The plot of this week's parasha divides logically into two sections. The first part deals with negotiations regarding Bilam's trip to Moav: first negotiations between Bilam and Balak's two delegations, and then between Bilam and God (or rather His angel). The turning point in the story begins in Bamidbar 22:36, with a description of the actual meeting between Balak and Bilam.
The term ir miklat is usually translated as "city of refuge," based on the context of these laws. In this shiur, we will examine another possible interpretation of the term, which explains the nature of Chazal's perspective on these laws, as well as the ultimate purpose of these cities.
It is clear that Moshe's oration in Sefer Devarim does not constitute a single substantive continuum, but is rather comprised of separate units. The proper study of the book of Devarim must therefore begin with marking the boundaries of the individual speech, as a prerequisite for understanding its structure and the course of its ideas and comprehending its full meaning. In this shiur, we will focus on delineating and explaining the structure of the first speech (chapter 1-3) in the opening oration.
Parashat Va'etchanan includes the prohibition of intermarriage with members of the surrounding society. The Talmud interprets these verses to mean that a father has no familial connection to his son with a Gentile woman. In this shiur, we will explore the derivation of this conclusion.
The Halakhot Gedolot and others who produced enumerations of the mitzvot did not include the command that appears in Parashat Ekev, "Beware lest you forget the Lord your God." It was included, however, by R. Moshe of Coucy, the author of the Sefer Mitzvot Gadol (Semag). In his introduction to his sefer, he explains that he did so based on a dream. In this shiur, we will examine how his interpretation fits into the peshat of the text.
In this shiur, we will examine the main focus of the festivals section in Parashat Re'eh. In particular, we will discuss the nature of the mitzva of eating matza on the Festival of Matzot, based on an analysis of the apparently contradictory verses on the matter.
All of the history of Israel stands between two great songs, between the song of their becoming a people, and the song of their becoming the people of God.
