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Course Duration: Nine weekly lessons

Pre-course Information Packet

1. Methods of Commentary on Torah Texts
2. Biographical Sketches of Ramban and Sforno
3. Historical Timeline of Relevant Events and People
4. Abraham’s Ten Trials

Lesson 1: Introduction

1. Objectives of Ramban and Sforno Commentaries
   • Rediscovering the Link to the Living Torah
2. G-d & Abraham Meet
   • What Was Abraham Looking for in G-d? What Was G-d Looking for in Man?
3. Abraham Spreads The Truth Of G-d’s Existence
   • The Art of Effective Communication

Torah Text: Genesis chapters 11:26-32 & 12:1-9

1. A Missing Link: Omission of the Miracle of the Furnace
   • G-d’s View of Jewish Destiny
2. G-d Blesses Abraham
   • The Source of Success
3. The Destination
   • The Importance of the Land Of Israel

Torah Text: Genesis chapter 12:10-20

1. The Famine
   • Why does G-d Test Man?
2. Abraham’s Plan
   • The Balance of Human Effort and Divine Providence
3. Divine Punishment
   • How G-d communicates to man

Torah Text: Genesis chapters 13:1-13 & 14:1-24

1. The Quarrel
   • Anatomy of a Dispute
2. A Fundamental Rule in Biblical Narratives of the Patriarchs
   • G-d’s Historical Blueprint
3. Abraham and the Four Kings
   • The Central Theme of World History

Torah Text: Genesis chapters 12:10-20 & 14:1-24

1. Lot’s Capture
   • The Jewish Image
2. Abraham’s Victory
   • The Jewish View of Humility
3. Abraham and the Wealth of Sodom
   • What is Blessed Wealth?

Torah Text: Genesis chapter 15

1. Abraham is Promised a Son
   • Qualities of Jewish continuity
2. The Egyptian Exile
   • Creating a G-dly Nation
3. Egyptian Punishment
   • Judging Intent

Torah Text: Genesis chapter 17

1. Circumcision
   • Discovering Human Potential
2. Abraham Seeks Counsel from His Friends
   • The Value of Advice
3. Abraham Performs Circumcision
   • How to do a Mitzvah

Torah Text: Genesis chapter 18

1. Abraham Hosts the Angels
   • The Art of Hosting and Being a Guest.
2. G-d Communicates to Abraham
   • The Basis of a Torah Education
3. Abraham’s Method of Performing Charitable Acts
   • The Benefit of Earning Reward

Lesson 9: Abraham & Sodom – A Beginning and an End

Torah Text: Genesis, excerpts from chapters 17 - 22

1. The Evil of Sodom
   • A Stagnant Way of Life
2. The Birth of Isaac
   • Laughter of Joy and Mockery
3. The Binding of Isaac
   • Complete Devotion to G-d