Parallel Paths: Ruth And Avraham
Join Sepha Kirshblum and explore the concept of intertextuality by comparing the stories of Avraham and Lot with Ruth and Orpah. We will study Avraham and Lot and how much the two have in common but then sadly, how they go in very different directions. We will then learn how the same happened with Ruth and Orpah. What’s even more powerful is how the text, through its words, compares Avraham and Rut as well.
Parallel Paths: Ruth And Avraham: Rut And Avraham
As we are counting up to Shavuot, I am excited for us to begin our learning of Megillat Rut and the comparisons in the text between her and Avraham. To fully appreciate the comparison we will begin tonight with learning about Avraham and Lot. Their stories and lives begin together and almost mirror each other. Their wealth ends up separating them but tonight we will learn where that separation takes them and how one becomes the father of the Jewish people while the other becomes the father of a nation we despise.
Parallel Paths: Ruth And Avraham: Rut And Avraham
In last week’s class we saw how Avraham and Lot both started on the same path but ultimately ended up with very different legacies. Avraham became the Father of the Jewish people while Lot became the father of two horrible nations. We asked, but have not yet answered, how did that happen? Why is that the final legacy of Lot who started out so strong?
Parallel Paths: Ruth And Avraham: Rut And Avraham
In last week’s shiur we first met the characters of Rut and Orpah. We saw that they were both from Moav but other than marrying two different men we learned nothing else about them. Yet, one will become the “Mother of Moshiach ” while the other’s dynasty ends with the giant Goliat. What leads to such different legacies?
Mrs. Sepha Kirshblum teaches Tanach and Jewish Thought at Midreshet Moriah. Sepha, as our students call her, has a genuine love for both her students and Torah, especially Tanach. She tries to create a balance of creativity, fun, humor and kavod Ha-Torah in the classroom to help her students love learning as much as she does. Before making aliyah, Sepha taught Tanach at the Ramaz Upper School, where she was also Senior Grade Advisor, Israel Advisor, and involved in extracurricular programming. Sepha received her BA from Stern College with a Major in Judaic Studies and a Minor in Psychology. She received a dual Masters in both special and regular Education from Hunter College. Sepha lives in Efrat with her family.