The Chumash (Five Books of Moses)
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Age of Rachel
How old was Rachel when Jacob first met her? When they were married? When she died? Answer: Seder Olam Rabbah 74:4 says that Rachel was 22 when she married Yaakov (Jacob), and this seems to be the primary opinion, although…
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“And Jacob Kissed Rachel”
When Jacob met Rachel by the well, he kissed her and told her who he was (Genesis 29:11-12). I understand that our forefathers kept all of the commandments. How could Jacob be involved in an act that seems so immodest?…
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Age of Rebecca at Marriage
Where is the Rashi that says that Rivka (Rebecca) was 3 years old when she married Yitzchak? This commentary does not sit very well with me. How can a girl of 3 years old have poured out all those heavy jugs…
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Eliezer’s Repeated Story
In the Torah portion of Chayei Sarah the story of Eliezer and Rivkah (Rebecca) is written twice. What are the differences and why is Eliezer’s name not mentioned? Answer: Hi! Thank you for these interesting and important questions, which I…
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Laughter
When Hagar and Ishmael are kicked out, it says Sarah saw Ishmael doing something, and uses the verb ‘zadi, chet, kuf’, the same used for idolatry at the golden calf incident, murder in II Samuel and adultery when Potiphar’s wife…
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Understanding the Sacrifice of Isaac
Can you direct me to any texts debating whether Abraham failed G-d’s test when he was willing to proceed with the sacrifice of Isaac? Answer: You will not find any real source material stating that Abraham failed the test because…
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Do Angels Talk to Women?
My son would like to know why in the Torah Portion of Vayera (Genesis 18) when the guests, who the Commentaries say were really angels, bring news to Sarah that she would have a child, why was the guest facing…
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Marriage of Abraham and Hagar
When Sarah gave Hagar to Abram in order to fulfill what she thought was the prophecy that she would have a child, was he committing adultery by taking Hagar or just custom? Answer: Abraham was not committing adultery. Remember, the Torah was…
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Why did Hevel (Abel) have to die?
Cain had murdered his brother. But considering that nothing can come about without G’ds permission, what sin did Hevel do to deserves being killed by his brother? Answer: Hi! I am fascinated by your question, based, as it is, on…