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...

Ramban on the Torah | 37 | Pekudei, by Rav Eli Weber

Why does the Torah repeat the fact that the Mishkan was built as Moshe was commanded? Why does the Torah tell us how the golden thread was made? What is the meaning of the means of a mitzva? 

Ramban on the Torah | 38 | Vayikra, by Rav Eli Weber

What is the purpose of Chumash Vayikra?  What is the meaning of the Korbanot? Why does the mitzvah of Zachor exist?

Zakhor | Who Is Responsible For Eradicating Amalek? by Rav Yitzchak Etshalom

אמחה or תמחה?

Upon the successful completion of the war against Amalek, led by Yehoshua and directed by Moshe, Hashem commands Moshe to "write this for a memorial in the (a?) scroll and place it in the ears of Yehoshua, for I will utterly wipe out the memory of Amalek..." These two odd phrases - "כתב זאת זכרון בספר" and the unmatched "שים באזני יהושע" themselves beg for clarification; yet the clear contradiction between the declaration "I will utterly wipe out the memory of Amalek" _ מחה אמחה את זכר עמלק - and the command in Devarim 25: "You shall utterly wipe out the memory of Amalek" - תמחה את זכר עמלק - requires resolution. We examine both the contradiction, as well as the two odd phrases - and our exploration leads us to observing a development in the relationship between Bnei Yisrael and Hashem during the years in the desert.

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Ramban on the Torah | 54 | Devarim, by Rav Eli Weber

Why are some mitzvot only written down in Sefer Devarim? What do the Meraglim have to do with Moshe not entering Eretz Israel? Why does Hashem make the goyim fear Am Israel?

Pekudei | On the First Day: The Commemorative Function of the Mishkan, by Rav Yitzchak Etshalom

Why was the Mishkan's inauguration commanded to take place on Rosh Chodesh of the first month (Nissan)?

As Sefer Shemot moves towards its festive conclusion, Moshe is commanded to raise up the Mishkan on the "First day of the first month" - language reminiscent of the beginning of this long journey, back in Egypt, when Bnei Yisrael were given their first communal command - "החדש הזה לכם ראש חדשים, ראשון הוא לכם". We explore the various assumed and explicitly stated purposes of the Mishkan and raise an additional possibility, based on a careful read of the first series of verses in the last chapter of Shemot.

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Purim | Hiding in Plain Sight, by Rav Dovid Gottlieb

The magic and miracle of Purim.

A shiur in practical halakha given at Kehillat Haela, Ramat Beit Shemesh, on March 6th, 2024. 

Israel at War: Faith in War Time. Episode 4 in Conversations with Rabbanit Esti Rosenberg and Dr. Tovah Lichtenstein

Swords of Iron Day 153 | In this episode, Rabbanit Esti Rosenberg and her mother Dr. Tovah Lichtenstein discuss what it means to have faith in God in times of crisis, and they don't shy away from big questions: Is it reasonable to ask what God wants from us? Do we have the right to be angry with God, whose ways are always just? They consider the ways in which Israel may have contributed to the current crisis, and how we can grow through confronting difficulties. They note how different generations grapple differently with faith challenges. Dr. Lichtenstein explains Rav Soloveitchik's approach to evil, and they conclude with the importance of blessing God even during hard times.

*This podcast was created thanks to the Arev Fund's generous support.

Ramban On The Torah | 36 | Vayakhel, by Rav Eli Weber

Why does Moshe gather all of Am Israel? What is the relationship between the Mishkan and Shabbat? What is the difference between "נשאו ליבו" and "נדבה רוחו" ? Why is it important that Bnei Yisrael brought more than was needed for the Mishkan?

A Tale of Two Adars, by Rav Yitzchak Etshalom

Why do we delay celebrating Purim until Adar Sheini? 

The Mishna in Megila addresses the circumstance where after fully celebrating Purim, the Beit-Din decided to add another month to the year; although the Tosefta records a dissenting opinion, the Mishna rules (and such is the Halakha) that the Megila must be re-read in the "added" Adar - as well as the special Parashot that are read in Adar (Shekalim, Zakhor etc.). To wit, (virtually) all of the Mitzvot unique to Adar may only be fulfilled in Adar Sheini. We explore the Bavli and Yerushalmi's discussion of the various opinions and the rationale provided for ruling in accord with רשב"ג - that the Megila must be read in the Adar that is proximate to Nisan. We discover a curious explanation in the Yerushalmi, along with an innovative understanding of the impact of "מסמך גאולה לגאולה" - keeping the celebration of the redemption from Haman as close as possible the celebration of the Exodus.

