Commentary on the first possuk. TOLDOS 2006 – A MEANINGFUL “VAV” ; First Pasuk in the Parsha Series. What is the significance of the vav in the beginning of the parsha: “V’aile toldos yitzchak…” (These are the offspring of Yitzchak the son of Avraham). Why does Rashi tell us that Esav and Yaakov are the...

Commentary on the first possuk in the Torah. This class on Parshas Bereishis (Genesis) includes an extensive analysis of the very first pasuk (line) of the Torah. After describing creation, the Torah describes chaos. Commentaries discussed include Rashi, Ramban R. Bachaye, and several sichos. This is an intermediate to advanced level class.

Class on first Possuk of the Parsha. NOACH 2006 – RIGHTEOUS IN HIS GENERATION This class on Parshas Noach analyzes a fundamental question posed by all the great commentators, “Why does the Torah qualify Noach’s righteousness in terms of his generation(s)?” Sources include Rashi, Eben Ezra, Ramban, Sforno, Taz, Ralbag, Alshich, Abarbanel, and a variety...

A commentary on the first Possuk. LECH LECHA 2006 – COMPLETE YOUR MISSION Why is the “lecha” in “Lech lecha” needed? The shiur is packed with analysis from different sources starting with Rashi and moving on to Ramban, R. Bechaye, Alshich, Tur, Rikanti, and more. The discussion then moves into the realm of Chassidus with...

VAYEIRA 2006 – A PERFECT REWARD The first Possuk in the Parsha. The first possuk in parshas Vayeira indicates that Hashem appears to Avraham. After appearing, however, Hashem does nothing. This mystery is commented on by many Torah greats and is beautifully addressed in Chassidic sources as well. Sources covered include the Rashbam, Rashi, Eben...

The first Possuk in the Parsha. CHAYE SARA 2006 – THE LIFE OF SARA The class continues this year’s theme of analyzing the first pasuk (line) of the parsha. Rabbi Paltiel draws on Rashi, Ramban, Rashbam, Baal HaTurim, Abarbanel, Alshich, and a ma’amar to address the following three questions: 1. Why is it relevant in...

A class on the first possuk of the parsha. VAYETZE 2006 – HE LEFT TO BUILD A JEWISH NATION At the end of Parshas Toldos, Yaakov Avinu left Eretz Yisroel so why does Parshas Vayetze tell us this again? It begins with a number of pshatim (interpretations) on this question from Rashi, R. Bechaye, Alshich,...

Why does the Torah repeat what it says in P Vayishlach?

VAYIGASH 2006 – YEHUDA AND YOSEF CLASSESA discussion of the word “vayigash” in our continuing series on the first line of each parsha. Sources include: Reb. Bechaye, Kli Yakar, Ohr HaChayim, Abarbanel, Alshich, Etz Hadaas Tov, and Chassidus.

First Possuk in the ParshaVAYECHI 2006 – 17 GOOD YEARSPosted on November 2, 2017December 27, 2020 by Rabbi PaltielAn excellent entry in our continuing series on the first pasuk of the Parsha – this week on “Vayechi”. Rabbi Paltiel addresses the question of why the last 17 years of Yaakov’s life are separated from his total of 147....

47-29. Chesed Shel Emes.VAYECHI 2005 – KINDNESS AND TRUTHPosted on November 2, 2017December 27, 2020 by Rabbi PaltielWhat is meant by “Chesed shel emes” in the context of Yosef’s promise to bury his father Yaakov in Eretz Yisroel? Is kindness driven by altruism or something else? Sources include: Rashi, Baal HaTurim, Shaloh, Rambam, Chizkuni, Abarbanel, Zohar with Likutei...

The First Possuk in the Parsha.

Posted on November 2, 2017 by Rabbi PaltielThe parsha deals with the plagues – as soon as the plagues started the slavery ended. This is the beginning of the geula from Mitzrayim (Egypt). This class continues our series of analysis of the first pasuk (line) of the parsha. Hashem is in the middle of talking to Moshe and...

This class discusses the meaning of the word Bo in the continuing series on the first pasuk in the parsha. Sources include: Rashi, Even Ezra, Sporno, Tur, R. Chaim Vital, and Sichos.

