YeshivaThe torah world Gateway
Beit Midrash
- Sections
- Chemdat Yamim
- Parashat Hashavua
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- Bereshit
- Chayei Sara
In describing the life of Avraham’s younger brother Haran, the Torah says that he died in his birthplace, Ur Kasdim (ibid. 11:28). A second pasuk is the famous instruction of Hashem to Avraham to leave his land and his birthplace to go to a land that He would show him (ibid. 12:1). This relates to a third pasuk in which Hashem tells Avraham that He took him out of Ur Kasdim (ibid. 15:7). The latter pasuk seems to indicate that Avraham left Ur Kasdim for Eretz Cana’an, whereas Bereishit 12:4 says that Avraham left for Cana’an from Charan.
Rashi posits that Ur Kasdim was Avraham’s land, and that while he was in Charan when he was instructed to leave, that meant to distance himself further from Ur Kasdim; moledet in this context means one’s family, who were at the time in Charan.
The Ibn Ezra reasons that the commandment to go to Eretz Cana’an was given to Avraham when he was still in Ur Kasdim. This causes difficulties from the pasuk in our parasha identifying Aram Naharayim (=Charan) as Avraham’s land, as well as the description of Avraham leaving Charan.
The Ramban disagrees with both of the above. He claims that Avraham was born in Charan, and only his younger brother Haran was born in Ur Kasdim. Avraham was in Charan when told to go to Cana’an.
According to both Rashi and the Ramban, Ur Kasdim and Charan were far from each other. The former is in today’s Iraq, whereas the latter is near the border of Syria and Turkey. They posit that Avraham traveled first from Ur Kasdim to Charan and then was instructed to leave Charan to go to Cana’an.
We will suggest another approach, one which is based on the writings of Da’at Zekeinim Ba’alei HaTosafot. They posit that Ur Kasdim and Charan are bordering places within the land of Aram. According to this assumption, all the p’sukim fit in well, as both places are in Avraham’s land and birthplace. To reconcile the p’sukim, we must posit that Avraham went first from Ur Kasdim to Eretz Cana’an, but he was forced to return to the same region, except this time it was to the neighboring Charan. In Charan he was told to travel to an unknown place, just that it turned out to be the same Land to which they had previously gone.
It turns out that one of the differences between the commentaries is: how many times did Avraham go to Eretz Yisrael? According to Rashi, the Ibn Ezra, and the Ramban, it was one time. According to the Da’at Zekenim, it occurred twice. Let us hope that Jews from all over the world will make a permanent move to Eretz Yisrael.
Chemdat Yamim Moreshet Shaul: The Goal of an Agricultural Yeshiva – part I
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the laying of the cornerstone of the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh)
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
fast navigation
Shoftim TESHUVA IN COURT OF LAW?
Parshat Shoftim-Chodesh Elul
Why does parshat Shoftim always come out during Elul? This innovative and central explanation is an eye-opener regarding many aspects of Judaism.
The Month of Elul TESHUVA IS THE ANSWER
The month of Elul serves as a vital time for self-reflection and personal accountability to prepare for true repentance.
P'ninat Mishpat P'ninat Mishpat: Realtor’s Fee on Large Commercial Building – part I
(based on ruling 85031 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
(based on ruling 85031 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
Chemdat Yamim Moreshet Shaul: The Goal of an Agricultural Yeshiva – part I
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the laying of the cornerstone of the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh)
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the laying of the cornerstone of the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh)
Re'e NEVER EXTREME EXCEPT ISRAEL
Parshat Re'eh
Judaism is against extremism, so how can we understand the seemingly extreme statements found in our sages in favor of living in the Land of Israel and against living in Chutz laAretz? The article deals with the seeming contradiction between the strength of Free-Will and the strength of being influenced by our surroundings.
Ekev DANCE FOR ISRAEL- FOR YOUR BENEFIT
Parshat Eikev
Description: The 7 Haftarot we read after Tisha B'Av ("Shiva D'Nichemta") surely get us excited that they're coming TRUE, and awaken us to yearn, dance & join the return to Zion! The short article also deals with the problems and solutions facing the American Jewish community as discussed at a recent panel, as well as the question why Jews come from America to Israel to help when we face problems, but Israelis don't come to aid Jews in America when they face anti-Semitism.
P'ninat Mishpat P'ninat Mishpat: Complaints about Contractor’s Work – part II
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
Chemdat Yamim Moreshet Shaul: Twin Foundations
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 690
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 690
D'varim Judaism’s Social Vision
Re’eh
Giving is more than an act of generosity—it is an essential part of human dignity that belongs to everyone, rich and poor alike. The ultimate goal of help is to empower others to stand on their own.
