Rabbi Nathaniel Helfgot
Found 7 Search results
Why Is Ch. 31 of Jeremiah the Haftorah of Rosh Hashanah?
Rabbi Nathaniel Helfgotתאריך פרסום: תשעג | |
This shiur will examine the structure and key themes of Ch. 31, the beautiful prophecy of consolation that is found in the middle of the book of Jeremiah. We will then proceed to suggest a new insight as to why the sages of the Talmud chose this chapter to serve as the haftarah for the second day of Rosh Hashanah.
Between Law and (the Meraglim) Narrative: Ch 15 in Sefer Bemidbar
Rabbi Nathaniel Helfgotתאריך פרסום: תשעג | | Hour and 5 minutes
This shiur will examine the relationship between the narrative of the spies in Numbers 13-14 and the subsequent chapter of legal material that is found in Ch. 15. We will build on the insights of the classical commentators as well as new readings of these chapters using literary techniques and thematic connections that underlie the various sections.
Matot-Masei
Rabbi Nathaniel HelfgotThe Sin of Ba’al Pe’or parallels the Sin of the Golden Calf in many ways. The descriptions of the booty in the aftermath of the sin of Ba’al Pe’or parallel the descriptions of the contributions towards the Mishkan in the aftermath of the Sin of the Golden Calf.
The Juxtaposition of Parashot in Vayelekh and their Significance [audio]
Rabbi Nathaniel Helfgot | 16 minutesWhat can the order and content of the various sections of Parashat Vayelekh teach us about the complementary roles of routine and novelty in our relationship with God? We examine the peculiarity of Hakhel, raise questions and attempt to answer them, such as: why is it only mentioned in Sefer Devarim, and why does everyone have to attend? We look at Hakhel as a reenactment of the Revelation at Har Sinai, view the tasks of the Leviim as an extension of Ki Tisa, and examine the appointment of Yehoshua. We explore connections between Parashat Vayelekh and the story of Eliyahu at Mount Carmel and his return to Mount Sinai (Horev), along with the command to appoint Elisha. Messages about leadership and cohesion of Am Yisrael emerge.
The Juxtaposition of Parashot in Vayelekh and their Significance [article]
Rabbi Nathaniel Helfgot"Even though we do not seek explanations for the juxtaposition (semikhut) of themes throughout the Torah, we do so in the Mishneh Torah (Sefer Devarim)." (Berakhot 21b) The aim of this article will be to examine the order of the parashot in Parashat Vayelekh and to understand their significance.
What can the order and content of the various sections of Parashat Vayelekh teach us about the complementary roles of routine and novelty in our relationship with God? We examine the peculiarity of Hakhel, raise questions and attempt to answer them, such as: why is it only mentioned in Sefer Devarim, and why does everyone have to attend? We look at Hakhel as a reenactment of the Revelation at Har Sinai, view the tasks of the Leviim as an extension of Ki Tisa, and examine the appointment of Yehoshua. We explore connections between Parashat Vayelekh and the story of Eliyahu at Mount Carmel and his return to Mount Sinai (Horev), along with the command to appoint Elisha. Messages emerge about the leadership and cohesion of Am Yisrael.
Barkhi Nafshi: Tehillim 104 - A Midrash on Creation
Rabbi Nathaniel Helfgot | 55 minutesThe Mizmor in Tehillim known as "Barkhi Nafshi" is recited on Rosh Hodesh - the first day of a new month, a time of renewal. We focus on the mizmor itself, looking at the content and structure, following the methodology of Meir Weiss and Rav Elhannan Samet. The Psalm has an envelope structure, beginning and ending with the phrase "Bless the LORD, O my soul." What is the Meshorer (Psalmist) blessing God about? The Mizmor seems to be a lyrical praise-filled depiction of creation-- not a chronological history of creation, but rather the Psalmist's experience of the world around him, the wisdom in God's setting up the state of creation of the wondrous world in a way that would allow humans and animals to flourish, with space for everyone to live in harmony, sustained by God.
The Biblical Origins of the Midrash of Avraham the Iconoclast
Rabbi Nathaniel Helfgot | Hour and 10 minutesThis lecture discusses the origins of the midrashim focusing on Avraham. Where did these midrashim come from? Through an analysis of the story and other parallel texts we get a glimpse into the world of Chazal’s Tanach study and their understanding of midrashim. We explore thematic and literary parallels between the narratives which lead Chazal to draw comparisons between them and presents an interesting dimension to both stories.