Muktza, Part 9: Unwanted Items
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In this Torah shiur (class) on Hilchot Shabbat, Rabbi Shimon Isaacson presents an overview of the halachot regarding items that are usually discarded, such as garbage, bones, egg shells, etc.
Videos
Yirmiyahu’s Prayer: Perakim 14 and 15
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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.
Perek 23: The Ideal King
Posted onIn this Torah shiur (class) on Sefer Yrmiyahu, Rabbi Avishai David explains the juxtaposition of perek 22, which bemoans the lack of justice during the reigns of many of the later kings of Judea, with Perek 23, which describes the perfect justice that will prevail during the reign of Moshiach. Rabbi David includes the Rambam’s discussion of the ideal Jewish king, and compares similarities between this chapter and chapter 16 in Sefer Yirmiyahu.
Varying Levels of Prophesy
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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.
Kindness
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Selichot: Keys to Forgiveness, Part II
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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.
Mishnayot Pesachim, Perek Nine
Posted onIn this shiur (Torah class) Rabbi Reichman discusses the ninth perek of Mishnayot Pesachim as a zchut for a complete and speedy recovery for Naftali ben Gila, Shimon Yechiel ben Tirtza, and Nadav ben Hadassa, who were critically wounded in the attack in Yeshivat Merkaz HaRav, Rosh Chodesh Adar bet 5768
Sewing Situations: Tofer Demonstrations, Part 2
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In this Torah shiur (class) on the practical applications of Hilchot Shabbat, Rabbi Shimon Isaacson relates more examples of the Melacha (prohibited activity) of Tofer (sewing). This class utilizes actual items that one may want to attach to each other on Shabbat, and discusses permitted and prohibited methods of doing so.
Muktza, Part 8: Basis
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In this Torah shiur (class) on the laws of Shabbat, Rabbi Shimon Isaacson continues his overview of the laws of Muktza. Rabbi Isaacson introduces the concept of ‘basis l’davar ha’assur,’ a base on which one puts an object that it muktza machmat gufo.
Perakim 14 & 15: Menashe’s Legacy
Posted onIn 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.
The Heritage of the Kings of David
Posted onIn 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.
Prophetic Actions
Posted onIn 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.
Selichot: Keys to Forgiveness, Part I
Posted onIn 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
The Path Of God
Posted onIn this class (shiur) Rabbi Hershel Reichman continues to teach Jewish Parenting.
Sefirat HaOmer: Striking a Balance
Posted onIn this shiur (Torah class) on Sefirat HaOmer, Mrs. Shira Smiles delves into the commentaries that speak about the death of Rabbi Avkiva’s students, thereby getting a sense of the depth and breadth of Torah.
Mishnayot Brachot Perek Eight
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In this shiur (Torah class), Rabbi Hershel Reichman learns the eighth perek (chapter) of Mishnayot Brachot in memory and in the zechut of Naomi Sherr HY”D, who was killed in Mumbai, India.
Perek 126
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In his discussion Tehillim Perek 126, Rabbi Avishai David presents an exploration of Am Yisrael’s descent into Galus and their subsequent redemption
Mishnayot Pesachim, Perek Eight
Posted onIn this shiur (Torah class), Rabbi Hershel Reichman discusses the eighth perek of Mishnayot Pesachim in memory of Neria ben Yitzchak Cohen, who lost his life during the terror attack on Yeshivat Merkaz Harav.
The Essence of Purim
Posted onMrs. Shira Smiles addresses the question: What is Purim all about?
Between Man and Man
Posted onThe last five Commandments all deal with man’s relationship to his fellow man. Yet a deeper look into these commandments reveals an outlook on the divinity found in every person and situation.
The Seder: Lessons Learned from Lavan
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In this Torah shiur (class) about Passover (Pesach), Mrs. Shira Smiles talks about the Maggid section of the Hagaddah, specifically the section which speaks about Lavan and his role in the history of the Jewish people.
The 3 Pillars on Which the World Stands
Posted onIn this Torah Rabbi Yitzchak Cohen dicusses the 3 Pillars on which the worl is standing from the Sefer Avos D’Rabbi Nosson
Secrets of Shalom Bayit for Women
Posted onIn this Torah class (shiur) on Shalom Bayit, Rabbi Beinish Ginsburg talks about each woman’s role in creating marital harmony.
Beginning Zecharia
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Rabbi Hanoch Teller begins to explain the difficult prophesy of Zecharia HaNavi.
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.
Rejuvenating Our Bond
Posted onRabbi Moshe Weinberger continues learning the ma’amar of the Alter Rebbe, Atem Nitzavim. This segment primarily focuses on various aspects of Rosh Hashana, yet its essential teachings are applicable in all times of the year.
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.
Succot: Unity Underscored
Posted onMrs. Shira Smiles examines the connection between Succot and the previous holidays of Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur. Mrs. Smiles also speaks about the idea that Succot is the time of our rejoicing.
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’.
Parshat Behar-Bechukotai: Every Person Counts
Posted onRabbi Hanoch Teller talks about the combined parsha, Parshat Behar-Bechukotai. Rabbi Teller discusses the Torah perspective on the manner in which we view and act towards other people.