Explore every episode of the podcast R Yitzchak Shifman Torah Classes

The Torah prohibits wearing items and engaging in activities that are unique to the opposite gender. This becomes an important baseline principle for our holy nation.

Devarim Rabba (Ki Tetzeh) 6:8- How can we recognize, to correct, personal faults? The issue of showing tzara'at to relatives and it's initial causations imply a lesson that can assist with this issue.

Ohr HaChaim explains the reference in the pesukim to ones battle with the yetzer hara, the pitfalls and the only way to overcome them.

An important message about caring for others to bzH succeed in having a successful Elul

Gemara Shabbat 118a-b, Devarim Rabba (Re'eh) 4:11- discrepancy between the determining borders of the land and resolution based on tile periods.

Eretz Yisrael is a land whose stones are iron. This is explained as a reference to the people whose character helps build it..

Does keeping the Torah cause us to appear intelligent or foolish in the eyes of the nations?

Devarim Rabba (Va'etchanan) 2:8- Moshe attempts to argue that he should enter Eretz Yisrael, but to no avail.

Why is the generation who would enter Eretz Yisrael rebuked about the wrongdoings of their forebearers?

Gemara Erachin 16b, Devarim Rabba (Devarim) 1:4,5- who is qualified to give rebuke and importance of using lived experiences in the service of Hashem

When considering if a breakaway is appropriate or not, one could look at the story of b'nei Reuven v'Gad for a historical lesson.

Bamidbar Rabba (Matot) 22:7,8- within the storyline of b'nei Reuven v'Gad there is an issue of perspective about money, and a great lesson in usage of our "gifts".

While the word is used in association with the gentle Aharon, it is also used with the "aggressive" Pinchas. What is it's true definition and reality?

Bamidbar Rabba (Pinchas) 21:1- like his grandfather Aharon, albeit with a different approach, Pinchas promoted peace.

Based on Rambam it is difficult to understand how a wicked person like Bilam could receive prophecy, let alone akin to that of Moshe Rabbeinu. Kli Yakar explains a wonderful approach to clarify this, but we do leave off with a remaining question.

The Torah's warning to not follow in the destructive ways of Korach and his assembly is a practical lesson in productive and destructive behaviors, and the approach to appropriate and inappropriate conflicts.

Bamidbar Rabba (Chukat) 19:25- a hidden storyline about a great miracle akin to kriat yam suf, that occured in year 40 of the sojourn.

The basis for the upheaval of Korach and his assembly is quite unclear, and this is further complicated with Chazal's definition as an argument of "Korach and his assembly".

Bamidbar Rabba (Korach) 18:4- Korach incited a rebellion against Moshe, resulting in total destruction.

The changing perspectives of the Jews in the desert requires some explanation.

The message to Aharon regarding the menorah and the inauguration of the nesi'im highlights the proper intent in serving Hashem.

Midrash Tanchuma, Parshat Beha'alotecha Siman 5- The service given to Aharon highlights a second step in the proper intent necessary in Hashem's service, following the event of the korbanot of the nesi'im.

The Torah teaches a story that gave way to a mitzva, and highlights it's importance as well.

Backstory for the unique law of pesach sheini

Bamidbar Rabba (Baha'alotecha) 15:20- the mark of leadership is the acceptance of suffering on behalf of the people

The sotah is rewarded if she is indeed innocent from infidelity, and this theme is repeated elsewhere. The question is why reward the sinner for their suffering?

Various explanations clarifying the reason a sotah would receive a blessing upon being proven innocent.

Bamidbar Rabba (Nasso) 9:1- Hashem will publicize the sins of those who think that He does not know.

Lessons derived from the fact that the Torah arranges the sections of Nazir and Sotah next to each other.

Bamidbar Rabba (Nasso) 7:1, Vayikra Rabba (Metzora) 18:4- parallel of the sending out of the impure from the camp and the healing that occured at Mt Sinai

A history book, a book of mitzvot... not exactly.

The prohibition of ona'as devarim and the related laws

Rabbi Janowski Shlita

Rabbi Janowski Shlita

Chinuch Mitzva 338, Gemara Shabbat 88b- the terrible sin of "ona'at devarim" and the ways to react to being insulted

Two types of prohibitions of abuse of a fellow Jew: financial and verbal.

Gemara Ketuvot 67b-68a, Vayikra Rabba (Behar) 34:10- eight levels of ways to give charity and the appreciation we should have for the fakers who ask for money despite not needing it.

Discussion of redemption of the peter chamor with its equivalent value and not sheep

The backstory of this figure makes the story all the more tragic.

An analysis of the events leading up to this serious aveira begs further explanation.

Vayikra Rabba (Emor) 26:9, Gemara Taanit 16a- the Torah values the physicality of a person, and directs it's usage in the appropriate ways.

Debate between Rambam and Ramban regarding potential reasons for the prohibitions of relations with the arayot

Analysis of the debate between Rambam and Ramban regarding the potential reasons for the prohibitions of the forbidden relationships

Debate between Rashi and Ramban in the way of becoming "holy"

The mitzva of brit mila teaches an important lesson about self-developement

2 sections- basis for swearing and paying for lost machatzis hashekel (messenger/giver), when have 2 sets of coins (lost, repaid, then found) the usage of each

2 sections- basis for swearing and paying for lost machatzit hashekel (messenger/giver), when have 2 sets of coins (lost, repaid, then found) the usage of each

1 section- when transporting the half-shekels from cities to Mikdash the monies were converted into larger currency for ease of carrying, there were "shofros" for paying the half shekel, distinction if delivery person claimed it was stolen/lost before or after the drawing from the lishka (1 Nissan)

1 section- when transporting the half-shekels from cities to Mikdash the monies were converted into larger currency for ease of carrying, there were "shofrot" for paying the half shekel, distinction if delivery person claimed it was stolen/lost before or after the drawing from the lishka (1 Nissan)

2 sections- interdependency of divisions of estates regarding laws of maaser beheima and kolbon, debate regarding usages of the kolbon