Category: Tanach

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.

Tanach

Hallel Part 5: Perek 115, Recognizing Hashem’s Blessings

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

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.

Yirmiyahu

Perek 20: Unsuppressed Prophecy

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

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.

Tanach

Perek 44, Part 1: Commitment Amidst Tragedy

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

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.

Yirmiyahu

Perek 19: Yirmiyahu’s Suffering

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

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.

Tanach

Perek 79 Part 2: Help and Salvation

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

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.

Tanach

Hallel, Part 3: Perek 114

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

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.

Yirmiyahu

Abandoned Homeland

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

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).

Tanach

Perek 79 Part 1: Tragedy and Vengeance

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

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.

Tanach

Hallel Part 2: Connecting to G-d with Praise

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

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.

Tanach

Perek 99

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

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.