Bible Classes - Tanakh

What is the message of the curses cast on Adam, his wife, and the serpent?

Exploring the symbolism of birth and death, serpent and woman, in the Eden narrative.

Starting in chapter 7 of the Megillah we review the final Confrontation of Esther with Haman.

In chapter 5 of the Megillah we find the two men, the king and Haman, mercilessly manipulated by Esther.

Esther's paradigm shift, from a shy girl to a cunning queen.

In the second installment of the series we discuss the theory that Mordechai and Esther were a married couple.

Who was Vashti? Was she killed or banished? Persian law, and more

The story of R Shimon Ben Shatah who protected women's rights and defied tyrants.

In the time of the II Temple a partition was adde in the courtyard. Why was it necessary? What was the argument for its creation? A look into a misunderstood mourning practice.

Several paragraphs from Mishna and midrash showing the deterioration in the status of the priests and high priests during second temple period.

Three paragraphs from midrash showing the deepdistaste of the rabbis towards the priests and what they represented. Also the idea that sacrifices are a compromise.

The rabbis, and their contemporaries, were awed by Alexander's prowess and feared his influence. We discuss here several paragraphs leveling harsh criticism at him.

The chilling midrashic rendition of Haman's decree, some thoughts on anti-Semitism and on the secret of survival and success of the Jewish people.

Rabbi Yehuda b. Simon praises Deborah and Esther. R Shimon b. Yohai rejects his disciples' criticism of Persian Jews and explains that sometimes even paganism is superficial.

In this segment, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Moses ask God to forgive the Jews as a reward for their merits. Each man lists his achievements and sacrifices but God doesn't respond. It is Rachel who wins the argument presenting a feminine and very daring perspective as she challenges God.

Here we see Abraham visiting the ruins of the Temple. He is described as practicing non-Jewish and even pagan mourning practices. We discuss the literal meaning of the prohibition to destroy the beard. Later on Abraham puts God on trial and summons witnesses.

Two beautiful paragraphs dealing with the reaction to destruction. In one Jeremiah meets the embodiment of Zion and forced himself out of his misery to comfort her. In the other, God mourns his actions and in a dialog with Metatron reveals insights of human psyche.

Here we explore the reason for the thundering silence of the rabbis regarding Hanukkah and Masada.

Two passages are discussed here. One is the corruption of the sons of Shemuel and how the rabbis drew analogy to their contemporary corrupt leaders. The second is the sad story of Saul and his fall from grace, which ends with a surprising twist as in a last act of heroism he redeemed himself.

Why are Hanukkah and Christmas always adjacent? A Midrash found in the Talmud might shed light on the Dec 27 2016question.