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Ki Tisa | What Was Written On the Second Set of Tablets? by Rav Yitzchak Etshalom

After Moshe breaks the Luchot - which, until that point, were only referred to as לוחות העדות ("Tablets of Testimony") - Hashem commands him to carve out new ones and Hashem states that He will write on these newly hewn tablets "the words which were on the first tablets which you broke." Later on in the narrative, there is some confusion as to who (or Who) is to write, what is to be written and where it is to be written. We examine all of the possibilities, find a curious and innovative understanding in the commentary of the Netzi"v and then, building on that, propose a novel suggestion as to what was written on the לוחות השניות - and why, only after this point, are they called לוחות הברית - The Tablets of the Covenant.

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Ramban On The Torah | 35 | Ki Tisa, by Rav Eli Weber

How did the number of Bnei Yisrael stay the same in both censuses? What is the meaning of the Egel?

Non-Jewish Fashion and Culture, by Rav Dovid Gottlieb

Where do you draw the line?

A shiur in practical halakha given at Kehillat Haela, Ramat Beit Shemesh, on Feb 28th, 2024. 

What is Tzni'ut? Sichat mussar by Rav Moshe Taragin

(Hint: It's not only for women and not only how you dress)

Is social media killing tzni'ut? Is it diminishing self-esteem?

Israel at War: Tefilla in Challenging Times. Episode 3 in Conversations with Rabbanit Esti Rosenberg and Dr. Tovah Lichtenstein

Day 139 | In this episode, Rabbanit Esti Rosenberg and Dr. Tovah Lichtenstein discuss their deep connection to prayer during this war, Swords of Iron. They share where they have found meaning and inspiration and explore how words of familiar tefillot can take on different significance in the current context and give us strength. We also hear about some less recited passages which can be uplifting sources of support and hope during these challenging times. *This podcast was created thanks to the Arev Fund's generous support.

 Amos | The Opening Oracles Against the Nations, by Rav Yitzchak Etshalom

Many of our literary prophets issued rebukes, warnings and dire threats against the nations surrounding Israel and Amos's opening chapters are often cited as the paradigm for this genre of prophetic oratory. Yet, a closer look at these prophecies and their setting reveals that Amos, who indeed coined a significant number of prophetic stylings and nuances, had a different agenda in presenting these oracles to his Israelite audience. This shiur was given as part of Michlelet Herzog's ימי עיון בתנ"ך.

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Tetzaveh | The Strange Placement of the Golden Altar, by Rav Yitzchak Etshalom

Why is the מזבח הקטורת commanded separately - and much later - than all of the other כלים of the משכן?

After the detailed prescriptions for the construction of the Mishkan and its appurtenances, the Torah describes a lengthy and step-by-step inauguration ceremony for the Kohanim. Only after that is completed, the Torah identifies, describes and locates the final vessel - the golden altar, exclusively to be used for incense, which is to be placed between the Shulchan and the Menorah inside the Kodesh. We echo the question of numerous commentators - why weren't these prescriptions, including material, dimensions and location presented along with the other 'inner-vessels" at the beginning of the Mishkan-commands? Taking a panoramic look at the entire series of commands relating to the Mishkan, we identify several key phrases that may help us understand not only the "delayed command" but also some of its nuances as well as the commands that follow it in completing the Mitzvot of the construction of the Mishkan.

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Ramban On The Torah | 34 | Tetzaveh, by Rav Eli Weber

What is the meaning of the mishkan? How does God dwell among us? What is the meaning of Mizbeiach Haketoret? 

On the Importance of Friendship, by Rav Dovid Gottlieb

Torah sources supporting the "secular" roles of friendship, as well as the "religious" benefits. Bookended by two mishnayot in Pirkei Avot.

A shiur in practical halakha given at Kehillat Haela, Ramat Beit Shemesh. 

Teruma | Just a Vav: Rashi and Textual Criticism, by Rav Yitzchak Etshalom

Why is Rashi explaining a "Vav" that isn't there? (Shemot 25:22). 

