Subscribe to Tanach InSite

Author: Ben Zion

  • Levanon – lecture 15

    Levanon – lecture 15

    —

    by

    Ben Zion
    in ,

    In preparation for Rosh Hashanah, we will learn from Levanon about the repentance needed in this special year (2023). The repentance within the Jewish people, and the repentance of all nations (Rosh Hashanah is a day of judgment for the entire world). And the answer: to renew brotherhood and friendship. We will see the difference…

  • Negev – lecture 4

    Negev – lecture 4

    —

    by

    Ben Zion
    in

    We saw that both Isaac and Esau were called “men of the field.” Today we will focus on the great difference between them. We will examine the many references in the Torah to Avraham in the Negev and ask – why did Avraham go to the Negev? And why is it important for the Torah…

  • Levanon – lecture 14

    Levanon – lecture 14

    —

    by

    Ben Zion
    in

    The special family ties between Hiram, king of Tyre and the Kings of Israel and the special brotherly relationship with King Solomon. What happened to this brotherhood? How did Tyre become an enemy? We will find the answer – in the deep difference between Hiram, who outwardly behaved like a brother, and Hirah “HaAdulami” -…

  • Negev – lecture 3

    Negev – lecture 3

    —

    by

    Ben Zion
    in ,

    On Purim we celebrate the victory over Amalek, and Amalek – according to the Bible – lives in the Negev. It all starts with the ancient ancestors of Israel and Amalek – Isaac and his son – Esau. It is written about both Isaac and Esau, that they were “people of the field”, and both…

  • Negev – lecture 2

    Negev – lecture 2

    —

    by

    Ben Zion
    in

    What are the borders of the Negev according to the Torah? Why is the south sometimes called “Negev”, sometimes “Tayman” (Yemen) and sometimes “Yamin” (right, in English)? How does this relate to the name Jacob gave his son – “Binyamin” (son of “yamin”)? We will suggest some answers to the question that we have not…

  • Negev – lecture 1

    Negev – lecture 1

    —

    by

    Ben Zion
    in

    A preliminary analysis of the “Negev” in the Torah.Where exactly is the Negev? And what does the word “Negev” mean in Hebrew?And why, of all places, does Avraham decide to go to the Negev when he first arrives in land of Israel?

  • Levanon – lecture 13

    Levanon – lecture 13

    —

    by

    Ben Zion
    in

    What is the meaning of the strange comparison that the Midrash makes between Hiram the King of Tyre and Hirah, the friend of Judah (son of Yaakov)? Why does the Tanach emphasize that Hiram was like a brother to Shlomo and Hirah was Yehuda’s best friend? How could Shlomo give Hiram 20 cities in the…

  • Levanon – lecture 12

    Levanon – lecture 12

    —

    by

    Ben Zion
    in

    Both King David and King Solomon had good relations with Hiram, King of Tyre. How did they make a covenant with Hiram, contrary to the strict prohibition of making covenants with the people of Canaan? And why do the prophets describe a future destruction and a special punishment that will befall Tyre? What is the…

  • Levanon – lecture 11

    Levanon – lecture 11

    —

    by

    Ben Zion
    in

    In this lecture we will explore 2 major cities in Levanon – Tyre and Sidon. They are mentioned again and again in the Tanach, and according to the Midrash, even Avraham visited there. Why is Sidon, the eldest son of Canaan, never mentioned among the nations of Canaan along with his younger brothers? And what…

  • Levanon – lecture 10

    Levanon – lecture 10

    —

    by

    Ben Zion
    in

    In the Tanach, the cedar is a symbol of strength and power and the reed symbolizes weakness and lowliness. But in the writings of the sages (Chazal) we receive a completely opposite message: “A person should always be soft as a reed and not hard as a cedar”. What is the reason for this change…