Ezra relating to the possibility of “post-Mosaic” editorial of the Bible... It was a huge controversy in the Middle Ages (1089-1164) to even imply that the Bible was not the “words of God”.The "then"

Abraham - Old Scientist and Seeker

2009-11-03T08:19:00.000-08:00

Abraham like a scientist -The Structure of Scientific Revolutions, by Thomas Kuhn, is an analysis of the history of science.The Beginning of Desire by Avivah Gottlieb Zornbergpictures Abraham as a scientific thinkershe points out Rambam's analysis of how Avram realized that there was one God.- a thinker teacher and writer- a wanderer in his mind as well as location- freedom from the cognitive

Motivation to Go...

2009-10-27T22:57:00.000-07:00

Torah Study 10/24Genesis 12: 4-6 - review with Rabbi MarderContinuing the story of Abraham as he set forth to CaananLeon Kass – exploring Avram’s motivation for going on this journey.Noting the immediate obedience and questioning if the motivation is based on the promises or his faith alone.This is one of the elements in the evolving understanding of Abraham’s character.Eli Munk – There is a

A Great Nation Blessed

2009-10-20T22:02:00.000-07:00

Genesis 12: 2-5 - Torah study 10-17 Rabbi MarderContinuing the story of AbrahamGreat Nation – what is that?Rashi – a different view - Daily prayers say “God of Abraham” - at end of Avot prayer - “magen Avraham” - single out Abraham for special blessing.Bal Shem Tov – repeat “God of___” - each forefather came to an awareness of God in his own way.Dr. Avivah Gottlieb Zornberg –

The Jewish Story is Launched

2009-10-14T06:16:00.000-07:00

Summary of topics/highlights – will fill in details later...Torah Study 10/10 Genesis 12:1-3About Avram - Abraham • The special relationship between God and Avram/Abraham - Avram picked - not because he was perfect - probably because he was faithful and willing to stand his ground. • Why did he have to go from one pagan land to another? - Your message is better heard away from home -

Sukkot and Joy!

2009-10-13T14:19:00.000-07:00

Notes from Howard SelznickSukkot, on the heels of that most somber and reflective of Jewish days, Yom Kippur, is supposed to be joyous (Leviticus 23:40, Deuteronomy 16:14). In Rabbi Janet Marder’s study session at Shabbat-Sukkot services, congregants reflected on the meaning of “joy.”What kind of joy is in the sukkah? Is it physical pleasure of backyard or fire escape camping?“Look at us! We’re

Lech Lecha - 2 words to many words!

2009-10-06T07:07:00.000-07:00

Torah Study 10/3 Genesis 12Rabbi MarderThe Call To Abraham/Avram - Lech LechaTwo words and so much commentary!Go Forth - the two words that launch the 'Jewish enterprise'.Torah themes: Home and Homelessness - a pervasive theme throughoutcharacters in Bible always seeking a home but then they must leave their homes.Always looking for our identity and yet always a 'stranger in a strange land'.Lech

Noah to Terrah to Avram

2009-09-28T15:27:00.000-07:00

9/26 Torah Study with Rabbi MarderGenesis 11: 26-32 - from Terrah to AvramThere are many ideas about Abraham as a child and his family history.As we enter "historical" time with Abraham the names and the places are documented. There is no physical evidence of Abraham himself. The introduction of 'characters' that show up again. Lot3 women:Sari = princess = queen (Acadian)Milka (Malka) = queen

Gibberish and Gates / On to Avram

2009-09-16T06:59:00.000-07:00

Torah Study Notes Sept 12R. Marder Genesis 11:8-9The name Babelderivative from BabyloniaThey thought: Bab El (Babylon) - Gate to/of GodGod named: Babel - Gibberishinteresting etymology here.Language accentuates the differences between people.It is a double edged sword.Samson Raphael Hirsch on the nature of Hebrew.In his translation and commentary on Genesis, the great nineteenth century German

Human Needs: Outside Guidelines and Humility

2009-09-08T07:01:00.000-07:00

Finish Chapter Genesis 11:4 - 9 Torah Study with Rabbi Marderend v5 God "comes down" to investigate - last word = children of AdamIntroduces the concept that the building project is human - and they have limits and humility of Children of AdamRashi - Torah didn’t need this phrase (sees humor) Who else built it? (the animals?)why give this - vene adam - descendants of the first Adam who was

Tower Interpreted Across Ages

2009-09-01T23:00:00.000-07:00

Genesis: 11 1-9 Torah Study Class 8/29 with Rabbi Janet MarderMany interpretations of the storyGadal (Hebrew root) = big tall – what is the significance? QuestionsWhat is wrong with this?How can we understand the consequences?most interpretations: “Make name for selves” indicates a rebellion against God – idolatry.Story has been construed as a satire and a mocking of Babylonian culture. A

A Building Drive - A City / A Tower

2009-08-26T06:51:00.000-07:00

Genesis 11: 3-9 – Building the City and the Tower key words: bricks, tar (mortar), city, tower, one language, confuse speech, scattered, babel (confused)“to make a name for ourselves”Key topics from Torah Study with Rabbi Marder 8/22The first ‘building drive’ sound patterns in the verse contrast between location where you build bricks vs use stone bricks were an important

Different Languages at Babel

2009-08-18T22:43:00.000-07:00

Tower of BabelContinuation of exploration of Nimrod from Ch 10, he was associated with Babylon and the building of the city and the tower and the turning away from God."Now the whole earth had one language and few words. And as men migrated from the east, they found a plain in the land of Shinar and settled there. And they said to one another, 'Come, let us make bricks, and burn them thoroughly

Names - Places - Table of Nations

2009-08-08T21:37:00.000-07:00