25 Lectures
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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 – Abraham’s journey. Through the description of the journey to Egypt and back, along with the description of the relationship with Lot, the Tanach – already then – lays the foundations for the problematic relationship with Egypt and the theme of Derech Hayam.
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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 his father’s footsteps? Why does He forbid him and not forbid Abraham? And why does He tell him this only when he has already reached “Gerar”? This seems to be the first connection in the Bible between the Derech Hayam and Egypt.
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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 Battle of Gezer, we can get an insight about peace agreements with great political powers, then and today…and about the famous words of Shimon the Maccabee: “We did not take a foreign land…but the inheritance of our fathers”!
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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 Priest? Is he a positive or negative figure? How is he related to the expansion of Hellenistic culture? And how is he related to the halachic question – if it is permissible to say “bye” instead of “shalom”?
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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 Hasmonean kingdom. The alliance with foreign powers and, as always – brotherly hatred, lead to the end of Jewish independence. And with that – we have reached the end of the (sea) road. Derech Hayam.