Elul, Rosh Hashana, Yom Kippur

Selichot: Keys to Forgiveness, Part II

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This video is class 9 of 62 in the series Elul, Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur.

In this Torah shiur (class) on the Selichot prayers, Rabbi Avishai David explicates the Selichot, specifically the themes of repentance and forgiveness. One of the main themes of the Selichos is that our neshama is incorruptable, and we must use this opportunity to return the part of ourselves that remains pure despite our sins.

Tanach

Perek 148, Part 2

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This video is class 9 of 14 in the series Tehillim III.

In 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.

Yirmiyahu

Yirmiyahu’s Prayer: Perakim 14 and 15

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This video is class 9 of 12 in the series Yirmiyahu II.

In this class on the 14th and 15th chapters of Yirmiyahu, Rabbi Avishai David discusses how Yirmiyahu could have davened to Hashem after he was told not to daven anymore. Rabbi David also talks about Hashem’s dismal warning that He is disgusted with Klal Yisrael, and how even this negative prophesy is not absolute, as the Covenant between Hashem and the Jewish People can never be undone. Going on to the 15th chapter of Yirmiyahu, Rabbi David discusses the four punishments mentioned in the perek, and expounds upon the characteristics and outlook of Yirmiyahu Hanavi, who had the difficult job of prophesizing doom and destruction to his brothers.

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.

Tanach

Perek 96

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This video is class 9 of 12 in the series Tehillim IV.

Explains 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.

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’.

Yirmiyahu

The Heritage of the Kings of David

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This video is class 8 of 17 in the series Yirmiyahu III.

In this Torah shiur (class) on Sefer Yirmiyahu, Rabbi Avishai David reveals the function of the kings of the House of David, as seen through the Torah and the Navi. Rabbi David examines the reign of various Kings of Judea, showing how they negated the principles of Mishpat and Tzedakka that they were supposed to uphold.

Elul, Rosh Hashana, Yom Kippur

Selichot: Keys to Forgiveness, Part I

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This video is class 8 of 62 in the series Elul, Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur.

In this Torah shiur (class) on the Selichot prayers recited before Rosh Hashana and during the Yamim Noraim, Rabbi Avishai David presents an overview of Selichot. Rabbi David discusses the content of the Selichot, their themes, and their purpose. He also discusses why Selichot are recited at night and not during the day

Tanach

Perek 95, Part II

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This video is class 8 of 12 in the series Tehillim IV.

In 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.

Yirmiyahu

Perakim 14 & 15: Menashe’s Legacy

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This video is class 8 of 12 in the series Yirmiyahu II.

In his class on Sefer Yirmiyahu, chapters 14 and 15, Rabbi Avishai David discusses the importance of prayer as a means to receiving adequate rain. He then discusses Rambam’s description of the function of a Navi. Going on to chapter 15, Rabbi David speaks about the concepts of reward and punishment, and deals with the question of how one can be punished for another’s sins. The Navi ends this chapter on a positive note and Rabbi David focuses on the Malbim’s question of how a Navi receives of prophecy of destruction, while he must be in a joyous state of mind to receive prophecy.