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 Yirmiyahu, Rabbi Avishai David teaches perek (chapter) 20. In this perek, we discuss how a G-d-given prophesy cannot be suppressed, whether the Navi wants to reveal it or not. The episode of Pashchur striking Yirmiyahu and putting him into jail, and Yirmiyahu’s response, is discussed as well.
In this Torah shiur (class) on Sefer Tehillim, Rabbi Avishai David explicates perek (chapter) 44. The perek begins with an expression of Hakara Hatov (gratitude) to Hashem for all of His Kindness, specifically His Kindness to the Avot, Avraham, Yitzchak and Yaakov. In the second part of the perek, Dovid Hamelech bemoans the chillul Hashem (desecration of G-d’s Name) that occurs when the Jewish People are exiled form their land, Eretz Yisrael, yet proclaims our everlasting commitment to Hashem and His Torah despite the tragedy.
In this class on Sefer Yirmiyahu, Rabbi Avishai David demonstrates the three fold overtures of Yirmiyahu on behalf of Klal Yisrael.
Rabbi Avishai David shows the connection of this mizmor to Shemoneh Esrei, and to matan Torah.
Rabbi Avishai David continues with his analysis of the structure of Tehillim, Perek 146.
In this Torah shiur (class) on Sefer Tehillim, Rabbi Avishai David continues his exploration of Hallel. This class analyzes Psalm 115, which asks Hashem to reveal His greatness, and remove the chillul Hashem that exists in the world because He hides Himself.
Rabbi Hanoch Teller examines the third Perek of Tzefania.
In this Torah shiur (class) on Sefer Yirmiyahu, Rabbi Avishai David teaches perek (chapter) 19. Rabbi David begins with an examination of the Malbim, who suggests that Yirmiyahu was punished and hit because he did not fulfill the requirements of his prophesy exactly. Rabbi David discusses this issue thorugh the comments of the Nafesh Hachaim, the Abarbanel, and the Rambam in Morah Nevuchim (Guide to the Perplexed). Rabbi David ends the class with an examination of the pasuk that speaks of the korbanot (sacrifices) of the Jewish people of the time of Yirmiyahu, as they relate to Akeidat Yitzchak.
In this Torah shiur (class) on Sefer Tehillim, Rabbi Avishai David continues explicating Mizmor (Psalm) 79. The second part of the perek discusses Hashem’s Salvation of the Jewish Nation. Rabbi David discusses the difference between Ezer (help), and Yishua (Salvation). The class also analyzes Klal Yisrael’s obligation to constantly praise Hashem, and talks about the importance of a Tzadik (righteous person) dwelling in a community.
In this class, Rabbi David discusses Tehillim Perek 142.
Rabbi Avishai David reviews the entire Perek and presents a difference in opinion of the Rabbis regarding “Ma’asim Simli’im”.
Rabbi Avishai David shows how this mizmor (Tehillim Perek 67) is connected to Sefirat Haomer, and how the theme of the mizmor is reflected in its structure.
In his analysis on Tehillim, Perek 92, Rabbi Avishai David gives an analysis of the futuristic nature of the mizmor and its connection to Shabbat.
In this Torah shiur (class) on Sefer Yirmiyahu, Rabbi Avishai David explains perek 19. In this perek, the sin of the Jewish people is presented as especially bad because it defiled the holy land of Israel, Eretz Yisrael.In this Torah shiur (class) on Sefer Yirmiyahu, Rabbi Avishai David explains perek 19. In this perek, the sin of the Jewish people is presented as especially bad because it defiled the holy land of Israel, Eretz Yisrael. Therefore, the land will be physically abandoned when the Jews are exiled after the destruction of the Beit Hamikdash (Temple).
In this Torah shiur (class) on Tehillim, Rabbi Avishai David expounds on Perek 79, the famous chapter which discusses the destruction of the Beit Hamikdash (Temple) and the hope for Divine retribution. Despite the somber tone of the mizmor, the underlying point is that the destruction of the Beit Hamikdash actually saved the Jewish people from annihilation.
Rabbi David analyzes the second perek of Tehillim.
Rabbi Avishai David concentrates on Pasuk 15 of Perek 11, and point out how the pesukim in Perek 12 parallel the pesukim at the end of Perek 11.
Rabbi Avishai David explains the connection between this mizmor and the previous mizmor, discusses the idea of the work ethic that redeems, and examines the role of the wife.
In his class on Tehillim, Perek 92, Rabbi Avishai David discusses the famous ‘Mizmor Shir L’Yom HaShabbat’, the Psalm for Shabbat.
In this shiur (Torah class) on Tehillim, Rabbi Avishai David continues to explore the perakim of Hallel. Perek 114 is the triumphant chapter which describes the joy of the redemption from Egypt, B’tzeit Yisrael Mimitzrayim. Rabbi David explains both the structure and the messages of this beautiful Psalm.
Rabbi Hanoch Teller continues to the second Perek of Tzefania.
Rabbi Avishai David delves into Perek 18 in this shiur on Sefer Yirmiyahu.
In this shiur on Sefer Tehillim, Rabbi Avishai David examines perek 99, one of the mizmorim recited on Friday night, discussing its distinctive elements, and the common themes it shares with the rest of the Friday night mizmorim.
In this shiur (Torah class), Rabbi Avishai David analyzes the first perek of Tehillim, which contrasts the personality of a Tzaddik with that of a Rasha.
Rabbi Avishai David explains the distinction between Klal Yisrael and the Umot HaOlam.
Rabbi Avishai David points out the dual segments of the mizmor, the contrasting themes, and the role of Hishtadlut in conjunction with Hashem’s role.
In this shiur, Rabbi Avishai David continues with his examination of themes within Tehillim and also focuses on ideas within Parshat Vayeira.
Rabbi Hanoch Teller introduces the prophet with a discussion of whom the prophet addressed, and the seminal message of the prophecy.
In this Torah shiur (class) on Tehillim, perek 113, Rabbi Avishai David continues to describe the uniqueness of the Hallel prayer, which parallels the components of praise, request, and thanks found in the Shemoneh Esrai. In this perek, we see both Hashem’s transcendence and His immanence, as tzaddikim can reach tremendous levels of connection with Him.
In this Torah shiur (class) on Sefer Yirmiyahu, Rabbi Avishai David explicates the prophecies and events of chapter 18. In this class, Rabbi David discusses the process of testing a Navi (prophet), according to the Rambam (Maimonides), and talks about the distinction between a positive Nevua (prophesy) and a negative Nevua.
