Explorations

Tanya Chapter Eight 30.11.2021 6:39 ↓

An exploration of the distinction between "treif" and "pareve" in the world.

Mitzvah #9: Eliminating Chometz on Erev Pesach (4:40) 29.11.2021 4:40 ↓

No chometz may remain in a Jew's possession starting at midday of Erev Pesach.  I explore this mitzvah's meaning. 

What we say and sing on Chanukah 28.11.2021 5:05 ↓

An exploration of how we should view the miracles of Chanukah through the lens of the brachos and songs we sing.

Feasting on Chanukah 26.11.2021 5:22 ↓

Is feasting on Chanukah a thing? I explore a spectrum of three answers to that question.

Yosef and Mrs. Potiphar 25.11.2021 5:32 ↓

Yosef's encounter with Mrs Potiphar can tell us a lot about the Jewish experience in America, especially (but not only) on Thanksgiving.

Yehoshua Chapter Nine 24.11.2021 7:25 ↓

A summary of an exploration of Yehoshua Chapter Nine: The Givoni Ruse

Tanya Chapter Seven 23.11.2021 7:34 ↓

This class summarizes Tanya Chapter Seven.  

Mitzvah #8: Leave no leftovers of the Korban Pesach 22.11.2021 4:13 ↓

Americans next week will be eating a lot of turkey leftovers. Yet the Torah did not allow any Korban Pesach leftovers. I explore why this is a Mitzvah.

Individual and Community Davening 21.11.2021 6:20 ↓

Why does the Chazzan repeat the whole Shmoneh Esrei??

Speech on Shabbos 19.11.2021 6:42 ↓

Exploring the value and meaning of talking (or not talking) on Shabbos. 

Shimon and Levi vs. Shechem - What happened? 19.11.2021 16:54 ↓

How should we understand the story of Shechem and Dina without squirming and apologizing? A longer-than-usual podcast that explores the story.

Yehoshua Chapter Eight 17.11.2021 7:02 ↓

The successful clever conquest of Ai, and the further fulfillment of Moshe's instructions re: Har Gerizim and Har Eival.

Tanya Chapter Six 16.11.2021 6:44 ↓

A summary of Tanya Chapter Six, which discusses the meaning of the term "Sitra Achra". the side that opposes Holiness.

Mitzvah #7: Not to eat the Korban Pesach undercooked or cooked in water. 15.11.2021 5:39 ↓

A summary and fascinating insight into Mitzvah #7,  not to eat the Korban Pesach undercooked or cooked in water.

Asher Kid'shanu B'Mitzvosav V'Tzivanu 14.11.2021 5:06 ↓

Exploring the meaning behind the words in the Bracha said when performing many Mitzvos.

Shabbos Foods 12.11.2021 6:41 ↓

A short exploration of the sanctity of some well-known Shabbos foods: Gefilte Fish, Kugel, and Cholent.

How to ideally process a Mitzvah. 11.11.2021 5:22 ↓

How does Yaakov receive Hashem's command to return home? How do Rachel and Leah take in Yaakov's message?

Yehoshua Chapter Seven 10.11.2021 5:59 ↓

Ai Ai Ai. Following their first victory at Yericho, the Jews experience their first defeat. Why? And how do they deal with it? 

Tanya Chapter Five 09.11.2021 5:44 ↓

Mitzvos express the neshama. But understanding Torah fuels, feeds, the neshama.

Mitzvah #6: Eating the Korban Pesach 08.11.2021 4:15 ↓

Mitzvah #6: Summarizing and offering insight on the Mitzvah to eat the Korban Pesach.

Melech HaOlam 07.11.2021 4:57 ↓

We say the words "Melech HaOlam" in almost all brochos. They are so important that a Bracha is considered halachically deficient if these words are skipped. What do they tell us?

Yitzchak as the middle-man 05.11.2021 4:24 ↓

What are Yitzchak's accomplishments? He is his father's son, and his sons' father.

Shalosh Seudos 05.11.2021 3:58 ↓

Winter is coming. And with it a most inconvenient meal, Shalosh Seudos. How can we reframe our perception of this meal and make it a holier experience?

Yehoshua Chapter Six 03.11.2021 5:38 ↓

The Miraculous conquest of Yericho

Tanya Chapter Four 03.11.2021 6:37 ↓

Coming into contact with God. by way of "Levushin", the garments of Thought, Speech, and Action