Subscribe to Tanach InSite

Author: Ben Zion

  • Beit El – lecture 4

    Beit El – lecture 4

    —

    by

    Ben Zion
    in

    To summarize what we learned about Beit El from Abraham: Beit El symbolizes the preference for the Land of Israel over the Land of Egypt. A preference that stands out compared to the opposite preference of Lot. This leads to a fascinating comparison between the story of Lot’s exodus from Sodom and the story of…

  • Beit El – lecture 3

    Beit El – lecture 3

    —

    by

    Ben Zion
    in

    An interesting technique that appears in the Torah: In a sequence of verses, the phrase “Eretz” (the Land) appears 7 times, whith the most important message emphasized in the center of this structure: The Land of Israel is differant than Egypt. This message sheds light on the separation of Abraham and Lot, and expressed symbolically…

  • Derech Hayam – lecture 23

    Derech Hayam – lecture 23

    —

    by

    Ben Zion
    in ,

    Gezer and Hanukkah. Approaching Hanukkah, this lecture will deal with Derech Hayam after the days of the Tanach – during the Hasmonean period. Contrary to popular belief, after the Maccabees’ victory on Hanukkah, there were no days of peace. One of the most famous wars took place on Derech Hayam – at Gezer. From the…

  • Derech Hayam – lecture 22

    Derech Hayam – lecture 22

    —

    by

    Ben Zion
    in

    We will continue to analyze the descent to Egypt in the days of the patriarchs. Isaac’s descent to Egypt seems very similar to Abraham’s. Both went because of famine, but when Isaac reaches “Gerar”, in the land of the Philistines, God tells him, “Do not go down to Egypt”. Is Isaac trying to follow in…

  • Derech Hayam – lecture 21

    Derech Hayam – lecture 21

    —

    by

    Ben Zion
    in

    The theme of Derech Hayam – not to return to Egypt and not to be submissive to Egypt – seemingly begins in the days of the Exodus from Egypt. But as we will see, this principle begins back in the days of Abraham! In this lecture, we will analyze the first Jewish journey to Egypt…

  • Beit El – lecture 2

    Beit El – lecture 2

    —

    by

    Ben Zion
    in

    The Torah mentions many times that God swore to our fathers to give us a land flowing with milk and honey. We will see that this oath took place… in Beit El. In order to prove that, we will follow Abraham’s travels in the land. It appears that he reached Beit El, went down to…

  • Derech Hayam – lecture 20

    Derech Hayam – lecture 20

    —

    by

    Ben Zion
    in

    Understanding the significant differences between Gezer and Hazor, helps us understand why Joshua conquered Hazor and burned it down and was not afraid of Egyptian influence. In a very interesting way, the burning of Hazor helps us determine exactly when the Exodus took place! A layer of ash found in Hazor and corresponding to the…

  • Beit El – lecture 1

    Beit El – lecture 1

    —

    by

    Ben Zion
    in

  • Derech Hayam – lecture 19

    Derech Hayam – lecture 19

    —

    by

    Ben Zion
    in

    The last and northernmost site on Derech Hayam: Hatsor. The theme of Derech Hayam is to break away from Egyptian influence so as not to be enslaved by Egypt, which is why Israeli Kings never conquered Gezer. So why is the story of Hatsor different? Joshua conquers Hazor and destroys it and its king -…

  • Derech Hayam – lecture 18

    Derech Hayam – lecture 18

    —

    by

    Ben Zion
    in ,

    Derech Hayam and Sukkot This lecture takes place immediately after Sukkot. We will prove that the Israelites did not live in structures called Sukkot, but rather in a place called Sukkot. A place, which is the starting point of Derech Hayam! A place that symbolizes the first time they were truly freed from Egyptian bondage.…