The Tanakh Podcast

Chapter 23 describes the death of Sarah and Avraham's purchase of a burial site for her. But why is the story depicted with such verbosity? Couldn't the story have been told in amore concise way?I think the to and fro here reveals the key to the story.

This is the most awesome of all the tests of Abraham. The Binding of Isaac. But why did Avraham not answer back and refuse this test? Is it legitimate to slaughter a child?

What did Yishmael do that made Sarah take the decision to make Avraham drive his son out of their home?Did Avraham send his own son to possible death by thirst in the desert?

Why do Sarah and Abraham need to pass themselves off as siblings? Can't they be up-front about their marital status?And in our chapter, as God protects Avraham, Avimelekh complains and says "will you kill the innocent too?" he sounds quite similar to Avrham in ch.18. Why does the Torah choose to put this phraseology into Avimelekh's mouth?

The episode dives into the controversial character of Lot, questioning if he was saved due to his own righteousness or Abraham's influence. It highlights Lot’s hospitality, contrasting it with Abraham’s, while dissecting his shocking choice to offer his daughters to a violent mob. Exploring the moral crisis in Sodom, the discussion touches on the nature of Sodom's sins, whether rooted in violence or social injustice. Ultimately, it challenges listeners to reconsider Lot's integrity amidst his grim surroundings and assess the depth of his moral commitments.

This chapter contains two scenes:1. Avrham practicing hospitality. The 3 angels. The angels announce the prospect of the birth of Isaac to Sarah.2. Avraham bargains/argues with God for the fate of Sedom.How do these two scenes connect and coalesce?

In this chapter, Avraham is given another covenant and the enaction of the covenant is Brit Mila- the circumcision of male children at 8-days old.What is there about this mitzvah that gives it such foundational status as regards Jewish identity? Is it merely a ritual or is there meaning behind it?

Sarai sees that she is infertile.She suggests that Avraham be intimate with Hagar, an Egyptian slave-woman, and that she will have a surrogate child.But once she is pregnant Hagar shows no intention to hand over the child. She asumes parity with Sarah. The pan has backfired.Now Sarah "oppresses" Hagar and Hagar runs away, only to be met by an angel at the well.Was Sarai's actions ethical?Why is the Tanakh so sympathetic to Hagar?

In this chapter, Avraham challenges God.He says - You promised me offspring, and yet I cannot have children! - You promised a land. How will that ever happen?Avraham asks for assurances from God.And God understands that Avraham needs that reassurance. God offers a Brit - a pact, a contract, a covenant - and this covenant has some interesting imagery - animals cut in two, birds of prey, fire and smoke, a sky filled with stars. What does it all mean?Today we explore this dramatic exchange, and the meaning behind the imagery.

In this chapter:1. War in the Jordan valley - four Mesopotamian kings take control of the five kingdoms of the valley. After the five kings revolt, the four-kings come and conquer the valley taking its population captive, including Lot.2. Abraham embarks in a military rescue mission to save his nephew Lot with 318 fighters - called "his students, those born in his household." He is victorious.3. On his return, Abraham is greeted by two kings - polar opposites - the King of Sedom, and Maki Tzedek. With whom will he ally?