1-minute Lessons on Genesis by Rabbi Nachman Simon

Lessons from the Book of Genesis

One-minute recordings of special points from Torah portions in the Book of Genesis, shared with permission from Rabbi Nachman Simon.

Genesis

Chapter 3: The Purpose of the “Sin” of Adam and Hava (Eve)

Chapter 5: Why the early generations had such long lives

 

 

Noach

Genesis 6:9 – What is the True Legacy of a Person?

 

Genesis 6:15 – The Dimensions of the Ark. (For more information, also see our video course on Secrets of Noah’s Ark.)

 

Genesis chapter 7: (a) Keep Your Head Above Water!

 

(b) Continued:

 

Genesis 8:12-17 – Why a rainbow first appeared after the global flood.

 

Genesis 9:1-17 – The Covenant of Seven Commandments for All Mankind.

 

 

Lech Lecha

Genesis chapter 12.
(1) It’s All for Your Own Good.

 

(2) Find Your True Self!

 

(3) Go Out of Yourself!

 

 

Vayeira

18:1-8 – Be Kind!

 

18:9-15 – Why Did Sarah Also Laugh?

 

Chapter 19: Why Was Lot’s Wife Turned to a Pillar of Salt?

 

21:1-7 – The Miraculous Birth of Isaac

 

21:33 – Abraham’s Reason for His Open Tent

 

Chapter 21: Get a Good Friend

 

 

Chayei Sarah

23:1 – What is true life for a person?

 

23:3-20 – Say Little, But Do a Lot!

 

24:1 – “Abraham was old, he came in days” – Every day is important!

 

Chapter 24: Be a Good Messenger

 

Chapter 24: Appreciate the Miracles.

 

Reading from the Prophets: the passing of King David

Note: The reign of King David started about 2900 years ago, and Sarah passed away about 3700 years ago.

 

Toldos

Genesis 25:19 – Your generations also include your good deeds!

 

Genesis 25:20-23 – Shem the son of Noah was a righteous person and also a prophet

 

Genesis 25:23 – Jacob and Esav are destined for brotherly love.

 

Genesis 25:27-34.

(1) The Spiritual Potential of Esav (Esau)

 

(2) The Intended Tasks of Jacob and Esav

 

Genesis 26:18-25.

(1) Isaac was Busy Digging Wells

 

(2) The service of Isaac was not the same as that of his father Abraham

 

Chapter 27: Mothers Know Best!

 

27:1-4 – G-d Desires Two Types of Service

 

 

Vayeitzei

28:12 – Angels Going Up and Also Down

 

28:10-11 – Keep Your Head On Straight!

 

28:10-12 – Our Prayers Reach the Highest Heavens!

 

29:1 – “Then Jacob ‘lifted up his feet’ and came to the land…” – with joy for the blessings he received.

 

29:32-33 – Reuven and Shimon – the Meanings of Their Names

 

 

Vayishlach

32:4-6 – When to Act Like a Sheep or an Ox

 

32:4-12 – How to Prepare for Conflict and Also Try to Avoid It

 

32:10-11 – More Blessings Should Make You Even More Humble

 

 

33:1-7 – Past and Future Reunion of Jacob and Esau

 

33:8-11 – Wants and Desires versus Needs and Blessings

 

36:31-39 – The Spiritual Meaning of the Kings of Edom

 

 

Vayeishev

37:3-4 – The favoritism shown to Joseph aroused his brothers’ jealousy

 

37:4 – Don’t be two-faced.

 

37:5-11 – Do Dreams Have Meaning?

 

37:17-30 – Where was Reuven when Yosef was sold?

 

Chapter 38: Don’t Embarrass Anyone!

 

39:2-3 – Always Credit G-d with Your Success

 

 

Mikeitz

Chapter 41.

(1) Ascend and Don’t Descend in Your Personal Level!

 

(2) We are Like Dreamers

 

(3) Why didn’t Joseph’s brothers recognize him?

 

 

Vayigash

Chapter 45.

(1) Cry for Someone!

 

(2) Don’t Take Revenge

 

Chapter 46: We Will See that Everything G-d Does is Ultimately for the Best

 

Chapter 47: Only 5 of Joseph’s Brothers Stood Before Pharaoh

 

 

Vayechi

47:28 – Why is this is the only “closed” weekly portion in the Torah?

 

47:28-48:22 – What is the Definition of Living?

 

48:7 (and also Rashi there): Rachel’s Self-sacrifice.

 

49:1 – Why G-d didn’t allow Jacob to reveal the time when the Moshiach will come

 

50:15-21 – It’s All From G-d

 

50:21 – Joseph Sustained his Family and Also All the Egyptians

 

50:24-26 – The Promise of the Redemption!