25-02. Give Yourself to Me. First Pasuk in the Parsha Series – Terumah installment. A lively discussion of “Daber el-beney Yisra’el veyikchu-li trumah me’et kol-ish asher yidvenu libo tikchu et-trumati”. (“Speak to the Israelites and have them bring Me an offering. Take My offering from everyone whose heart impels him to give”). Sources include Rashi,...

Ki Tisa 30-12. First Possuk, (5771/2011).

35-01. The First Possuk, Gathering the People. This class digs deeply into the first half of the first pasuk in this parsha. Sources include: Rashi (and a sicha on Rashi from the Lubavitcher Rebbe), Even Ezra, Ramban, R.Bechaye, Tur, Arizal (one niglah commentary and one nistar), and a maamar from the Lubavitcher Rebbe from 1981.

First Possuk Series – Korbanos

Tzav 06-02. First Possuk. (5767).Meaning of the Structure of the Discussion of the Korbanos.

First possuk in the Parsha. (5767).In this shiur on parshas Behar the first pasuk is analyzed. Why are the words b’har Sinai in the first pasuk? Why is Sinai mentioned together with shmitta (here after mishkan)? Sources include: Rashi, Even Ezra, Alshich, Rachav, and a sicha.

Bamidbar 01-01 (5767/ 2007) – The Importance of DetailsThis shiur based on the first Possuk in the Parsha – discusses the importance of details. Sources: Rash, Taz, E. Ezra, R. Bechaye, RaMbaN, Tur, Yalkut, Alshich, Rikanti, A Ma’amar and a Sicha – Bamidbar Sinai B’Ohel Moed B’echod L’Chodesh, B’Shana Hasheinis references to follow

First Pasuk in the Parsha Series. This is a wonderful shiur on the classic question of why the Para Aduma (the Red Heifer) is considered “the” archetypal chok¹ in the Torah. Rabbi Paltiel quickly and clearly guides the listener through a powerful collection of sources ending with deep insights from Chassidus. Sources include: Rashi (a...

Pinchas 25-11 First Possuk – 2007 – Pinchas’ Zealous Act and Its ImpactThis installment in the First Pasuk Series examines in detail the circumstances surrounding the action Pinchas took to stop the eruption of sin within the Jewish camp. Sources include: Rashi (with commentary from a sicha by the Lubavitcher Rebbe), Eben Ezra, Ramban, Sforno,...

This installment in the First Pasuk Series examines the question of why the halachos of nedarim (laws of vows) are presented so late in the Chumash. Sources include Rashi, Eben Ezra, Ramban, Rashbam, Tur, Abarbanel, Alshich, and a 4 excerpts from the Parshas Masei sections of the Hemshech Te’Rav.

Devarim 01-01. First Possuk. (5767/ 2007). The Intent of Moshe Rabbeinu’s Final Address.Rabbi Paltiel begins with an introduction to this fifth and final Book of the Chumash. The class then follows with an analysis of the first Possuk (line) of the Parsha. The classic commentaries disagree on the intention underlying Moshe Rabbeinu’s final address to...

Eikev 07-12. (5767/ 2007) – A Real and Reliable RewardThe Eikev installment of the advanced First Pasuk in the Parsha Series. Sources include: Rashi, E. Ezra, Ramban, Sforno, the Tur, Yalkut, Alshich, Etz Hada’as Tov, Ralbag, a Ma’amar and Sichos (references coming).

Re’ei 11-26 2007 – Blessings and Curses (First Possuk Series)In depth analysis of the blessings and curses in Parshas Re’ei in this installment of the First Possuk in the Parsha Series. Sources include: Yalkut, E. Ezra, RaMbaN, Sforno, R. Bechaye, Alshich, Etz HaDa’as Tov, Ma’amar.

Shoftim 16-18 (5767/ 2007) – Give Enforcers to Your Gates – First Possuk SeriesShoftim installment of First Pasuk in the Parsha series

This class discusses the mitzva of bikurim in detail. Sources include: Rashi, Taz (with commentary from a sicha the Lubavitcher Rebbe), E. Ezra, Tur, Alshich, Rachav, a ma’amar from 5745.