Torah Parsha Project – Lech Lecha – Genesis 12:1 – 17:27

The goal of the Torah Parsha Project is to analyze and interpret each Parsha of the Torah using Semitic Bible Study Methods, which includes Pardes.

· Peshat (פְּשָׁט‎) – “surface” (“straight”) or the literal (direct) meaning.

· Remez (רֶמֶז‎) – “hints” or the deep (allegoric: hidden or symbolic) meaning beyond just the literal sense. In the version of the New Zohar, Re’iah.

· Derash (דְּרַשׁ‎) – from Hebrew darash: “inquire” (“seek”) – the comparative (midrashic) meaning, as given through similar occurrences.

· Sod (סוֹד‎) (pronounced with a long O as in ‘lore’) – “secret” (“mystery”) or the esoteric/mystical meaning, as given through inspiration or revelation.

The lectures give valid material to help the student to understand the Parsha. There is a free PDF file that should be downloaded for the student to get full exposure to the Parsha. The one new factor for many students who have not been using Semitic Bible study methods is that it is completely valid to question the Scripture. There appears to the untrained person that there is a lot of information missing and at times some items seem to be in error. The Torah does not have any errors or contradictions. The LORD wanted the stories told the way they are told. There are reasons for everything. The Hebrew language was the culture of the people embedded in the language. It is imperative to learn the culture of Abraham’s day in order to fully understand and appreciate this Parsha.