Sprung On Torah

A close look at Moshe's Mateh (staff): its origins, the connection to snakes, and what its true powers are. 

Preview questions of this week's podcast episode.

Yaakov's confusion about the identities of Yosef's sons; what he's really asking and why Yosef's reply is an answer. 

Understanding the dialogue: Yaakov's burial request; Ephraim and Menashe. How Yosef is truly different from his brothers.   Yaakov's final words to his sons, what his message really means.

What does Yosef show his brothers as proof that it's really him and and why? Why does Yehuda lie to Yosef in front of everyone? What is Yosef's true intent? A deeper look at the significance of Yehuda's promise to keep Binyamin safe.

300 barrels of oil explained.

A closer look at the significance of oil.

The relationship between Athens and Israel. 

Pharaoh's Dreams:   Cows, grain, the Nile and a swamp; what do all of the details mean? Why does Yosef give advice when he's been asked to interpret? What actually is Yosef's advice? Why does dream interpretation qualify Yosef to run a large country and oversee its economy? Yosef & His Brothers: Where did they look for him and why? Why are they accused of being spies? How does their reply...

A review of the relationship between the brothers and Yosef: when did their hatred morph into jealousy and why?  A review of Yehuda and Tamar. What was her motivation? And what is the significance of their interactions?

A review of the highlights in Vayishlach, together with some key insights and unique perspective from Rabbi Sprung.

A summary of key ideas in Bereshis through Toldos.

Great insight on Vayetzei.