Questions for Preparation and Self Study
Shiur #1: Biblical 'Coalition Politics'
Shiur #2: Haftarat Parshat Korach - I Shmuel 11:14-12:22

Biblical 'Coalition Politics'

What did Korach take? For some reason, the Torah prefers not to tell us. Likewise, Korach definitely complains a lot, yet Chumash never clarifies what he proposes instead. In fact, as we read Parshat Korach carefully, we will discover that many other important details appear to be 'missing!' In this week's shiur we attempt to explain why.

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Haftarat Parshat Korach - I Shmuel 11:14-12:22

Is having a king 'good for the Jews?' Anyone who has learned Sefer Shmuel would probably answer no, for Shmuel himself reacts very negatively to Bnei Yisrael's original request for a king. Why then does God allow a king? Furthermore, towards the end of this week's Haftara, Shmuel has the perfect opportunity to abolish the kingdom (when the people finally admit that they have sinned by asking for one. But instead of accepting their regret, Shmuel encourages Bnei Yisrael to keep their king! This week's shiur explains how the final pasuk of this week's Haftara provides a very simple answer for this very complex topic.

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