Bible Classes - Tanakh

The Midrash rebukes the successors of Yehoshua did failing to connect to the people. This message is very applicable today. Other sources speak disparagingly of Deborah, a premonition of the current situation in the orthodox Jewish community.

In this Talmudic passage the 10 commandments Joshua passes on to the Israelites deal with shared resources, civility, border flexibility and human dignity. Not your typical 10 commandments

The rabbis criticize the hypocrites who adhere to external factors but lack inner faith and moral values. The Midrash about the wife of Ohn Ben Pelet was distorted by later rabbis to the exact opposite of its original goal.

How the rabbis twisted the story of Korah to attack the corrupt priests.

God laments the completion of the Tabernacle because it was just a distraction, a remedy for the tendency to turn religion into an obsession. Listen to learn more.

The Midrash speaks of the gap felt in Egypt after the Exodus. It resonates with many similar events in later history.

The Midrash says that the Israelites did not change their names, clothes, and language, but it wasn't so throughout history. Are we missing something?

Why was it important for Yosef to be buried in Israel? Why the focus on Moshe's actions? Who is Sarah bat Asher?

The Midrash describes differ leadership styles, the selfish and unselfish. Moshe's encounter with Pharaoh is also described as a theological clash. Illustrated through a brilliant analogy.

A late European Midrash depicts Moshe as a loving leader, who cares about his people's well-being in the desert. God promises survival rather than comfort. Why? Also: God presents Himself by an enigmatic name.

Why did Moshe flee? What happened by the well? How was Moshe "interviews"?

What happened when Moshe first visited the Israelites? Why does the Midrash say he used mystical powers to kill the Egyptian? What energized Moshe?

The Midrash says that Moshe tried on the king's crown. Was it even possible? Was Moshe a stutterer? Why did Pharaoh seek to kill him?

Why did the Midrash bend the text to suggest a miracle happened when there is a much simpler explanation. Did the author of the Midrash believe that an arm can stretch to twice or three times its length or is there a hidden message here?

The Midrash describes the methods used by Pharaoh and praises righteous women.

Jacob rebukes his children; he is about to reveal secrets; the origin of Shema and Barukh Shem; Embalming, cremation, removal of bones, and organ donation.

The Midrash turns and twists the dialog between the brothers into a magnificent drama. We also discuss the wisdom of Joseph in delivering subliminal messages and achieving his goals.

How did Joseph know his brothers were in Egypt? What did he base his accusations on? The rabbis made delicatessen from the story of the first encounter between the viceroy and his brothers.

Why weren't the sages able to interpret Pharaoh's dreams. How was Joseph able to convince Pharaoh to appoint him viceroy.

The story of Joseph's temptation was embellished by the rabbis. We also discuss the question whether biblical heroes are flawless.