KMTT - the Torah Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

Reeh | Ish haYashar beEinav | Revisiting a Biblical Conundrum, by Rav Yitzchak Etshalom

What did Moshe mean when he said "that which is right in each man's eyes" in reference to the Mikdash?

Moshe Rabbenu, in describing the difference between the sacral worship in the desert and that which the people are imminently going to practice once they enter the Land, uses an odd phrase - "You shall not do after all the things that we do here this day, every man whatever is right in his own eyes". We explore the various ways in which this phrase was understood by the Rishonim and, inspired by a comment in the  Pesikta Zutrata (Lekah Tov), use the parallel phrase at the end of Sefer Shoftim for a deeper understanding of the role of the Mikdash and its association with justice and proper behavior in the Land.

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Ramban on the Torah | 57 | Reeh, by Rav Eli Weber

What is the role of the navi?

Eicha | "Cheit Chat'a Yerushalayim" by Rav Dovid Gottlieb

On the power and potential of our actions

Chazal seem to emphasize that we - the Jewish people - are uniquely responsible for our actions and their impact on the events of history - how do we understand this and why is it fair?

Haggada Highlights and Pesach Insights, by Rav Dovid Gottlieb

10 great ideas for the Seder and throughout Pesach, Women's Halacha Shiur at Kehillat Haela (RBS)

Can You Invite Non-Religious Guests for Shabbat or Yom Tov Meals?? by Rav Dovid Gottlieb

In the last shiur we saw 16! different possible mitzvot when relating to non-frum Jews. Today we will discuss invitations, especially relevant as we are coming upon the Pesach Seder. 

Most people have non-Orthodox relatives and/or co-workers - can you invite them for a Shabbat meal or to the Seder if you know that they will drive? What responsibility do we have for other people's sins?

Shemini | Who Are "Those Who Are Close To Me"? by Rav Yitzchak Etshalom

What did Moshe mean when he said הוא אשר דבר השם בקרובי אקדש?

The dramatic and climactic narrative of the "Eighth Day" is shattered by the tragic death of Nadav and Avihu, which is followed by Moshe's words (of consolation? encouragement?) to Aharon and then by the Divine command, given (for the only time) exclusively to Aharon, regarding the ban on entering the Mishkan while inebriated. The narrative then continues with the details of Aharon and his surviving sons and their continuing the special worship of the day. Moshe's words to Aharon are, however, a bit unclear - is he consoling him over the death of his sons or is there an even grander statement being made? We explore the statement through the eyes of the Sifra and Rashi, but then see a distinctly different approach suggested by Rashbam and R. Yosef Bekhor Shor.

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Ramban on the Torah | 40 | Shemini, by Rav Eli Weber

When does Moshe give Aharon a pep talk? When was Birkat Kohanim actually said? What was the sin of Nadav and Avihu?

Loving our Fellow Jews: The Obligations and Limits of Kiruv, by Rav Dovid Gottlieb

First in a series on our relationship with fellow Jews distant from yiddishkeit. What we are fortunate enough to experience, we forget is only relevant to a painful minority, even here in Israel.

A shiur in practical halakha given at Kehillat Haela, Ramat Beit Shemesh, on March 27th, 2024

Tzav |  What is Torat Ha-Olah? by Rav Yitzchak Etshalom

Why doesn't the opening section of Parashat Tzav actually talk about the korban ha-olah - even though it's titled zot torat ha-olah?

The first seven chapters of Vayikra are devoted to detailed instructions regarding the various קרבנות; the first five, which make up פרשת ויקרא, present nearly all of the offerings from the perspective of the donor, whereas the next two, which make up over half of פרשת צו, address the same range of קרבנות from the vantage point of the כהנים - the officiants. The opening פרשה in צו is titled "תורת העולה" yet it doesn't provide any further details about the קרבן העולה - but the subsequent פרשות all do present numerous details about the מנחה, about the חטאת etc. We explore the unique role of the קרבן עולה and its vital role in the ongoing sanctification of the altar as well as the continuous presence of השם in the משכן.

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Ramban on the Torah | 39 | Tzav, by Rav Eli Weber

How is Tzav different from Vayikra? Is Derekh Eretz a requirement or a suggestion? In what order did these parashot happen? And more...