Parasha with dAvId Saltzman

See source here In this shiur, we explore the biblical genealogy of Noach's descendants as outlined in Parshat Noach, focusing on the dispersion of nations and the linguistic divisions that followed the flood. Various commentators examine how Eber prophesied through the naming of his sons, specifically Peleg, whose name signifies a period when lifespans shortened and the earth was divided, and...

Shiur Sources here This shiur explores the meaning and moral implications of the enigmatic בְנֵי הָאֱלֹהִים and their interactions with humanity. Commentators offer contrasting interpretations, with some viewing these figures as celestial beings or fallen angels, while others identify them as earthly rulers, judges, or descendants of Seth. Building upon these viewpoints, the sources examine how so...

In this shiur, we analyze the term "Morashah" as it appears in the contexts of the Torah and the Land of Israel. Commentators distinguish between a standard inheritance and a Morashah, suggesting that while the Torah belongs to all of Israel, it requires continuous effort and merit rather than being a passive gift. Some interpretations use the wordplay of "Me'orasah" (betro...

This shiur examines the final moments of Moshe as he surveyed the Promised Land from Mount Nebo before his death. Commentators discuss why God granted him this vision, suggesting it was to confirm the fulfillment of the divine oath to the Patriarchs or to offer Moses a supernatural glimpse of future Jewish history. The texts also address the unique nature of his passing, described as a "kiss&...

See source ⁠here ⁠ In this shiur, we chronicle the final moments of Moshe as he prepares Bnei Yisrael for his departure and their entry into Israel. Central to this transition is the appointment of Yehoshua, called Hoshea, as the new leader, ensuring continuity through divine encouragement and public validation.

Source sheet here In this shiur, we analyze the phrase "this day" from the book of Devarim to explain the profound relationship between the Jewish people and the divine commandments.

See sources here In this shiur, we examine the Torah's prohibitions regarding the nations of Ammon, Moab, and Amalek, focusing on the moral justifications for their exclusion and eventual destruction. The Ammonites and Moabites are condemned for their profound ingratitude and calculated cruelty, as they refused to provide basic sustenance to the Israelites and actively sought to curse them. Am...

Source sheet here In this shiur, we examine the prohibition of Bal Tashchit, which forbids the wanton destruction of fruit trees during a military siege. Various meforshim debate the meaning of the phrase "for man is a tree of the field," offering different interpretations of the relationship between humanity and nature.

See sources here In this shiur, we examine the Torah's mandate from Devarim 15 regarding the obligation to support the impoverished, specifically focusing on the prohibition against hardening one's heart as the Shmitah year approaches. The Chumash warns that economic status is a rotating wheel; since wealth is temporary, giving serves as a spiritual investment that invites Divine blessing...

In this shiur, we examine the multifaceted religious obligation to love God, exploring whether it is a literal emotional command or a metaphorical call to action. Traditional commentators debate whether this love is achieved through intellectual contemplation of the divine or through the joyous observance of commandments and personal sacrifice. Ultimately, the texts present love of the Divine as a...

See source here In this shiur we explore the biblical prohibitions of Bal Tosif and Bal Tigra, which forbid adding to or subtracting from the divine commandments. Historical examples involving Moshe, King Solomon, and the Spies illustrate how even well-intentioned "improvements" lead to spiritual failure and the corruption of the original command. Ultimately, the Netziv emphasizes that a...

Source Sheet Here הַסּוֹף נִכָּר כְּבָר בַּהַתְחָלָה In this shiur, we examine a specific detail in Moshe’s retelling of the spy narrative in Devarim, focusing on the disorderly manner in which the Jewish people approached him. The meforshim suggest that a group's initial behavior and methodology can predict the eventual outcome of its endeavors. By analyzing these opening moments, the texts o...

See sources here In this shiur, we analyze textual discrepancies regarding Aaron’s death and Beni Yisrael's travel routes in Bamidbar and Devarim.

In this shiur, we examine the command for Bnei Yisrael to treat the Midianites as enemies after the incident of moral and spiritual failure at Shittim. The meforshim investigate why Midian was targeted for destruction while Moab was spared. The laws show a hierarchy of harm, with spiritual subversion seen as the greatest existential threat to a nation's survival.

See source here In this shiur we examine the nuanced meaning of the word "Hamorim" and the nature of the sin committed by Moses and Aaron at the waters of Merivah. We explore meforshim like Rashi, the Midrash, Rambam and Shadal. We discuss whether the transgression was an act of unjustified anger, a lack of faith, or a failure to strictly follow divine instructions. Modern insights from...

In this shiur, we examine the various motivations and circumstances that fueled Korach’s rebellion against the leadership of Moshe and Aharon. The Meforshim depict the uprising as a complex intersection of theological disputes, geopolitical factors, and personal resentment.

See source here In this shiur, we examine the rare biblical term וַיַּעְפִּלוּ, a unique word used to describe the Israelites' defiant attempt to enter the Promised Land against divine decree. We connect these ancient "Ma’apilim" to the modern clandestine Jewish immigrants who risked their lives to reach the land of Israel.

This shiur examines why the laws of the menorah immediately follow the account of the korbanot of the Nessim in the Mishkan. Traditional commentaries, such as Midrash Tanhuma and Rashi, explain that Aaron felt distressed by his exclusion from the initial dedication, leading God to reassure him that his role in lighting the Menorah was of even greater spiritual significance. The Ramban expands on t...

This shiur examines the significance of the Mishkan's completion, focusing on the biblical phrase "on the day that Moshe finished." Commentaries highlight that while the entire nation contributed to the construction, Moshe received primary credit because of his total devotion to ensuring the structure matched the divine pattern. From the word כלת, this momentous day is framed as a spiritual marria...

See sources here The shiur explores holiness as a framework of distinct roles and boundaries within the Tabernacle service. While the Levites were chosen to support the Kohanim and represent the broader community, the text emphasizes that their sacred status is defined by adhering to specific duties rather than universal access. This structure prevents chaos caused by personal impulses, as illustr...

See source here We examine the deep connection between observing Shmittah and the Jewish people’s right to stay safely in the Land of Israel. Commentators explain that breaking these agricultural laws leads to exile, while following them faithfully guarantees both political security and physical prosperity. The Midrash Tanhuma illustrates a spiritual "downward spiral" where neglecting th...

See source here This shiur explores sanctifying and desecrating God’s name. A major theme is the definition of Kiddush Hashem, which ranges from performing commandments with excellence to the supreme act of martyrdom, where one must be willing to die rather than sin. Conversely, Chillul Hashem is described as a severe transgression involving intentional sin or behavior that leads others to view ho...

See source here In this shiur, we explore the complex significance of the Azazel goat ritual performed on Yom Kippur as described in Parashat Acharei Mot. Meforshim debate whether Azazel refers to a rugged geographical location or a demonic entity. Some connect the use of a goat to the atonement for the sale of Joseph, where his brothers famously used a goat's blood to deceive their father. Ul...

See source here This shiur explores the legal and spiritual connections between Jewish identity, the Land of Israel, and the religious duties of Birkat Hamazon. We examine how core themes like Torah study and the physical sign of the covenant are essential parts of the liturgy, as these elements are seen as the spiritual merits that justify the Jewish people’s inheritance of the land.

See source here We explore the significance of the "eighth day" transition from private divine revelation to communal religious service. Rashi, Ibn Ezra, and Rav Elchanan Samet debate the chronological timeline of the Tabernacle's inauguration The shiur emphasizes the mystical symbolism of the number eight, which represents a realm of supernatural sanctity that transcends the natural...