A Wife for Yitzhak - Yitzhak and Rivka
Found 33 Search results
The Speech and the Silence of Avraham's Servant
Rabbi Elchanan SametChanging a character's title or designation during the course of a story is a well-known biblical literary technique. A change in the character's name shows a change in the Torah's attitude toward that person. The Torah uses this literary device when describing Avraham's servant. What can we learn about the servant and his silence in Rivkah's house from the names the Torah uses for him?
The Bride of Yitzchak
Rabbi Chanoch WaxmanThis lesson follows Rivkah's unique character, and her surprising similarity to Avraham. The story of finding Yitzchak a bride focuses on Rivkah, and carries implications on our understanding of God's way in the world after the Akeida.
"Do not take a wife for my son from the daughters of the Canaanites..."
Sharón RimónWhy does the Torah describe the purchase of the Cave at Makhpela in such great detail? Who is a wife worthy of Yitzchak? Why does Avraham object to his son marrying Canaanite women? And why does he insist on Yitzchak marrying a woman from the land of his birth, when God had instructed him to disengage from their culture? These questions are explored in light of the obvious danger: that the potential wife found in Haran will not want to come to Canaan, while Yitzchak cannot leave the land. Will Avraham be willing to forgo one of these two values?
"Do Not Take a Wife from the Daughters of the Canaanites"
Rabbi Dr. Tamir GranotThe story about finding a wife for Yitzchak seems simple, but the Torah describes it in great length, both in a detailed description of the events and in lengthy monologues. What can we learn from the long repetition? Why does Avraham want his son to marry a woman from Haran, and not from Canaan?
Rivka
Rabbi Amnon BazakThis lesson explores the meeting between Rivkah and Avraham's servant, and the parallels between Rivkah and Avraham, which highlight Rivkah's unique personality.
When Rivkah Met Yitzhak
Rabbi Ezra BickYitzhak's character is sometimes portrayed as passive. Is this a correct portrayal? This class will explore Yitzchak's character through the story of his meeting with Rivkah.
Eretz Yisrael
Rabbi Zeev WeitmanWhy it is so important for Avraham to buy land specifically for the purpose of burying Sara? He never demonstrates such stubborn insistence on owning the land upon which he pitches his tent, grazes his flocks, builds altars, or digs wells. Is it more important to buy a plot of land in order to be buried in Eretz Yisrael than it is to buy land in order to live upon it? Is it possible that Jews who live their entire lives in the Diaspora, their only concern concerning Israel being that they will be buried there, have a point?
The Well Scene: A Betrothal
Dr. Yael ZieglerThis shiur follows the theme of a man from a foreign land meeting a woman at a well, and their meeting resulting in marriage. We will explore the unique qualities of each story. Ruth and Boaz do not meet at a well, but their unusual meeting does lead to marriage. What makes the story unique is that the female protagonist in the story is from a foreign land, instead of the man, and she is the true heroine of the story.
The Story of Avraham's Servant
Rabbi Chanoch Waxman | 35 minutesThe search for a wife for Yitzchak highlights the importance of finding key aspects of Abraham's personality in Rivka. But the narrative also contains repetition and seemingly extraneous details—why? There is an intricate interplay among the structure, content, and subtext (or agenda). This story is a key part of the "forefather" stories, and foreshadows nationhood issues for future generations.
The Legacy of Sarah
Rabbi Alex Israel | 35 minutesParashat Hayyei Sarah is comprised of three main stories: purchasing the cave, finding a wife for Isaac, and Abraham’s third marriage. Why is the Machpela purchase so lengthy? This shiur examines parshanut, literary and philosophic approaches. It emerges that this episode allows Abraham to establish roots, further ensuring that Isaac continues the legacy and values of Sarah.
Yitzchak and Rivka's Barrenness - A New Perspective
Atara Snowbell | Hour and 9 minutesWhat can we learn from Rivka's barrenness? By comparing Rivka's barrenness to that of the other Matriarchs we can better understand her story and appreciate the strong relationship between Rivka and Yitzchak, and learn about the power of prayer to change reality.
"Who is This Man Who Walks in the Field Towards Us?"
Dr. Brachi ElitzurWhat is Yitzchak's mission? Yitzchak is born into something that already exists, and his job is to preserve it even under the most difficult conditions. The enthusiasm aroused by Avraham's revolution has died down; the environment is sometimes even suspicious and hostile. Yitzchak is "he who sows with tears," his spirit unbroken by the treachery of the land and the jealousy of those around him, faithfully maintaining his father's achievements and bequeathing them to his own progeny. Yitzchak is a man of the Land of Israel, stubbornly holding onto its soil and bearing the message of his rootedness in it as the sole condition for ensuring its continuation.
