Tanach

Perek 6 part 2: Tachanun

Posted on
This video is class 10 of 16 in the series Tehillim V.

In this Torah shiur (class) on Tehillim, Rabbi Avishai David explains Perek 6, which is said during the Tachanun prayers at the end of Shacharit. Rabbi David describes the dialectic between the Amida of Shemoneh Esrai and the Tachanun that follows it. This demonstrates the interplay of Din and Chessed or Ahava and Yirah. Rabi David then discusses the power of the Tachanun prayer, based on various Gemaras and the commentary of the Bais Yosef.

Tanach

Perek 118, Part 1: The Symphony of Hallel

Posted on
This video is class 10 of 18 in the series Tehillim VII.

In this shiur (Torah class) on Sefer Tehillim, Rabbi Avishai David continues explicating the chapters of Hallel.  Chapter 118 contains the unique
aspect of repetition and dialogue, as the chazzan reads and the congregation responds to him.  Rabbi David explains this phenomenon as
an echo of the kedusha and kaddish prayers.  The goal of this perek is to increase Kiddush Hashem like the Kaddish and Kedusha in the tefillot.

Yirmiyahu

Days Are Coming

Posted on
This video is class 10 of 12 in the series Yirmiyahu II.

Rabbi Avishai David delves into and explains Sefer Yirmiyahu perek 16, contrasting the Truth of Hashem with the uselessness of idol worship, and discussing the prophesies of future recognition of Hashem’s Sovereignty.

Yirmiyahu

Perek 23: Two Forms of Redemption

Posted on
This video is class 10 of 17 in the series Yirmiyahu III.

In this Torah shiur (class) on Sefer Yirmiyahu, Rabbi Avishai David discusses the content of Perek 23. Rabbi David compares the similarities and distinctions between Perek 23 and 33. In the class, Rabbi David describes the two types of Geula (redemption)- B’ita, in its proper time, and Achishena, before it’s time, as described in the Gemara Sanhedrin. Rabbi David explains the Malbim’s approach to the different types of redemption. The perek ends with a description of the false neviim, and the idea of Nevua (prophesy) as a Masa.

Elul, Rosh Hashana, Yom Kippur

Selichot: Keys to Forgiveness, Part II

Posted on
This video is class 9 of 62 in the series Elul, Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur.

In this Torah shiur (class) on the Selichot prayers, Rabbi Avishai David explicates the Selichot, specifically the themes of repentance and forgiveness. One of the main themes of the Selichos is that our neshama is incorruptable, and we must use this opportunity to return the part of ourselves that remains pure despite our sins.

Sefirah

Dimensions of Sefirat HaOmer

Posted on
This video is class 10 of 57 in the series Greatest of Gifts: Sefirat HaOmer and Shavuot.

In this class, Mrs. Shira Smiles discusses that we cannot get caught up only in the technical requirements of counting each night of the Omer and the customs of mourning during this time. Sefirat Haomer is a time for spiritual accounting in preparation for receiving the Torah, specifically in the areas of loving one’s fellow man and increasing our consciousness of G-d.