The Torah Learning on this site is dedicated in memory of Rochel Leah bas R' Chaim Tzvi and R' Yisrael Menachem ben R' Binyamin.
This series of classes on Tanach delves into the deeper meaning hidden within the holy texts of the Torah, Prophets, and Scriptures applying its timeless messages to life. Courses focus on the structure and beauty of the texts, the historical background, and the spiritual impact that the timeless words of Tanach have on our lives today. Explore the precision and pathos contained in Tehilim, study the prophecies of Yirmiyahu, Yechezkel, Daniel, and Trei Asar analyzing pivotal concepts such as sin, retribution, repentance, forgiveness, and redemption, and analyze the struggles and the eternal lessons contained within the timeless words of the Megillot.
In this Torah shiur (class) on Tehillim, Rabbi Avishai David continues his analysis of chapter 26. Rabbi David describes the structure of the perek, and delves into some of its themes, such as the inner worth of every Jew, repeating positive behaviors as the key to repentance, and how to approach Hashem in prayer
In this shiur (Torah class) on Sefer Yirmiyahu, Rabbi Avishai David reviews perek 23, and explicates the difficulties in Perek 24. The dream of Yirmiyahu described in this perek has a remarkable parallelism to the dreams of Pharoh in Parshat Miketz. Rabbi David also discusses who exactly the ‘Choresh U’masger’ were.
In this class on Tehillim, Rabbi Avishai David explains how perek 96 is a continuation and intensification of the previous perek, Tehillim 95. He also focuses on the unique role of the number seven which appears in this chapter.
In this shiur on the 17th chapter of Yirmiyahu, Rabbi Avishai David talks about the different levels of Bitachon, Trust in G-d, as mentioned by Yirmiyahu Hanavi. Rabbi David includes the famous disagreement of the Rambam and the Ramban about effectiveness of modern medicine, and the contrasting opinions of Rabbenu Bachya and R’Avraham ben HaRambam regarding Bitachon. Rabbi David explains that the balance of Bitachon and Hishtadlut is the realization that ultimately, one’s salvation is entirely in the Hands of Hashem.
In the first class of his Tehillim series, Rabbi David analyzes Tehillim, Perek 130: Shir Hamaalos Mimaamakim.
Rabbi Avishai David examines the Ramban which accentuates the importance of praising Hashem, presents three possibilities of how to structure the mizmor, and shows how the mizmor can be divided into two parts.
Rabbi Hanoch Teller concludes his explanation of the prophesies of the Navi Zecharia.
In this Torah shiur (class) on Sefer Tehillim, Rabbi Avishai David analyzes two perakim in Tehillim that are almost identical, yet contain a number of distinctions.
Rabbi Hanoch Teller concludes his explanation of the prophesies of the Navi Malachi.
In this Torah shiur on Sefer Yirmiyahu, Rabbi Avishai David describes the role of false prophets, Nevi’ei Sheker, throughout Yirmiyahu’s career as a Navi. Rabbi David examines the two descriptions of a Navi Sheker in the Chumash, and applies them to the types of false prophets found in Sefer Yirmiyahu. Rabbi David also explains how the test of a true Navi is found in this perek.
In this shiur (Torah class) on Sefer Tehillim, Rabbi Avishai David explains the structure and content of Psalm 26, which describes David’s tefillot to Hashem regarding himself and the Beit Hamikdash
Rabbi Avishai David provides a deeper understanding of Tehillim perek 30: Our need to cling to Hashem even in times of hardship.
Rabbi Avishai David speaks about Sefer Yirmiyahu perakim 16 and 17.
In this shiur (Torah class) on Tehillim chapter 27, Rabbi Avishai David discusses the themes, structures, and lessons of this perek. This chapter of tehillim, known as ‘L’Dovid Hashem Ori V’Yishi’, is read twice a day after regular prayers during days from Rosh Chodesh Elul until Hoshana Rabba.
Rabbi Avishai David illustrates how Perek 150 of Sefer Tehillim can be divided into four sections. In addition, he discusses the different musical instruments and describes how this perek is the epicenter of the previous prakim.
In this shiur (Torah class) on Sefer Tehillim, Rabbi Avishai David continues explicating the chapters of Hallel, with Perek 118.
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.
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.
Rabbi Avishai David discusses Tehillim Perek 48 and how Yerushalayim is a merger of Kedusha and Malchus.
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.
In this class on perek 97 in Tehillim, Rabbi Avishai David discusses the three themes that can be found throughout all of the six mizmorim of Kabbalat Shabbat. These themes are Hashem’s Kingship, His Justice, and all idol-worshipers’ ultimate recognition of Hashem’s Dominion.
Rabbi Avishai David explains the Torah message of Tehillim, Perek 149: G-d’s salvation is brought about through both the prayers and the physical efforts of His people.
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.
Winding down his series on Trei Asar, Rabbi Hanoch Teller teaches the first perek of the Navi, Malachi. This class also discusses why in this world we rarely see retribution against the enemies of the Jews, and how to demonstrate true commitment to Hashem.
Explains how perek 96 is a continuation and intensification of the previous perek, Tehillim 95. This shiur also focuses on the unique role of the number seven which appears in this chapter.
In this Torah shiur (class) on Sefer Yrmiyahu, Rabbi Avishai David explains the juxtaposition of perek 22, which bemoans the lack of justice during the reigns of many of the later kings of Judea, with Perek 23, which describes the perfect justice that will prevail during the reign of Moshiach. Rabbi David includes the Rambam’s discussion of the ideal Jewish king, and compares similarities between this chapter and chapter 16 in Sefer Yirmiyahu.
Rabbi Avishai David discusses Tehillim Perek 137, and presents a vivid description of the Churban and our yearning for Yerushalayim.
In this Torah shiur (class) on Sefer Tehillim, Rabbi Avishai David teaches perek 6, the heatfelt cry to Hashem during one’s hour of need.
In this class on the 14th and 15th chapters of Yirmiyahu, Rabbi Avishai David discusses how Yirmiyahu could have davened to Hashem after he was told not to daven anymore. Rabbi David also talks about Hashem’s dismal warning that He is disgusted with Klal Yisrael, and how even this negative prophesy is not absolute, as the Covenant between Hashem and the Jewish People can never be undone. Going on to the 15th chapter of Yirmiyahu, Rabbi David discusses the four punishments mentioned in the perek, and expounds upon the characteristics and outlook of Yirmiyahu Hanavi, who had the difficult job of prophesizing doom and destruction to his brothers.
In his explanation of Tehillim Perek 148, Rabbi Avishai David discusses the dual structure of the mizmor, the yesod of the angels saying shirah based on the shirah of Klal Yisrael, and the connectivity of Klal Yisrael to Hashem as opposed to universal shirah. This Torah class is available online in streaming video and for download in mp3 and ipod video formats.
