Return to Video Room

Name  sort by	Details	Class  sort by	Class #	Teacher  sort by
Teachings of Hillel	show hide	Pirkei Avot	4	Rabbi Michael Taubes
In this shiur (Torah class), Rabbi Michael Taubes discusses the teachings from the great Jewish sage, Hillel. Topics: Middot, Mishna Class: Pirkei Avot Class Number: 4 of 4 Time: 37:36 Free Preview (Login for Full Access)
Serving G-d	show hide	Pirkei Avot	3	Rabbi Michael Taubes
In this shiur (Torah class), Rabbi Michael Taubes continues to learn the first perek of Pirkei Avot. The teachings discussed in this class focus on the best way to serve G-d. Rabbi Taubes relays the mishnayot with pertinent examples in our everyday lives.  his Torah class is available online in streaming video and for download in mp3 and ipod video formats. Topics: Mishna, Mussar Class: Pirkei Avot Class Number: 3 of 4 Time: 41:20 Free Preview (Login for Full Access)
Finding G-d, friendship and leadership	show hide	Pirkei Avot	2	Rabbi Michael Taubes
In this shiur (Torah class), rabbi Michael Taubes continues to learn the first perek of Pirkei Avot. This class discusses the mishnayot which deal with issues of friendship, leadership and G-d. This Torah class is available online in streaming video and for download in mp3 and ipod video formats. Topics: Mishna Class: Pirkei Avot Class Number: 2 of 4 Time: 47:44 Free Preview (Login for Full Access)
Legacy of Our Sages: Introduction to Pirkei Avot	show hide	Pirkei Avot	1	Rabbi Michael Taubes
In this shiur (Torah class), Rabbi Michael Taubes begins studying Pirkei Avot, a unique section of the Mishna which contains essential lessons of ethics and behavior from the Sages. Rabbi Taubes explores the significance of Pirkei Avot and begins studying the first chapter. This Torah class is available online in streaming video and for download in mp3 and ipod video formats. Topics: Bein Adam LeChavero, Human Interaction, Middot, Mishna, Mussar Class: Pirkei Avot Class Number: 1 of 4 Time: 48:52 Free Preview (Login for Full Access)
Meat and Fish	show hide	Contemporary Halacha	18	Rabbi Michael Taubes
In this shiur (Torah class), Rabbi Michael Taubes discusses the idea of not eating meat together with fish. Based on a vague Gemara, Rabbi Taubes delves into this topic , with practical as well as underlying understandings. This Torah class is available online in streaming video and for download in mp3 and ipod video formats. Topics: Halacha Class: Contemporary Halacha Class Number: 18 of 17 Time: 37:10 Free Preview (Login for Full Access)
Property Damages	show hide	Contemporary Halacha	16	Rabbi Michael Taubes
In this shiur (Torah class), Rabbi Michael Taubes discusses the underlying halachik reasons for the prohibition of damaging someone's property. Topics: Halacha Class: Contemporary Halacha Class Number: 16 of 17 Time: 49:46 Free Preview (Login for Full Access)
Shabbat Kiddush	show hide	Contemporary Halacha	15	Rabbi Michael Taubes
In this shiur (Torah class), Rabbi Michael Taubes analyzes the halachic essence of kiddush on Shabbat, both during the night and day. Topics: Halacha, Shabbat Class: Contemporary Halacha Class Number: 15 of 17 Time: 53:21 Free Preview (Login for Full Access)
The Mitzvah of Talmud Torah	show hide	Contemporary Halacha	14	Rabbi Michael Taubes
In honor of the upcoming holiday of Shavuot, in this shiur (Torah class) Rabbi Michael Taubes explores the commandment of learning Torah. Rabbi Taubes explains the source of the mitzvah and discuusses the practical applications. Topics: Halacha, Holidays, Shavuot Class: Contemporary Halacha Class Number: 14 of 17 Time: 45:08 Free Preview (Login for Full Access)
Adding to Shabbat	show hide	Contemporary Halacha	13	Rabbi Michael Taubes
In this shiur (Torah class), Rabbi Michael Taubes discusses the concept of adding time to the beginning and end of Shabbat. He also discusses this idea in terms of Yom Tov and explains the differences. Topics: Halacha Class: Contemporary Halacha Class Number: 13 of 17 Time: 46:17 Free Preview (Login for Full Access)
The Halachik Essence of Sefirat HaOmer	show hide	Jewish Calendar III (Pesach-Shavuot)		Rabbi Michael Taubes