Rashi's comment on Shemot 25:22, explaining the letter "vav" in the word ואת as being superfluous, has raised eyebrows over the centuries...since in our Sifrei Torah, the word is את, without a Vav. We identify other Rishonim who apparently had that reading in their text of the Torah and then review those supercommentaries of Rashi who addressed this unusual note. This leads us to a discussion of the phenomenon of textual variants in Tanakh and the fact that it is not an isolated phenomenon; we see examples of this in the manner in which Biblical texts are quoted in Chazal as well as the well-known story of the three Sifrei Torah found in the Azara, each of which had one unique feature relative to the other two, leading the Chakhamim to favor the two over the one. The unexpected result was that each of these scrolls was ultimately judged to be invalid. 

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Ramban On The Torah | 33 | Teruma, by Rav Eli Weber

How can we explain the order of the parashot? What is the purpose of the Mishkan?

Mishpatim | A Thought on the Parasha, by Rabbi Aharon Lopiansky, followed by Q+A with the overseas talmidim

Rabbi Aharon Lopiansky is the Rosh HaYeshiva of the Yeshiva of Greater Washington – Tiferes Gedaliah, accepting the position in July of 2014. He studied and received rabbinic ordination from the Mir Yeshiva of Jerusalem. In Israel, Rabbi Lopiansky taught at Aish HaTorah from 1983-1990, and then taught at the Mir for five years before assuming the post of Rosh Yeshiva of the Yeshiva Gedolah of YGW in 1995. 

Thank you so much for taking the time to speak with our overseas talmidim.

Mishpatim | The Hebrew Maidservant and Marital Obligations, by Rav Yitzchak Etshalom

Why does האמה העבריה serve as the source for a husband's obligations towards his wife? 

The second entry into the Law Code (Parashat Mishpatim) is the law of the Hebrew maid - האמה העבריה. In a surprising twist, the rules governing her proper treatment serve as the basis for the Torah's mandated obligations of husband to wife. We explore the text and attendant Midrash Halakha, in both Mekhiltot and both Talmudim, continuing with a survey of the Rishonim. After a brief tangential excursus about the methodology of P'shat study of legal passages, we revisit the five verses that make up this Parasha and propose a novel reading of the text with several surprising results.

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Ramban On The Torah | 32 | Mishpatim, by Rav Eli Weber

Why are the judges called "Elohim"? What is the meaning of "An eye for an eye"? Why does the Torah protect the Gerim specifically?

Ramban On The Torah | 31 | Yitro, by Rav Eli Weber

Is there "mukdam and meuchar" in the Torah? What is the mitzva in the pasuk "Anochi Hashem E-lokecha"? Did God tell us all ten commandments or only the first two?

Israel at War: New Identities, Equilibriums and Dynamics

In this episode, Rabbanit Esti Rosenberg continues her conversation with her mother Dr. Tovah Lichtenstein. Their discussion is centered around the hostages and how we as a people can best connect to the pain of their families and help secure their release. They address the question of what it means to be a religious Israeli today and how the different parts of our identity inform our connections. Finally, they close with thoughts on what it will mean to establish new equilibriums and dynamics within a family structure and setting as soldiers begin to come home after months away on the front. *This podcast was created thanks to the Arev Fund's generous support.

9 BeAv | Text Study of Psalm 137 - על נהרות בבלת, by Rav Yitzchak Etshalom

When and why was על נהרות בבל composed? Psalm 137, the dirge of the Levi'im "at the waters of Babylon" is an intricate and multi-layered psalm that evokes a surprisingly hopeful and defiant message. (This session was held in Ramat Beit Shemesh; thank you to the Reichs for their hospitality.)

Israel at War: Milchemet Mitzva

In this episode, Rabbanlt Esti Rosenberg sits down with her mother, Dr. Tovah Lichtenstein, to discuss their feelings and thoughts surrounding the current war, Swords of Iron. They share their personal perspectives on what this war is about, the mix of emotions that people in Israel are experiencing and how the routine of daily life during these challenging times is being balanced and navigated. They also address some of the different realities and effects of this war from past wars in Israel and how as a country and a nation we can prepare ourselves to move forward from here in the best ways possible. *This podcast was created thanks to the Arev Fund's generous support.

Yitro | How Did We Get to the 6th of Sivan? by Rav Yitzchak Etshalom

How did Shavuot become Chag Matan Toratenu?

