Parsha discussion

Question : 15:15 Why is the subject of ברית בין הבתרים “interrupted” with a verse saying that Avra(ha)m can die peacefully? Approach : Clearly, this is meant to be an integral part of the ברית. As such, it could well be that this is effectively the climax of the promise that Avra(ha)m will have children and they will become a nation, later to inherit the Land. Therefore, Avra(ha)m can "rest in peace" knowing that he will indeed have his dream come true, even if not for himself personally.

Question:  8:21 is one of the most enigmatic verses in the Torah. How do we understand that Hashem now understands Humankinds’ nature? What about the period before the מבול? Approach: this would seem to be one of the many פסוקים which go the heart of the question of Free Will vs Predetermination, of which there are many, especially in פרשיות בראשית + נח. Perhaps we need to understand that mankind needs to be given a chance to succeed at “Plan A”, even if he destined to fail, in order to teach what the ideal is, whilst moving onto a “Plan B”. And only once the failure happened - perhaps including the reaction of נח upon leaving the תיבה - could the next-best option be put into place.

Question:  What is the nature of the עץ החיים, and why does it suddenly become relevant only after the episode of eating from the עץ הדעת טוב ורע? Was it permitted to be eaten prior to this episode? Approach:  Taking a somewhat allegorical approach, it is possible to explain that the concept of immortality was built into creation with the possibility that it would be applied. Only after the first "sin" was it necessary for it to be completely taken out of the realm of humanity. This may even be backed up by the next story relating the first death.

Question:  Where do we see הקב״ה appearing from שעיר & הר פארן? Approach: the phrases seem to imply coming from עשו and ישמעאל, based on other פסוקים, primarily in ספר בראשית. What this may mean then is that, theoretically, there had been a chance for the two older brother of יצחק & יעקב to inherit the positions of their respective fathers and continue the line intended to the generations of אברהם. But ultimately, they were deemed unworthy and only after the events at הר סיני could it be said clearly that the correct decision had been made ( from a human perspective)