Vayera: Part 1 — When to Challenge God

Posted by Meesh Hammer-Kossoy on October 31, 2017
Topics: Pardes from Jerusalem, Bereishit (Genesis), VaYera

How can the very same Abraham who risks everything and challenges God in order to save Sodom comply obediently with the morally abhorrent command to kill his son? In part 1, Rabbi Meesh Hammer-Kossoy explores the approaches of Rav Joseph Soloveitchik and Rav David Hartman, according to whom the tension between the two stories reflects the dialectical multi-faceted spiritual and moral posture of Judaism.

In part 2, Rabbi Hammer-Kossoy presents Rav Abraham Joshua Heschel’s suggestion that the two tests work together in building the prophetic relationship between Abraham and God. Click here to listen to part 2.

These podcasts are sponsored by Robert Hammer in memory of his beloved late wife, Barbara Hammer z”l.

About Meesh Hammer-Kossoy

Meesh is the Director of the Pardes Year Program, where she has been making her professional home since 1999. Originally from Washington, D.C., Meesh has a B.A. in Near Eastern and Judaic Studies from Brandeis University, and a M.A. and Ph.D. from New York University. Her dissertation explored the courageous manner in which the rabbis of the Talmud created a new criminal punishment system. In 2015, Meesh completed her studies at Beit Midrash Har'el and received ordination from Rabbi Herzl Hefter and Rabbi Daniel Sperber. Click here to read more.

Keep Learning

Vayetze 5785: Finding the Makom

Posted by Pardes Faculty on December 2, 2024

Toldot 5785: Brothers in Balance

Posted by Pardes Faculty on November 24, 2024

We value your privacy

We use cookies to enhance your browsing experience, serve personalized ads or content, and analyze our traffic. By clicking "Accept", you consent to our use of cookies.