Yaakov slept. Then arose and took what came to his hand and sent it to Eisav as a Mincha (offering). Why did he sleep? What does come to hand mean? Why is it called a Mincha. This class has Chizkuni, Rashi, Ramban, Radak, Abarbanel, Rabeinu Bachaya, Alshich, Maase Hashem, Toras Yonason (Aibeshits), Rikanti, Chassidus (Likutei…

The Malach of Aisav is not allowed to leave until he blesses Yaakov.. He anticipates that Hashem will (in the future) change his name to Yisroel. He also gives him a Bracha. Rashi, Chizkuni, RaDaK, Rabbeinu Bechayey, RaLbaG, Alshich , Chasam Sofer, Maamar (Alter Rebbe). Why Yaakov must keep both names and not give up…

(beginners). VAYISHLACH 1999 – INSIGHTS ON REMOVING THE SINEW OF THE THIGH VEIN CLASSES This class discusses the inner meaning of the mitzvah of not eating the sinew of the thigh vein that we learn from this parsha. The implications of this apparently tiny detail turn out to be fundamental to Jewish life.

(What are Angels? Who did Yaakov send to Eisav? with whom did yaakov wrestle?). VAYISHLACH 2005 – WHAT ARE ANGELS? CLASSES A unique class. The Rambam’s controversial view of angels is clearly laid out followed by a discussion of angels from different commentators. Sources include the Rambam’s Moreh Nevuchim, Ramban, R. Bachaye, and Rikanti. Intermediate…

End of Vayishlach: 43 Pesukim dedicated to Aisav, his family, and their future: Edom, Seiir, (Yeshiva 5781/ 2020).The Torah tells Torah’s version of history that ends with Moshiach (and is not an endless cycle, though it so often appears so). The history in the Chumash reflects this and it is in this spirit that so…

Vayetzei, the Golus parsha (part one). Surviving Lavan, twenty years of deception.

A class on the first possuk of the parsha. VAYETZE 2006 – HE LEFT TO BUILD A JEWISH NATION CLASSES At the end of Parshas Toldos, Yaakov Avinu left Eretz Yisroel so why does parshas Vayetze tell us this again? It begins with a number of pshatim (interpretations) on this question from Rashi, R. Bechaye,…

Vayetzei 28-12.VAYETZE 2005 – CLIMB UP TO KABBALA CLASSESYaakov’s dream, what does the ladder and all the rest mean? This class discusses the ladder in the dream of Yaakov Avinu. Is it a real ladder or a metaphor? If a metaphor, what does it mean? What are angels? What are sefiros? Rabbi Paltiel takes you…

UFARATZTA! What does it mean.

‘And this stone… the house of God…’ Yaakov makes a deal with Hashem and (according to RaShI) sets six conditions and offer one (or two) in return: The class begins with Rashi and other Rishonim but works its’ way towards two different explanations (according to Chassidus) to this idea of what the stone is 1)…