Lekutei Sichos Vol 30 pg 36 and vol 20 pg 54
We get that Avraham built altars and offered Sacrifices to thank Hashem, but Rashi seems inconsistent about the reasons why.
If you read the story straight, Avraham, the first Jew, was nervous that he wasn’t going to be rewarded for doing the right thing… is THAT why we do the right thing?
In this class we’re going to look at a few texts. The biblical rendition of Avraham Avinu’s travels, The Rambam’s summary of the various types of Sacrifices and his perspective on the Talmud’s definition of (un)altruistic behavior… hopefully we’ll get to the bottom of these questions.
Download the the whole packet as a single PDF
Individual Texts
**Text 1. Bereshis (Genisis) Ch 12-13 with selected Rashi (pg: 2-4 of packet) -**Words from our Torah that describe parts of Avraham Avinu’s journese
https://www.chabad.org/library/bible_cdo/aid/8176/showrashi/true/jewish/Chapter-12.htm
Focus Text 1. Verses 12:7-8; 13:18. Question for reflection: Can you find an inconsistency in Rashi’s commentary?
Focus Text 2 ( Verses 12:1-2, 15:1-2) Avraham’s promise of reward Question for reflection: what was it?
Text 2. Mishne Torah “The Types of Offerings” Chapter 1 (pg: 7-11 of packet) – The Rambam introduces the various types of Karbanos and various aspects of how they were offered. Through this we will have a better understanding of the ones that Avraham brought.
http://chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/1017013/jewish/Maaseh-Hakorbanot-Chapter-1.htm
Focus Text 3**.** Halacha 2 – A summary of the types of Karbanos - Question for reflection please list how many different types you find, and let us know your favorite one.