Bible Classes - Tanakh

How the rabbis used Midrash to uplift the spirit of Jews in Diaspora and how the disputed between Yaakov and Esau was never settled.

Yaakov shows preferential treatment to Yosef. He is deceived by his dons in the same method he deceived his father.

Yaakov deceives and is being deceived by Laban who makes all of his townspeople accomplices. Yaakov hurts Rachel, causes divide, and pays dear price.

Was intimacy feared in Talmudic times? How was Yaakov tricked? Rachel and Leah were possibly twins. Yaakov's actions return to haunt him.

Yaakov kisses Rachel. How did the rabbi's view of and what is women's status in Jewish orthodoxy today.

What is the significance of the place? Is quantum leap possible? One or many stones? Dreams and angels.

Why did Yitzhak lose his eyesight? Lesson from a great teacher. And - whose side is God on?

Why did Jacob allow himself to deceive his brother? Did he have a moral struggle? Why did his father give him the blessing even after casting doubt in his identity?

Why didn't Rivka speak to her husband about their sons? Was there a problem with their marriage or something that stemmed from their past and societal norms?

What is the meaning of the struggling twins? How it reflects the life of the author of the Midrash?

The temple is not the center of jewish life - the home is!

Last session on Akedah in Midradsh. Highlighting the idea of martyrdom as evolved in Ashkenazi Jewry under Christian influence.

Satan tries to stop Abraham. An allegory to Abraham's fears. Influence on Islam.

Exploring the Akedah and martyrdom through biblical and rabbinical texts. Part 1

Written in post Islamic period, this Midrash apologizes for Ishmael's expulsion by Abraham. It puts the blame on Sarah and shows Abraham as a doting father. Mohammed's wives are even mentioned by name.

One rabbi says that Ishmael worshipped idols, while another says he was kicked out bc of inheritance disputes? Who is right?

People believe that Sodom's sin was Sodomy, but Ezekiel and the Midrash teach otherwise.

Why did the rabbis cast Abraham in a negative light, as one who refuses to be circumcised?

The Midrash describes Abraham's hospitality, generosity, and religious teachings. It also describe Sarah as being hidden in a box or trunk - is that a metaphor for men locking women away?