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Course Duration: Four 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. Outline of Torah texts for the course

Lesson 1: Introduction

1. The Narratives of Genesis
   • Issue: Torah as Guidance
2. A Fundamental Principle in Biblical Narratives of the Patriarchs
   • Issue: G-d's Historical Blueprint
3. Objectives of Ramban and Sforno Commentaries
   • Issue: Rediscovering the Living Torah

Lesson 2: Sarah's Death & Burial

Torah Text: Genesis chapter 23 Torah Text: Genesis chapter 23 Torah Text: Genesis chapter 23

1. Sarah's Burial
   • Issue: The Meaning of Burial
2. Abraham's Eulogy & Weeping
   • Issue: The Limits of Grief
3. The Timing of Sarah's Death
   • Issue: Why G-d Test's Man

Lesson 3: The Marriage of Isaac and Rebecca

Torah Text: Genesis chapter 24 Torah Text: Genesis chapter 24 Torah Text: Genesis chapter 24

1. Abraham's Criteria for a Wife
   • Issue: A Virtuous Wife
2. The Marriage of Isaac & Rebecca
   • Issue: Giving & Loving
3. The Lengthy Account of Isaac's Marriage to Rebecca
   • Issue: Dealing with Conflicts of Interest
4. Rebecca Meets Isaac
   • Issue: Modesty & Clothing

Lesson 4: Isaac & the Philistines

Torah Text: Genesis chapter 26 Torah Text: Genesis chapter 26 Torah Text: Genesis chapter 26

1. Isaac's Encounter with the Philistines
   • Issue: Jewish life in exile
2. Isaac & the Wells
   • Issue: Balancing spiritual and material pursuits