Tanach

Perek 99

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This video is class 2 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.

Tanach

Perek 79 Part 1: Tragedy and Vengeance

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This video is class 3 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

Perek 79 Part 2: Help and Salvation

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This video is class 4 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

Perek 44, Part 1: Commitment Amidst Tragedy

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This video is class 5 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.

Tanach

Perek 80, Part 1: G-d’s Vineyard

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This video is class 7 of 16 in the series Tehillim V.

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.

Tanach

Perek 80, Part 2: A Nation Under Attack

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This video is class 8 of 16 in the series Tehillim V.

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’.

Tanach

Perek 6 part 2: Tachanun

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This video is class 10 of 16 in the series Tehillim V.

In 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.

Tanach

Perek 26 Part 2: Behavioral Teshuva

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This video is class 12 of 16 in the series Tehillim V.

In 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

Tanach

Perek 23, Part 1: Mizmor L’David

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This video is class 13 of 16 in the series Tehillim V.

This Torah shiur (class) on Tehillim by Rabbi Avishai David analyzes Psalm 23, known as ‘Mizmor l’David’. This mizmor is sung many times over Shabbat, and is famous for its themes of complete trust in Hashem’s goodness in every situation, and of the soul’s natural yearning for spirituality and connection with Hashem.

Tanach

Perek 23, Part 2: Total Reliance on G-d

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This video is class 14 of 16 in the series Tehillim V.

In this Torah shiur (class) on Tehillim, Rabbi Avishai David continues with his analysis of Perek 23. He discusses the issue of balancing bitachon (reliance on Hashem) with the obligation for hishtadlus (expending effort in order to achieve a goal). In this class, Rabbi David relates this tension to the disagreement between R’ Yishmael and R’ Shimon bar Yochai, and shows how this perek reflects the experience of the Jews in the midbar (desert).

Tanach

Perek 23, Part 4: Torah Study: The Ultimate Goal

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

In this Torah shiur (class) on Tehillim, Rabbi Avishai David continues his study of perek 23, the famous Mizmor L’David sung every Shabbos. In this class, Rabbi David discusses why specifically this Psalm is sung at meals, the Psalm’s emphasis on Torah study as the focus and ideal of every Jew, and the combination of din (judgment) and rachamim (mercy) in Hashem’s relationship to us.