Author: Ben Zion
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Derech Hayam – lecture 25
Derech Hayam and Hanukka Following the theme of the Derech Hayam – the disengagement from the Egyptian power, in this lecture we will examine the alliance that Judah Maccabee made with Rome as well as the alliance that the sons of Alexander Yanai made with Rome, alliances that probably led to the destruction of the…
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Derech Hayam – lecture 24
The central figure associated with the sea route during the Hasmonean period is – Yohanan Hurcanus. He reconquers Gezer and Afek, understanding their importance as a connection with the wider world and especially… with Egypt. So the connection to Egypt returns! We will examine the figure of Yohanan Hurcanus – is he Yohanan the High…
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Beit El – lecture 4
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…
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Beit El – lecture 3
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…
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Derech Hayam – lecture 23
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…
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Derech Hayam – lecture 22
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…
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Derech Hayam – lecture 21
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…
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Beit El – lecture 2
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…
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Derech Hayam – lecture 20
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…
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