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 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 his class on Sefer Yirmiyahu, chapters 14 and 15, Rabbi Avishai David discusses the importance of prayer as a means to receiving adequate rain. He then discusses Rambam’s description of the function of a Navi. Going on to chapter 15, Rabbi David speaks about the concepts of reward and punishment, and deals with the question of how one can be punished for another’s sins. The Navi ends this chapter on a positive note and Rabbi David focuses on the Malbim’s question of how a Navi receives of prophecy of destruction, while he must be in a joyous state of mind to receive prophecy.
In this class on chapter 95 in Tehillim, Rabbi Avishai David discusses the overall structure of this mizmor and the following chapter’s, which form a part of the Kabbalat Shabbat prayers said on Friday night. Specifically regarding this mizmor, Rabbi David discusses the two segments of the chapter as being universal to mankind and particular to the Jewish people, and examines the difference between the anger of Hashem after the Sin of the Meraglim, the Spies, and the Anger of Hashem after the Sin of the Eigel, the Golden Calf.
In his explanation of Tehillim Perek 148, Rabbi Avishai David extrapolates on the duality of the heavenly bodies and earthly bodies in the mizmor praising G-d, and he speaks about the parallel structure of the two segments. The praise is initiated by Klal Yisrael, the Jewish people, and the heavenly bodies respond to that praise. Rabbi David further discusses the mizmor’s connection to Ashrei.
In this Torah shiur (class) on Sefer Tehillim, Rabbi Avishai David continues his exposition of Hallel, with an in-depth explanation of the second half of Psalm 116. David Hamelech undergoes a transformation in this perek, from one with gratitude for Hashem’s kindness, to a completely devoted servant who never stops thinking of his Master
Rabbi Hanoch Teller begins to explain the difficult prophesy of Zecharia HaNavi.
In this Torah shiur (class) on Sefer Yirmiyahu, Rabbi Avishai David reveals the function of the kings of the House of David, as seen through the Torah and the Navi. Rabbi David examines the reign of various Kings of Judea, showing how they negated the principles of Mishpat and Tzedakka that they were supposed to uphold.
In his discussion Tehillim Perek 126, Rabbi Avishai David presents an exploration of Am Yisrael’s descent into Galus and their subsequent redemption
In this Torah shiur (class) on Sefer Tehillim, Rabbi Avishai David continues his explanation of chapter 80. This chapter describes the Tefillot of the Jewish people as they are attacked by their enemies, and Hashem’s response. The themes of the perek include ‘hester panim’ (Hashem ‘hiding’ Himself) vs. ‘giluy panim’ (Hashem revealing Himself), the distinctions between Esav and Yishmael, and differences between an ‘oyev’ and a ‘sonei’.
In this class on Tehillim, chapter 95, Rabbi Avishai David speaks about the structure of the mizmor, famous as the opening Psalm in the prayer of Kabbalat Shabbat. Rabbi David explains how the two segments of the mizmor reflect the dual nature of Hashem’s Kingdom; universal on the one hand, and particular to the Jewish people on the other hand. Rabbi David also shows how this mizmor also relates to people traveling up to the Beit Hamikdash to serve Hashem.
In his discussion on Tehillim Perek 147, Rabbi Avishai David reviews a few segments of the mizmor, examining its evolution and development
Rabbi Hanoch Teller finishes his discussion of the prophet Chaggai.
In this Torah shiur (class) on Sefer Tehillim, Rabbi Avishai David begins an exposition of perek 116. The Psalm can be divided into two parts, one focusing on a person’s troubles and challenges, while the second focuses on prayers for salvation. Any time of pain or struggle should be a cause of increased prayer and dependence on Hashem.
In continuing with the theme of trust, Rabbi Avishai David discusses Tehillim Perek 121, which describes the ascent of closeness between Hashem and the “boteach”, one who trusts in Him.
In this Torah shiur (class) on Sefer Yirmiyahu, Rabbi Avishai David compares the content and structure of perek 21, which is addressed to the king, and perek 22, which is addressed to the king and the nation at the Beit Hamikdash. Rabbi David quotes the works of Rabbi Joseph Ber Soloveitchik and Rabbi Aharon Soloveitchik as he defines the nuances within justice, as demonstrated with the many terms for justice which are mentioned in the Torah.
In this Torah shiur (class) on Tehillim, Rabbi David teaches mizmor 80, which describes the Jewish Nation as a vineyard that has been broken into and trampled, and begs Hashem to tend to His vineyard again. This perek has many thematic and linguistic comparisons with mizmor 44 and 79, which are pointed out and explained in the class.
Rabbi Avishai David examines the structure of Yirmiyahu’s three overtures.
Rabbi Avishai David presents the Radak’s three approaches to this mizmor, and examines the mizmor’s intensification and evolution
In his shiur on Tehillim Perek 147, Rabbi Avishai David discusses two different structures of the mizmor, as well as the Radak’s commentary on the mizmor.
In this Torah shiur (class) on Tehillim, Rabbi Avishai David continues to explain the profound messages in the chapters which make up the Hallel prayers. Rabbi David shows how trust in Hashem leads to prayer, and ultimately, to praise and thanksgiving.
Rabbi Hanoch Teller continues his discussion of the prophet Chaggai.
In this class on Tehillim Perek 91, Rabbi Avishai David provides a deeper look at the relationship between the “boteach”, one who trusts in G-d, and the Almighty.
In this Torah shiur (class) on Sefer Yirmiyahu, Rabbi Avishai David teaches perek (chapter) 21.
In this Torah shiur (class) on Sefer Tehillim, Rabbi Avishai David continues his analysis of perek (chapter) 44, looking at the perek from another angle.
In his class on Tehillim, Perakim 14 and 15, Rabbi Avishai David describes the attempts made by the prophet Yirmiyahu to intervene on behalf of Klal Yisrael, and Hashem’s responses.
Rabbi Avishai David continues with his analysis of the structure of Tehillim, Perek 146.
In this shiur (Torah class) on Tehillim Perek 115, Rabbi Avishai David continues to explain the mizmor. The Psalm begins on a troubled note, teaching that even in the midst of distress, there is a place for praise and prayer to Hashem. The theme of Hashem’s blessing is found throughout this chapter of Hallel, teaching that the world is available for our enjoyment, as long as we recognize Hashem as the ultimate Ruler of heaven and earth.
Rabbi Hanoch Teller describes the message of Chaggai.
