Insight 5773-35: A Context of Spying

For Shelach
Not yet available on the Nishma website.

Study Question

1) There is a question as to when Moshe changed Yehoshua's name. While the name change is mentioned by the meraglim, clearly he is referred to by this name earlier. There is an interesting Ntziv which maintains that the change really happened before the war with Amalek but it didn't stick so Moshe did it again -- this time more permanently -- in the case of the spies. To me, this only furthers my belief that there is a connection between the war with Amalek and the case of the spies. This connection is something worth investigating.

2) Further to the above question, it would seem to me that the question of the balance between nature and God's miraculous involvement in life is part of both stories. My further question would thus be: if this question was already dealt with in regard to Amalek, why did it have to be addressed again in the case of the spies? 

Insight 5773-34: Forging A Nation

For Beha'alotcha
Not yet available on the Nishma website.

Study Question

1) The next question, following the Insight, would seem to then focus on the variant themes of the three divisions alluded to by Rebbi. Simply, given the manner by which we describe the theme of Bamidbar in general, what would be the specific themes of the three divisions marked by the Nunim Hafuchim?

Insight 5773-33: Even Dovid HaMelech

For Bamidbar
Not yet available on the Nishma website.

Study Question

1)The real question is: How does someone make a decision of what is appropriate for him/her when the Torah seems to give choice?

Insight 5773-32: Balancing Values

For Emor
Not yet available on the Nishma website.

Study Question

1) When the Torah presents many different solutions to a problem, it also generally indicates which solution applies in what situation. For example, it will inform us, in specific circumstances, if the subjugated value is still existent or not. Of course, as with all matters of Torah, disagreements in this regard may exist but that is still part of the limud haTorah process with the determination of the solution also being part of the process. The issue for me, however, is when the articulation of a solution is not so clear. How are we to determine which Torah principle to apply in a situation where the Torah is not clear about how to balance the values? In one case the Torah does this but in another case the Torah actually does the opposite. Which solution are we then to apply in a case in which the Torah is not clear?

Insight 5773-31: Context

For Achrei Mot / Kedoshim
Not yet available on the Nishma website.

Study Question

1) There are times that context and consequence applies, and times when they do not. Is there a pattern or rule that can be applied in understanding when they do apply and when they do not?

Insight 5773-30: Tumah and Tahara

For Tazria / Metzorah
Not yet available on the Nishma website.

Study Question

1) We can go back to the original issue that bothers me: what do tumah and tahara really represent?

Insight 5773-29: The Underlying Weakness

For Shemini
Not yet available on the Nishma website.

Study Questions

1) In offering that the midrashic explanations touch upon the underlying character trait weaknesses that led to the bringing of the strange fire, the need arises to further explain these connections. Rav Yaakov presents some possible connections. It may be of interest to determine these connections in regard to all the midrashic connections.