In this shiur (Torah class), Rabbi Michael Taubes delves int the exact halachik nature of the mitzva of counting the omer. Through an understanding of it's halachik definition, one comes to understand the purpose of this mitzva. Topics: Holidays, Sefirat HaOmer, Lag BaOmer Class: Jewish Calendar III (Pesach-Shavuot) Time: 55:00 Free Preview (Login for Full Access)
Writing on Shabbat	show hide	Contemporary Halacha	12	Rabbi Michael Taubes
In this shiur (Torah class), Rabbi Michael Taubes explains the halachik nature of writing on Shabbat. Topics: Halacha, Shabbat Class: Contemporary Halacha Class Number: 12 of 17 Time: 49:06 Free Preview (Login for Full Access)
Birkat HaChama: Blessing on the Sun	show hide			Rabbi Michael Taubes
In this shiur (Torah class), Rabbi Michael Taubes presents an overview of the unique Bikat HaChama, blessing on the sun. This bracha is only said once every 28 years, and fall out this year on Erev Pesach. Rabbi Taubes explains the reason and calculations behind the bracha, as well as provides insight into the significance of the event.  Topics: Birkat Hachama, Holidays Time: 58:24 Free Preview (Login for Full Access)
Thirty Days before Pesach	show hide	Contemporary Halacha	11	Rabbi Michael Taubes
In this shiur (Torah class), Rabbi Michael Taubes discusses the practice of beginning to learn the halachot of Pesach thirty days before the holiday. Rabbi Taubes discusses whether it is an halchik obligation or a recommended measure, and goes through the various sources involving this concept. Topics: Class: Contemporary Halacha Class Number: 11 of 17 Time: 45:08 Free Preview (Login for Full Access)
Megillah Reading During the Night and Day	show hide			Rabbi Michael Taubes
In this shiur (Torah class), by Rabbi Michael Taubes, the halchik nature of the Megillah reading is discussed. Rabbi Taubes differentiates between the reading at night and the reading during the day, and why each one is significant. Topics: Halacha, Megillot, Purim Time: 51:07 Free Preview (Login for Full Access)
The Halchik Obligation of Krias HaTorah	show hide	Contemporary Halacha	10	Rabbi Michael Taubes
In this shiur (Torah class), Rabbi Michael Taubes presents the halachik obligation of listening to the Torah reading on Shabbat. Topics: Halacha Class: Contemporary Halacha Class Number: 10 of 17 Time: 49:43 Free Preview (Login for Full Access)
The Fast of the Firstborns	show hide	Contemporary Halacha	9	Rabbi Michael Taubes
In this shiur (Torah class), Rabbi Michael Taubes discusses the fast of the firstborns on Erev Pesach. Rabbi Taubes analyzes the halachik and hashkafic underpinnings, deepening the understanding of the fast's nature. Topics: Fast Days, Halacha Class: Contemporary Halacha Class Number: 9 of 17 Time: 38:56 Free Preview (Login for Full Access)
Jewish Names	show hide	Contemporary Halacha	6	Rabbi Michael Taubes
In this shiur (Torah class), Rabbi Michael Taubes discusses the topic of using a non-Jewish name. This fascinating shiur provides a halchik understanding of common practice. Topics: Halacha Class: Contemporary Halacha Class Number: 6 of 17 Time: 48:04 Free Preview (Login for Full Access)
The Names of G-d	show hide	Contemporary Halacha	8	Rabbi Michael Taubes
In this shiur (Torah class), Rabbi Michael Taubes discusses the various names of G-d and when it is appropriate to recite each one. Topics: Halacha Class: Contemporary Halacha Class Number: 8 of 17 Time: 49:42 Free Preview (Login for Full Access)
Baruch Shem Kavod Malchuso	show hide	Contemporary Halacha	7	Rabbi Michael Taubes
In this shiur (Torah class), Rabbi Michael Taubes discusses the fascinating halachik concept of reciting baruch shem kavod malchuso l'olam vaed. This phrase is generally recited after on says Shema as well as after one accidentally begins reciting an unnecessary bracha (blessing). This class focuses on the latter instance, providing an indepth understanding as well as the halchot concerning the phrase. Topics: Brachot, Halacha Class: Contemporary Halacha Class Number: 7 of 17 Time: 43:18 Free Preview (Login for Full Access)
Responsibility Towards Others	show hide	Contemporary Halacha	5	Rabbi Michael Taubes
