Parasha with dAvId Saltzman

See sources here This shiur explores the mysterious account of Hashem attacking someone at a lodging on the way to Egypt. Commentators debate whether the intended victim was Moshe or his son, and the specific nature of the sin, which many connect to delayed circumcision. Zipporah’s quick action in performing the circumcision is seen as the rescue that prevented death. Ultimately, the texts emphasi...

See source here This shiur examines the practical and historical importance of Rachel’s burial. Rashi and the Maharal explain that Yaakov buried Rachel by the roadside near Bethlehem instead of in the Cave of Machpelah so her spirit could intercede for her descendants during the Babylonian exile. Additional insights indicate that Rachel’s tragic death during childbirth symbolizes a supreme sacrifi...

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

This Shiur traces the narrative from Yaakov sending Yosef to check on his brothers' well-being (" שְׁלוֹם " in Hebrew), through Yosef's eventual reunion with them in Egypt, including his emotional reactions to seeing his full brother, Binyamin. Commentaries analyze specific word choices, such as the meaning of asking about their father's " peace " to Yosef's fin...

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

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

See sources here This shiur presents key biblical narratives from Beresheet detailing  Jacob's (Yaakov's) significant journeys  and the erection of several stone pillars, or  matzeivot. We analyze these monuments, particularly focusing on the events at Beit El and the pillar marking Rachel’s burial place. Commentators debate the theological justification for Jacob's actions, exploring...

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

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

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

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

See Shiur here This class focuses on the moment when Lamech names his son Noach, stating he will bring comfort from the toil of the cursed ground.  We explore the significance of the name Noach, the root of his name, and the multifaceted expectation of  comfort and respite  that his father, Lamech, placed upon him.  We delve into Rashi, Midrash, Isaac Mozeson, and Rabbi Yaakov Medan.

Source Sheet Here This shiur focuses on interpreting the phrase "עֵזֶר כְּנֶגְדּוֹ" concerning the creation of woman. Several commentators present the paradoxical nature of the phrase, suggesting the woman is either "a helper" if man is worthy or "against him" if he is not, or that the "opposition" itself serves as the truest form of aid. Other interpretations explore the roots of the word "כְּנֶג...

See source here This shiur focuses on the meaning and significance of the Hebrew word  "עצרת" (Atzeret) , particularly as it relates to the last day of Sukkot. The meforshim analyze why this term is uniquely applied to the final day of Sukkot, examining whether it signifies a  separate holiday , a  gathering for worship,  or a  final period for retaining the spiritual gains  acquired thr...

See sources here This shiur focuses on the meaning and significance of the Hebrew phrase  "בְּעֶצֶם הַיּוֹם הַזֶּה" , often translated as "on that very day," as it appears in various biblical contexts, particularly in relation to  Moses's impending death  and ascent to Mount Nebo. Interpretations examine why this precise phrasing is employed in accounts of  Noach entering t...

 See sources here The source material examines the opening verses of the Torah portion  "Vayeilech" (31:1-2) , focusing intensely on the phrase  "Vayeilech Moshe"  (And Moses went). Various Jewish commentators—including  Rashi, Ramban, Ibn Ezra, and Sforno —present different interpretations of where Moses went and his motivation for doing so, questioning why the text emphasizes his physical moveme...

Shiur resources here This podcast provides an in-depth examination of the Hebrew word "ושב" (v'shav) within the context of Deuteronomy 30:2-3, focusing on its dual appearance and various interpretations.  Commentators explore its meaning, ranging from literal "return" to nuanced concepts of repentance, divine presence, and restoration.  

see source here This class explores the profound meaning of the covenant  between God and the Jewish people, particularly focusing on the words "את ה' האמרת היום" (You have avouched/declared God this day) and "וה' האמירך היום" (And God has avouched/declared you this day) from Deuteronomy 26.

See source sheet here These sources discuss the biblical commandment to build a  מַעֲקֶה  (ma'akeh, usually translated as a guardrail or fence) on a new roof, as stated in Deuteronomy 22:8. Commentators explore the  meaning and scope of "ma'akeh,"  with some suggesting it represents a broader obligation to  remove all hazards from one's property . They also  analyze the phras...

This podcast offers an extensive analysis of the biblical phrase "for bribery blinds the eyes of the wise and perverts just words," specifically focusing on the meaning of  "perverts just words" (וִיַסֵּלף ַצִּדיִקם ִּדְבֵרי) . Additionally, the texts examine  how bribery causes the perversion of justice , considering whether it blinds the judge's understanding of established legal principles, lea...

See source here We analyze the nuanced meaning of "observe and hear" and "the good and the upright." We discuss how  studying and retaining teachings  precedes  understanding and fulfilling commandments , including both explicit laws and rabbinic ordinances. 

Source Sheet Here We examine the biblical portion  of Ekev, providing detailed  commentaries from various Jewish scholars  on themes of gratitude, remembrance, and the risks of wealth. We  study the verses  related to the blessings of the land of Israel and the obligation to thank God for its bounty, making connections to the  commandment of  Birkat Hamazon .

We examine the Hebrew term " וָאֶתְחַנַּן " and its various interpretations within Jewish commentary. Commentators such as  Rashi  and  Daat Zekenim  discuss the meaning of this word as a plea for  undeserved grace  or a  free gift , highlighting Moses's humility in his prayers.  Rashi  and  Rabbeinu Bahya  also explore the related term " לֹא תְחׇנֵּם ," offering diverse interpretations concerning...

Source sheet here We explore the  Book of Lamentations  (Eichah), with a particular focus on its opening word, " Eichah " (How), and the concept of  solitude  or  isolation  ("badad").  Rashi's commentary  and  Lekach Tov  elaborate on the historical context of Jeremiah writing Lamentations, its structure, and the prophetic sorrow embedded in the text. The sources draw para...

In this podcast, we examine the story concerning the tribes of Gad and Reuben, who sought to settle east of the Jordan River before the conquest of the Land of Israel.  Moses initially expresses strong disapproval, fearing their request would demoralize the other tribes and lead to a repetition of the spies' sin.   The commentaries  differ on the precise nature of Moses's concern and the s...