Explore every episode of the podcast BDJ Daily Torah

Rabbi David Stein shows how the first commandment given to the Jewish people - "This Month Is For YOU!" -  also gives them ultimate responsibility for setting the calendar.

Clergy Fellow Sarah Pincus takes a close look at Rashi's less than sympathetic description of Moshe's reluctance to lead, and G-d's angry reaction.

Source Sheet: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1GMTPQ3u9h_BCfJZdI73e4CMdhyTks7ZFCOpM-lHrtKU/edit?usp=sharing

Guest Contributor Dr. Rena Selya Cohen examines the unique relationship between Moshe, Aharon and Miriam.

Rabbi Stein examines the true nature of Moshe's speech impediment 

Concluding his 5-part shiur on Scotch aged in sherry casks, Rabbi Stein looks at the role (if any) of laboratory studies in determining halacha, as well as the concepts of leniency and doubt when examining a Rabbinic prohibition.

Rabbi Stein looks at the inherent "namelessness" at the start of Shemot - The Book of Names - and heroic actions of the only people whose names are mentioned. 

Rabbi Stein continues examining the question of Scotch in sherry casks, giving the differing views on how much wine is actually absorbed into the barrel.

In her weekly Chumash class, Clergy Fellow Sarah Pincus examines Rashi's odd explanation of the phrase, "the king of Egypt died...and the people cried out."

Source Sheet  https://docs.google.com/document/d/1y_IV1ULe4blvKZQgFC2BvtovxSup5xcUEz5pVdTza0Q/edit?usp=sharing

In Part 3 of his shiur on alcoholic beverages, Rabbi Stein examines whether the laws of Bitul - nullification of minute amounts - would permit consumption of Scotch aged in barrels that once held non-kosher wine.

Continuing his shiur on alcoholic beverages, Rabbi Stein examines the laws regarding Scotch aged in sherry casks.

Rabbi Stein begins a weeklong series on the laws regarding wine, spirits and other beverages produced by Gentiles.

Rabbi Kanefsky concludes his examination of the rules that apply when two Brit Milahs are performed at the same time.

Rabbi Kanefsky looks at the different views on how to proceed with the Brit Milah ceremony for twin boys.

Rabbi Stein examines Rambam's teachings regarding the rules and purposes of public fast days.

Rabbi Stein discusses the significance of the special Torah reading on Asarah B'Tevet

Rabbi Stein continues his discussion of the laws of Asarah B'Tevet, which begins tomorrow morning.

Rabbi Stein discusses the laws for the upcoming Fast Day.

Rabbi Kanefsky explains the bizarre exchange between Jacob and Pharoah. 

Rabbi Kanefsky explores why Jacob did not believe his sons when they told him that Joseph was alive.

Rabbi Kanefsky explores the love and rebuke inherent in Joseph’s revelation to his brothers. 

Rabbi Stein explores the special rules governing the lighting of Hanukkah candles in the synagogue.

Rabbi Stein explores the meaning behind "Joseph recognized his brothers but they did not recognize him."

Rabbi Kanefsky explains why Joseph broke down and cried when his brothers admitted their guilt.

Rabbi Stein explores the strange behavior of Reuven, Joseph’s oldest brother.

Rabbi Stein examines why Joseph stayed in prison for two years.

Part 3 in Rabbi Stein's series on the laws of Hanukkah.

Rabbi Stein continues his shiurim on the laws of Hanukkah.

In this recent Chumash class, Clergy Fellow Sarah Pincus focuses on the story of Joseph going out to meet his brothers, and the "man" he encounters along the way.   

(Source Sheet:  Vayeshev__ Parsha Shiur 5786__BDJ.docx​  )

Rabbi Stein begins a series of shiurim on the laws of Hanukkah.

Sarah Pincus looks at the consequences faced by Jacob for not initially fulfilling the vows he made to G-d following his dream.

Source Sheet: 

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1KMlbt_JJ0g2OQamq1U9wVMTEMoTs4i_z7bhOzr47tPA/edit?usp=sharing

Sarah Pincus examines Rashi's treatment of the "deal" that Jacob made with G-d after experiencing his dream at Beit El.

Source Sheet:   https://docs.google.com/document/d/17dFRb0-IKa2svNgN4t1kE8iUcbsliGdHeEM_N4QmVOE/edit?usp=sharing

Sarah Pincus delves into Rashi's treatment of Esau and the Midrashic sources he utilizes to explain Esau's actions.

Source Sheet:  https://docs.google.com/document/d/1vZGeJc7U1FXKxKnFe6NZlxWasIob_u8U4lM5gRBj5zw/edit?usp=sharing

Sarah Pincus explores Rashi's treatment of G-d's visit to Abraham, and the three "men" who arrive at his tent.

Source Sheet:  https://docs.google.com/document/d/1bh0QODUizJ6zxY7RLi4zaM8B8_unrri8SP47xECP5o4/edit?usp=sharing

Clergy Fellow Sarah Pincus examines verses in Lech Lecha and discusses the circumstances under which Rashi chooses a Midrashic explanation.

Source Sheet:  https://docs.google.com/document/d/1nCeaZ6hAf3RO1_SJP7K5D3cQhHsDQOZuNs9eD7kIVEQ/edit?usp=sharing

Sarah Pincus delves deeper into Rashi's methodology as we examine verses in Bereishit and Noach

Source Sheet:   https://docs.google.com/document/d/1htV0LY2vT1V-ghOsh4Y1Gj3aQvvJ4y2InnF7AzRJ0zw/edit?usp=sharing

Clergy Fellow Sarah Pincus looks at Rashi's treatment of the passage: "He will bless himself in his heart, saying: ‘I will be safe though I will follow the desire of my heart, so that the watered will be added to the dry.'"

Source Sheet:

Nitzavim__ Parsha Shiur 5785__BDJ 1.docx

Clergy Fellow Sarah Pincus examines Rashi's treatment of the verse: "But G-d has not given you a heart to know, and eyes to see, and ears to hear, to this day."

Source Sheet: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1itHSePaWizdKc203QUMGKZruIxJEXSVYq6LkgEZCVf4/edit?usp=sharing

Clergy Fellow Sarah Pincus begins her weekly Chumash with Rashi class with an introduction to the various ways of understanding Rashi, plus a look at elements of Parshat Ki Teitzei

Source Sheets:  https://docs.google.com/document/d/1jhmmcL_KID-dw8lFGHzZpVynGlWItccXl09JmbpLkvc/edit?usp=sharing