Perakim 14 & 53, Part 1
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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.
Category: Tehillim
Perek 26 Part 2: Behavioral Teshuva
Posted onIn 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
Perek 27: Hashem is My Light
Posted onIn 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.
Perek 150
Posted onRabbi 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.
Perek 118, Part 2
Posted onIn this shiur (Torah class) on Sefer Tehillim, Rabbi Avishai David continues explicating the chapters of Hallel, with Perek 118.
Perek 30
Posted onRabbi Avishai David provides a deeper understanding of Tehillim perek 30: Our need to cling to Hashem even in times of hardship.
Perek 26 Part 1: Calling Out from the Sanctuary
Posted onIn 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
Perek 97: Three Themes in Kabbalat Shabbat:
Posted onIn 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.
Perek 149: Prayer & War
Posted onRabbi 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.
Perek 118, Part 1: The Symphony of Hallel
Posted onIn 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.
Perek 48
Posted onRabbi Avishai David discusses Tehillim Perek 48 and how Yerushalayim is a merger of Kedusha and Malchus.
Perek 6 part 2: Tachanun
Posted onIn 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.
Perek 148, Part 2
Posted onIn 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.
Obligation for Praise
Posted onIn this Torah shiur (class) on Sefer tehillim, Rabbi Avishai David continues his explanation of Hallel, with an overview of perakim 116 and 117. In these perakim, both Jews and non-Jews are exhorted to praise Hashem, each for different reasons.
Perek 137
Posted onRabbi Avishai David discusses Tehillim Perek 137, and presents a vivid description of the Churban and our yearning for Yerushalayim.
Perek 6 Part 1: A Poignant Cry
Posted onIn this Torah shiur (class) on Sefer Tehillim, Rabbi Avishai David teaches perek 6, the heatfelt cry to Hashem during one’s hour of need.
Perek 96
Posted onExplains 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.
Perek 95, Part II
Posted onIn 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.
Perek 148, Part 1
Posted onIn 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.
Gratitude and Subservience
Posted onIn 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
Perek 126
Posted onIn his discussion Tehillim Perek 126, Rabbi Avishai David presents an exploration of Am Yisrael’s descent into Galus and their subsequent redemption
Perek 80, Part 2: A Nation Under Attack
Posted onIn 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’.
Perek 147, Part 2
Posted onIn his discussion on Tehillim Perek 147, Rabbi Avishai David reviews a few segments of the mizmor, examining its evolution and development
Hallel, Part 7: Pain and Prayer
Posted onIn 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.
Perek 121
Posted onIn 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.
Perek 80, Part 1: G-d’s Vineyard
Posted onIn 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.
Perek 95 Part I
Posted onIn 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.
Perek 147, Part 1
Posted onIn 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.
Hallel, Part 6: Faithful Prayer
Posted onIn 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.
Perek 91
Posted onIn 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.