See sources here

In this Shiur, analyze the nature and implications of the plague of Arov. A central theme is the divine distinction established between the Egyptians and the Jews, marked by the Hebrew terms Hifleti and Pedut. This separation served as a miraculous sign that protected the land of Goshen and, according to some views, signaled the beginning of the end of Jewish servitude.

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 emphasize how this event served as a prophetic warning, highlighting that Moshe’s personal life and family responsibilities could not interfere with his mission to redeem Israel.

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 sacrifice for the continuity of the Jewish people, giving her a special role as a matriarchal protector. Lastly, the shiur considers Yaakov's long silence and his eventual explanation to Yosef, presenting the burial not as a slight but as a divinely commanded necessity for future redemption.

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 final test of his brothers, where he frames Binyamin for the theft of his silver cup, before telling the others to depart in peace.

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 whether the matzevot served as acts of worship, simple place markers, or indicators of future land inheritance.