In this shiur (Torah class), Rabbi Michael Taubes explores the fascinating halachik concept of areivut, responsibility towards others, in regards to mitzvot. Topics: Halacha Class: Contemporary Halacha Class Number: 5 of 17 Time: 57:10 Free Preview (Login for Full Access)
Embarrasing Others	show hide	Contemporary Halacha	4	Rabbi Michael Taubes
In this shiur (Torah class), Rabbi Michael Taubes discusses the halachot (laws)of how far one must go in order not to embarrass another person. Topics: Halacha Class: Contemporary Halacha Class Number: 4 of 17 Time: 45:14 Free Preview (Login for Full Access)
The Holiness of the Lights	show hide			Rabbi Michael Taubes
In this shiur (Torah class), Rabbi Michael Taubes explains the halachik holiness of the menorah lights during Chanuka. Topics: Chanukah Time: 52:14 Free Preview (Login for Full Access)
The Three Meals of Shabbat	show hide	Contemporary Halacha	3	Rabbi Michael Taubes
In this shiur (class), Rabbi Michael Taubes explains the various halachot of the three meals we eat on Shabbat. This class provides the background as well as current halachik scenarios concerning the Shabbat meals. Topics: Halacha, Hilchot Shabbat, Shabbat Class: Contemporary Halacha Class Number: 3 of 17 Time: 52:38 Free Preview (Login for Full Access)
The Halachot of an Onan	show hide	Contemporary Halacha	2	Rabbi Michael Taubes
In this shiur (class), Rabbi Michael Taubes discusses the various halachot of an Onan, one whose close relative has passed away and is still not buried. Rabbi Taubes provides a clear and comprehensive overview of the halachot, complete with modern day cases. Topics: Halacha, Mourning Class: Contemporary Halacha Class Number: 2 of 17 Time: 46:09 Free Preview (Login for Full Access)
The Mitzvah of Tochacha	show hide	Contemporary Halacha	1	Rabbi Michael Taubes
In this shiur (class), Rabbi Michael Taubes discusses the often misunderstood mitzvah of Tochacha- rebuke. Rabbi Taubes defines the mitzvah and then explains various Gemaras which explain the parameters of the mitzvah. Topics: Bein Adam LeChavero, Halacha Class: Contemporary Halacha Class Number: 1 of 17 Time: 46:13 Free Preview (Login for Full Access)
Joy of Repentance	show hide	Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur Davening: Open the Gates!	6	Rabbi Michael Taubes
In this last shiur (class) of the series, Rabbi Michael Taubes explores the final moments of the Yom Kippur davening (prayers) and the joy that comes with true forgiveness. Topics: Connecting to our Creator, Holidays, Prayer, Yom Kippur Class: Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur Davening: Open the Gates! Class Number: 6 of 6 Time: 55:17 Free Preview (Login for Full Access)
True Atonement	show hide	Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur Davening: Open the Gates!	5	Rabbi Michael Taubes
The bulk of the Yom Kippur davening (prayers) is comprised of Mussaf, in which the details of the Yom Kippur service are described. Rabbi Michael Taubes analyzes the major components of the machzor davening (prayers) including the Torah reading and Musaf service. Topics: Fast Days, Holidays, Prayer, Rosh HaShana, Teshuva, Yom Kippur Class: Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur Davening: Open the Gates! Class Number: 5 of 6 Time: 48:44 Free Preview (Login for Full Access)
Returning to G-d	show hide	Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur Davening: Open the Gates!	4	Rabbi Michael Taubes
In this shiur (Torah class), Rabbi Michael Taubes discusses the fundamental aspects of the Yom Kippur Davening (prayers), in particular Kol nidrei and viddui (confession). Drawing from a variety of sources, Rabbi Taubes enhances our understanding of the Machzor. This Torah class is available online in streaming video and mp3 and ipod video download. Topics: Fast Days, Holidays, Prayer, Teshuva, Yom Kippur Class: Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur Davening: Open the Gates! Class Number: 4 of 6 Time: 57:58 Free Preview (Login for Full Access)
Crowning Our King	show hide	Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur Davening: Open the Gates!	3	Rabbi Michael Taubes
