Hilchot Shabbat

Sewing Science: Tofer/Korei’a Demonstrations part 3

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This video is class of 25 in the series Shabbat Scenarios.

In this Torah shiur (class) on the practical applications of Hilchot Shabbat, Rabbi Shimon Isaacson discusses more practical examples of the Melacha (prohibited activity) of Korei’a (tearing), the flip-side of the Melacha of Tofer (sewing). This class utilizes actual items that one may want to tear on Shabbat for a constructive purpose, and discusses permitted and prohibited methods of doing so.

Tehillim

Obligation for Praise

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This video is class of 18 in the series Tehillim VII.

In 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.

Sefirah

Dimensions of Sefirat HaOmer

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This video is class of 62 in the series Greatest of Gifts: Sefirat HaOmer and Shavuot.

In this class, Mrs. Shira Smiles discusses that we cannot get caught up only in the technical requirements of counting each night of the Omer and the customs of mourning during this time. Sefirat Haomer is a time for spiritual accounting in preparation for receiving the Torah, specifically in the areas of loving one’s fellow man and increasing our consciousness of G-d.

Yirmiyahu

Perek 23: The Ideal King

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

In 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.

Yirmiyahu

Perakim 14 & 15: Menashe’s Legacy

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This video is class 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.

Tanach

Perek 148, Part 1

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

In 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.

Understanding Prophecy

Prophetic Actions

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This video is class 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.

Tanach

Gratitude and Subservience

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This video is class of 18 in the series Tehillim VII.

In 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

Tanach

Perek 80, Part 2: A Nation Under Attack

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This video is class 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’.