Our annual celebration of Matan Torah, on חג השבועות, has long been a conundrum. The festival is noted several times in each of the four chumashim that contain legal codes; it is called יום הביכורים, חג הקציר and חג השבועות - but at no point is it associated with a commemoration or anniversary of מתן תורה. How did the date - ו' סיון - become identified as the day of the Revelation at Sinai? Surprisingly, the answer may lie in a careful reading of the story of the מן and discerning the relationship between the מן, the שבת and מתן תורה. After presenting this novel approach to explaining the rabbinic assumption of ו' בסיון as זמן מתן תורתינו, we share a passage from the Book of Jubilees (part of the library of the Apocrypha) which seems to point to a connection between "the feast of weeks" and the covenant at Sinai.

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Asseret HaDibrot: False Testimony | Coveting, by Rav Dovid Gottlieb

Fifth of 5 shiuirim on what is arguably the single most important "unit" on mitzvot and values anywhere in the Torah!

Individually they are all fascinating and important - and as a unit you can really appreciate them.

Asseret HaDibrot: Adultery | Kidnappping, by Rav Dovid Gottlieb

Fourth of 5 shiuirim on what is arguably the single most important "unit" on mitzvot and values anywhere in the Torah!

Individually they are all fascinating and important - and as a unit you can really appreciate them.

Asseret HaDibrot: Honoring Parents | Murder, by Rav Dovid Gottlieb

Third of 5 shiuirim on what is arguably the single most important "unit" on mitzvot and values anywhere in the Torah!

Individually they are all fascinating and important - and as a unit you can really appreciate them.

Asseret HaDibrot: Taking Hashem's Name in Vain | Shabbos, by Rav Dovid Gottlieb

Second of 5 shiuirim on what is arguably the single most important "unit" on mitzvot and values anywhere in the Torah!

Individually they are all fascinating and important - and as a unit you can really appreciate them.

Asseret HaDibrot: Belief in Hashem | Idolatry, by Rav Dovid Gottlieb

First of 5 shiuirim on what is arguably the single most important "unit" on mitzvot and values anywhere in the Torah!

Individually they are all fascinating and important - and as a unit you can really appreciate them.

Ramban On The Torah | 30 | Beshalach, by Rav Eli Weber

Why did God send us the long way if we were going to fight with Amalek anyway? What made Pharaoh chase us in the sea?

Tu Bishvat | Choni, the Carob and the Dream, by Rav Yitzchak Etshalom

How are the Choni legends - the long slumber, the carob tree and the rain-circle - related to each other? 

In honor of Tu biSh'vat, we explored the story of Honi HaMa'gil (or Hame'agel) and the various Aggadot associated with him, in the scholion of Megilat Ta'anit, the Mishna, Bavli and Yerushalmi - and in Josephus' Antiquities. In our survey we noted that these narratives had a number of conflicting details. We discussed how to address differing narratives about what seems to be the same event and proposed several strategies for resolving these discrepancies. The shiur was given at GPATS (Graduate Program for Advanced Talmudic Studies) at Stern College for Women.

Bo | The Four Parashot of Tefillin, by Rav Yitzchak Etshalom

KeNegged arba'a tefillin dibra Torah. What is unique about each of the four Parashot of Tefillin?

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The "Sin of the Spies" and Tish'a BeAv, by Rav Yitzchak Etshalom

By analyzing the accounts in both Shelach and Devarim, we will assess the connection between these two events?

Chazal, in a famous Aggada (at the end of Masekhet Ta'anit) generate a calendar in order to "time" the arrival of the scouts at the camp on the afternoon of the 8th of Av so that the weeping "that night" coincides with Tish'a BeAv. The connection between these two events, along with the commands (mentioned at the beginning of Devarim) that we are not to conquer "the land of the children of Lot" is assessed.

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Ramban On The Torah | 29 | Bo, by Rav Eli Weber

What really happened in Makkat Choshekh? What is the mitzva of "החודש הזה לכם ראש חודשים"? 

Women and Kaddish, by Rav Dovid Gottlieb

"Why can't I say kaddish like my brother?" Or can she??

Kiddush: Principles and Practical Applications | 2, by Rav Dovid Gottlieb

3rd part in a series on The Sanctity of Shabbat, combining questions of both philosophy and halakha. Shiur given to the weekly women's group in Kehilat Ha'Ela.

Topics discussed include: grape juice vs wine, whisky, who has to drink, plastic cups and more