And Now, my Son, Listen to my Voice
Rabbi Chanoch WaxmanRivka is often viewed as the heroine in the story of the blessings: she disguises Yaakov as Esav so that her younger son will receive Yitzchak's blessing. The problematic deception, and the ensuing separation, exile, and suffering point to another perspective in the story. Does Rivka's daring plan exemplify the importance of human initiative alongside Divine Providence, or is it a tragic mistake?
Afternoon Matchmaking
Rabbi Ben-Tzion SpitzWe Cannot Speak to You - Bad or Good
Rabbi David SilverbergAvraham's Servant's Story and Thanksgiving
Rabbi David SilverbergAvraham's Servant: The True Path
Rabbi David SilverbergRivka Dismounting from the Camel
Rabbi David SilverbergRivka: Three Years Old?
Finding a Marriage Partner at the Well
Rabbi David SilverbergRivka at the Well: Patient Kindness
Rabbi David SilverbergAvraham's Epilogue - Devotion to Family
Rabbi David SilverbergWhy did Rivka's Family Waver?
Rabbi David SilverbergTwo Negotiations and Two Historical Struggles (Chayei Sarah)
Rabbi Moshe Taraginתאריך פרסום: תשע"ו | |
Parashat Hayyei Sara contains two negotiation stories that parallel each other: Avraham's request to buy a burial plot in Hebron from Ephron the Hittite, and Avraham's servant's quest to find a wife for Yitzhak in Aram Naharayyim. What is the significance of the juxtaposition and of the many similarities? In this shiur, we examine the many parallels between these two stories, such as the journeys, the initial ease and then the adversity and obstacles. We discover that they complement each other, and together they raise questions about universalism vs. particularism. Though these concepts (and stories) seem to contrast and negate each other in some ways, in Avraham and his people they are interconnected.
Hayyei Sarah: Life Cycle Events and the Land of Israel
Rabbi Jonathan Snowbell |Parashat Hayyei Sarah includes significant life-cycle events, such as death, burial, (implied) mourning, and marriage. It also seems to place significance on these events taking place in Eretz Yisrael. Avraham's process of arranging for the burial for Sarah is detailed, and his efforts to also purchase a burial plot is emphasized. In addition, Avraham says in no uncertain terms that Yitzhak is not to leave the Land of Canaan, even in order to find a wife. Why is this?
Chayei Sarah: More than a Story
Rabbi Jay KelmanToldot: All My Children
Rabbi Jay KelmanParshat Chayei Sarah Part 1: Introduction - Ages of Yitzchak and Rivkah
Rabbi Alex Israel | 25 minutesWhat is the connection between the Akeda and Sarah’s death? How much time passed between the two? This podcast deals with these questions, which have crucial implications regarding the age of Yitzchak at the Akeda, as well as Rivka’s age when she marries Yitzchak.
Courtesy of www.tanachstudy.com
Parshat Chayei Sarah Part 3: Finding Rivkah
Rabbi Alex Israel | 34 minutesChapter 24 describes Avraham’s servant journeying to find a wife for Yitzchak. A close analysis of the text reveals Avraham’s goals of ensuring his continuity following the death of Sarah.
Courtesy of www.tanachstudy.com
Parshat Chaye Sarah Part 4: It is From God
Rabbi Alex Israel | 31 minutesThis podcast discusses the meeting between Avraham’s servant and Rivka’s family, and the betrothal agreement. A close look at the text reveals a great deal about Rivka’s character and her identification with the same values represented by the house of Avraham.
Courtesy of www.tanachstudy.com
Parshat Chaye Sarah Part 5: Yitzchak and Rivka
Rabbi Alex Israel | 20 minutesTraditional commentators view the scene in which Yitzchak meets Rivka in both positive and negative ways, reflecting two perspectives on the relationship between Yitzchak and Rivka which is to emerge in the chapters that follow.
Courtesy of www.tanachstudy.com
This is Hashem's Doing
Rabbi Yair KahnUpon glancing at Parashat Chayei Sara, one notices that the account of Avraham’s servant (identified by Chazal as Eliezer) and his quest for a bride for Yitzchak spans the majority of the parasha. One is immediately struck by the length and seemingly unnecessary repetition, so uncharacteristic of biblical narrative. The Torah, which at times seems so stingy and grudging regarding important details, is overly generous with respect to this particular story.
Why does the Torah relate both the actual encounter between Eliezer and Rivka as well as Eliezer's retelling of this meeting?
A close analysis of the text suggests an answer to the above question, through which we can gain a deeper understanding into the experience of encountering God.
A Meeting
Rabbanit Dr. Michal Tikochinsky