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Shiurim on Chumash and Navi by Menachem Leibtag
In Memory of Rabbi Avraham Leibtag (1 Shvat, 5682 - 5 Adar, 5756)

This Week's Parsha - Lech L'cha

Questions for Preparation and Self Study
Questions for Preparation - word format
Shiur #1: For What Purpose Did God Choose Avraham?
Abstract of above shiur #2 [HTML][Text] [Word]
Shiur #2: Four promises of ZERA V'ARETZ

For What Purpose Did God Choose Avraham?

An'election process' in daily politics can become very complicated. In this week's Parsha, we also find an 'election' process; no less complex, and 'possibly' even more signficant - God's choice of Avrham Avinu to become the forefather of His special nation! In this week's shiur, we discuss the Torah's presentation of God's choice of Avraham Avinu, in an attempt to understand what this "bechira" process is all about. Offline/Download:
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Four promises of ZERA V'ARETZ

How many times must God repeat the same promise to Avraham Avinu? In Parshat Lech L'cha alone, God tells Avraham four times that his offspring ("zera") will become a nation in a special land ("aretz")! Would not have one divine promise been sufficient? In this week's shiur, we attempt to explain the reason for each of these promises and their relation to the events which transpire in the interim. As we do so, we will also encounter the theme of "bechira" and "dechiya" - a central topic in Sefer Breishit. Online:
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The Biblical Borders of the Land of Israel

From the story of Bnei Gad and Reuven in Parshat Matot, it seems as though the borders of Israel are rather 'expandable,' while in Parshat Masei, they appear to be quite fixed. So what are the borders of the Land of Israel? This week's shiur examines the biblical roots of this complicated topic. Online:
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Brit Milah and the Number Eight

Is 'eight' a magic number in Chumash? Or, is it only coincidental that specifically the 'eighth day' is chosen when God commands Avraham Avinu concerning Brit Milah; the 'eighth day' is chosen for the dedication of the Mishkan; the 'eighth day' is chosen for the day on which the cleansed Metzora, Zav, and Zavah bring their special korbanot; and in Parshat Emor, the final holiday is "Shmini Atzeret" - the 'eighth day' of Succot! In the following shiur, we return to Sefer Breishit in search of the biblical significance of the number 'eight.' Online:
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Brit Bein Ha'Btarim and the Haggadah

What is the most important part of Magid? We are all familiar with the four questions, the four sons and the many songs etc., but when and how during Magid do we actually tell over the story of Yetziat Mitzrayim (the Exodus)? To answer this question, and to better appreciate the Haggada, this week's shiur analyzes the flow and structure of Magid. Online:
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The Biblical Significance of 'Matar'

Global warming? This summer's 'hot' topic uncovers a direct connection between our climate and mankind's 'physical' behavior. However, according to Parshat Ekev, man's 'spiritual' behavior may also affect our climate - at least in regard to the 'land of Israel.' To explain why, this week's shiur explores the significance of "matar" (rain) in Chumash. Online:
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Other Areas of Interest

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Menachem Leibtag

Ronni Libson