Understanding Prophecy

Nevua: Cleaving to Our Creator

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This video is class 1 of 30 in the series Nature of Prophesy.

In this Torah class (shiur) on the nature of Prophesy, Rabbi Avishai David introduces the concept of nevua, prophesy. Prophesy is a level of dveikut B’Hashem, connection to G-d, which is attained by a select group of individuals who have studied, worked to perfect themselves, and have trained under a master Navi. However, every Jew should strive to cleave to G-d as much as possible, with the ultimate goal of attaining Nevua.

Understanding Prophecy

Can a Prophesy Be Changed?

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This video is class 5 of 30 in the series Nature of Prophesy.

In this Torah shiur on the nature of prophesy, Rabbi Avishai David surveys various places in Tanach (Scriptures) where there are contradictory prophesies, and how to understand them. The test of a true Navi is that his prophesies come true, yet the Gemara states that prophetic decrees can be overturned. Rabbi David explores this issue and resolves the difficulties.

Understanding Prophecy

Prophetic Actions

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This video is class 8 of 30 in the series Nature of Prophesy.

In this Torah class (shiur) on Nevua, Prophesy, Rabbi Avishai David presents various views of the commentators on whether actions taken together with a prophesy were literally performed, or were prophetic visions. Rabbi David describes the opposing opinions of Ramban and the Rambam, and the Abarbanel’s compromise position.

Understanding Prophecy

Varying Levels of Prophesy

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This video is class 9 of 30 in the series Nature of Prophesy.

In this shiur (Torah class) on Prophesy, Rabbi Avishai David explains the Rambam’s declaration that there are many levels of nevua. Rabbi David discusses the differences between Neviim, the Prophetic books, and Ketuvim, the Scriptures, according to the early commentators (Rishonim) Radak, Abarbanel, and Meiri, as well as the approach of Rav Chaim Soloveitchik of Brisk.

Understanding Prophecy

The Unique Clarity of Moshe’s Prophesy

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This video is class 13 of 30 in the series Nature of Prophesy.

In this Torah class shiur on the nature of prophesy, Rabbi Avishai David continues to explore the unique quality of Moshe Rabbenu’s prophesy. Only Moshe prophesied with the exact formulation of ‘zeh hadavar asher diber Hashem’, ‘this is the matter which Hashem spoke…’; Other prophets used the more general ‘ko amar Hashem’, ‘so said Hashem’.

Understanding Prophecy

Clear Prophesy as a Sign of Heavenly Closeness

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This video is class 19 of 30 in the series Nature of Prophesy.

In this Torah class (shiur) on prophesy, Rabbi Avishai David explains the fantastic clarity of the Revelation at Sinai, and uses this as the basis for understanding differences between clarity and style of various prophets throughout history. Yeshayahu prophesied at a time when Jerusalem was in her full glory, and therefore gave the brief and concise descriptions of one who is accustomed to G-dly revelations. In contrast, Yechezkel’s descriptions are lengthy, and both Yechezkel and Yirmiyahu were troubled by false prophets, as they both prophesied when the Shechina was leaving Jeruslaem and the destruction of the Temple was occurring.

Understanding Prophecy

The Navi as Leader

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This video is class 21 of 30 in the series Nature of Prophesy.

In this Torah class on the nature of prophesy, Rabbi Avishai David describes the various leadership roles presented in the Torah. The Jewish people are led by the Melech (king), the Sanhedrin (Supreme Court of Jewish Judges), the Cohen Gadol (High Priest), and by the Navi (prophet). This shiur focuses on the unique relationship and interaction between a Navi and Melech.

Understanding Prophecy

Prophetic Studies

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This video is class 23 of 30 in the series Nature of Prophesy.

In this Torah class (shiur) on prophesy, Rabbi Avishai David describes the phenomenon of the ‘b’nei hanevi’im’, the student of the Neviim, who worked to try and attain the level of prophesy. Rabbi David also discusses the unique relationship of Eliyahu and Elisha, and ends with a description of the difficulties and challenges that prophets faced from the Jewish people.

Understanding Prophecy

Idolatrous ‘Prophets’

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This video is class 27 of 30 in the series Nature of Prophesy.

In this shiur (Torah class) on prophesy, Rabbi Avishai David delves into the Torah’s treatment of false prophets, the prophets for Ba’al, and sorcerers. Through a thorough study of various areas of Tanach, Rabbi David demonstrates that a big goal of true prophets was removing the influence and power of the false prophets and soothsayers.

Understanding Prophecy

Prophesy in Israel

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This video is class 28 of 30 in the series Nature of Prophesy.

In this Torah class on Nevua, prophesy, Rabbi Avishai David discusses the centrality of the land of Israel to Jewish prophesy. All prophesies either took place in Eretz Yisrael or were about the Holy Land. Intersetingly, Rabbi David points out that the split between Yitzchak and Yishmael and Yaakov and Esav were both centered on ownership of Eretz Yisrael.

Understanding Prophecy

Role of the Navi

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This video is class 29 of 30 in the series Nature of Prophesy.

In this Torah shiur (class) on the nature of Prophesy, Rabbi Avishai David explains the various roles a Navi fills in society. The prophet must inspire and guide the people to correct wrongdoings and strengthen mitzvot and halachot that have weakened. The impact of the Navi is felt because of the force of his personality and charisma. However, this magnetism stems from his perfection of character and self-development.