9
votes
Did early biblical figures like Isaac abstain from intimate relations until marriage?
I don't know the source off the top of my head, but I recall seeing a source (maybe a midrash) that says that when Yaakov conceived Reuvain not only was that his first time ever having intercourse it ...
8
votes
Accepted
Did early biblical figures like Isaac abstain from intimate relations until marriage?
Keep in mind that the Rambam (Ishus 1:1) states that before the giving of the Torah marriage was simply an act of intimacy with intent to marry. No formal ceremony. So your question is basically, &...
- 344
5
votes
Did early biblical figures like Isaac abstain from intimate relations until marriage?
The pasuk says:
Genesis 49:3
רְאוּבֵן֙ בְּכֹ֣רִי אַ֔תָּה כֹּחִ֖י וְרֵאשִׁ֣ית אוֹנִ֑י יֶ֥תֶר שְׂאֵ֖ת וְיֶ֥תֶר עָֽז׃
Reuben, you are my first-born,
My might and first fruit of my vigor,
Exceeding in ...
5
votes
Maharal on lentils
If you look at Rashi in full there he goes on to explain the connection:
וְלָמָּה עֲדָשִׁים? שֶׁדּוֹמוֹת לְגַלְגַּל, שֶׁהָאֲבֵלוּת גַּלְגַּל הַחוֹזֵר בָּעוֹלָם
And why lentil? Because they are ...
- 32.9k
3
votes
What happened to the Yeshivas Shem v'Aiver?
The Maharsh'a on megilla 17a says:
הוה יעקב מוטמן בבית עבר י"ד שנים - ... דבית עבר נמי בבאר שבע ולא הלך כלל מבאר שבע לבית עבר אלא שהיה מוטמן בבאר שבע בבית עבר... ועוד נראה דאביו יצחק נמי היה לו ...
- 4,538
3
votes
Why was Yaakov always fearful?
Thanks for the great question! Many commentaries criticise Yaacov for his fear. For example, this Radak on Bereshit 32:26 says it was a sin* for which he was punished:
היה לו זה מאת האל להיות בו זה ...
- 9,920
3
votes
Accepted
Was Jacob shomer negiah?
The Midrashim explain that Jacob's kiss to Rachel was a kiss to a relative, which is not considered sensual. [Bereishis Rabbah 70:12, Shemos Rabbah 5:10].
Ibn Ezra explains that לְרָחֵ֑ל, (with the ...
- 4,989
2
votes
Yaakov Avinu wanted to learn in yeshiva instead of with an angel?
My rabbi actually brought this up when we were struggling with a hard Gemara and he said like this:
Yes, in the womb Yaakov had everything. All his needs were provided for and he was taught the entire ...
- 2,442
2
votes
Yaakov Avinu wanted to learn in yeshiva instead of with an angel?
One of my rabbeim in the late 90s explained that midrash as follows.
As is well-known, the functions of Yaakov and Eisav at the time of their birth were as follows. Eisav had to connect the physical ...
- 3,099
2
votes
What does the Vav in Eliyahu represent?
The Maharal says that each letter ו represents a finger (due to its shape), and by taking 5, it is as if there was a handshake agreement that Eliyahu would redeem Israel. In addition, the letter ו has ...
- 8,694
1
vote
Accepted
What does the Vav in Eliyahu represent?
The Shelah Hakudesh says that Hashem's presence in this world is marred by the existence of Amalek. As it says that "Yad Al Kes Kah", in the Parsha of Amalek. Kah is Yud Keh. The full name ...
- 342
1
vote
Should we follow the outdated traditions of our forefathers?
The paradigm is: מעשה אבות סימן לבנים. Tur HaAroch to Bereshit 33:15, Torah Ohr to VaYishlach 4:23
The actions of the Patriarchs are a sign, a path-marker on the way (to act), for the descendants.
And ...
- 14.9k
1
vote
Why was Yaakov always fearful?
Perhaps they aren't contradictory.
If sin can cause bad things to occur then logically we should always be fearful of bad things happening.
It must be that so long as we try to live righteously then ...
- 2,350
1
vote
Accepted
Is Yaacov Avinu implying that Hashem only fulfils His promises to those who are worthy? (Rashi)
Ramban asks this question (thanks @Chatzkel) and explains that Rashi has made a mistake, and the real interpretation of this verse is as follows:
והחסדים הם הטובות שעשה עמו בלא נדר והאמת הטובה אשר ...
- 9,920
1
vote
Rachel Imeinu Deceiving Lavan while pregnant
The Chanukas Hatorah addresses this question and explains how Rochel did not in fact lie.
The gemorah (shabbos 82a) derives the halacha that avodah zara has the ability to transfer tumah from that of ...
- 61
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