In this shiur (class), Rabbi Michael Taubes discusses the Musaf prayer of Rosh HaShana. This unique Shemoneh Esrei contains essential themes of the holiday. The prayers of Malchiyot, Zichronot and Shofrot are explained with particular relevance to our relationship with G-d on this day. This Torah class is available online in streaming video and for download in mp3 and ipod video formats. Topics: Connecting to our Creator, Holidays, Prayer, Rosh HaShana, Teshuva Class: Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur Davening: Open the Gates! Class Number: 3 of 6 Time: 58:25 Free Preview (Login for Full Access)
Shofar: A Call to Return	show hide	Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur Davening: Open the Gates!	2	Rabbi Michael Taubes
Rabbi Taubes discusses the significance of the Shofar that is blown during the Rosh HaShanah davening. The shofar is a wake up call to renew ourselves and re-examine our unique potential at the start of a new year.  Though it is a mitzvah like any other, there is also an emotional aspect that is ingrained in the act of the mitzvah, which forces every person to be alone with his inner thughts as the shofar is sounded.  There are two types of sounds discussed in the Talmud - a Tekiah, a flat even sound, and a Teruah, a broken sound.  These different sounds contain a paradoxical message, on the one hand, serenity reflected in the even sound of the Tekiah, and on the other hand, the panic and fear conveyed in the broken sound of the Teruah.  The ultimate message is a positive one, turning the fear of judgement into a moment of Mercy and Friendship with G-d.  The shofar also represents G-d's Presence, hinting to us that He is Nearer to us, bringing a confluence of excitement and tension.  The shofar allows us to handle these conflicting emotions in a positive manner. Rabbi Taubes also discusses the custom to eat the simanim, the signs, of Rosh Hashana, such as sweet foods, pomegranates, apples, and other assorted vegetables.  Rabbi Taubes explains the inner meaning what a sign is, demonstrating our closeness to Hashem.  Our non-verbal communication with Him through the shofar or the eating of the signs of Rosh Hashana are an indicator of our intimate relationship with G-d. Shofar is the only commandment that is performed in the middle of Shemoneh Esrei.  This, along with the shape of the shofar, is a proof that shofar blowing is a form of prayer, albeit a non-verbal one. Topics: Elul, Holidays, Rosh HaShana Class: Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur Davening: Open the Gates! Class Number: 2 of 6 Time: 67:25 Free Preview (Login for Full Access)
Themes of Rosh HaShana	show hide	Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur Davening: Open the Gates!	1	Rabbi Michael Taubes
In the first class of the series, Rabbi Taubes discusses the obligation for prayer.  He points out that Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur as times of great need, and are therefore specifically designated as days of prayer.  However, these days are also deemed as days of joy.  Rabbi Taubes discusses the conflicting and complementary themes of Rosh Hashana.  These themes can be learned from delving into the meaning of the names of Rosh Hashana.  Rabbi Taubes then goes into the actual davening of Rosh Hashana, and explains the changes at the beginning of the Rosh Hashana davening.  The class explicates the addition of 'zachrenu l'chaim' to the first bracha of Shemoneh Esrei and  the expanded bracha of Hamelech Hakadosh.  Rabbi Taubes continues the shiur with a discussion of the middle bracha of the Rosh Hashana davening, which summarizes the theme of the day.  The shiur ends with the explanation of Rav Soloveitchik for why Psalm 24 is recited after the Rosh Hashana Amida, and the message of Psalm 27, 'l'Dovid Hashem Ori', which is recited from Rosh Chodesh Elul through Yom Kippur. Topics: Elul, Holidays, Prayer, Rosh HaShana Class: Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur Davening: Open the Gates! Class Number: 1 of 6 Time: 68:36 Free Preview (Login for Full Access)