BDJ Daily Torah

Rabbi Stein demonstrates how the Torah's guidance to the Jewish people following the traumatic loss of Aharon's sons, holds a lesson for our own troubled times.

Rabbi Stein begins a discussion of the laws regarding the counting of the Omer and the different views on reciting the blessing if you forgot to count.

Concluding his shiur on the bracha recited when seeing trees in bloom, Rabbi Kanefsky examines the passages that suggest the correct time for the blessing is limited.

Continuing his shiur on the blessing made over trees in bloom, Rabbi Kanefsky examines the dispute over the nature of the bracha, which trees are included, and when must the blessing be recited.

Continuing his examination of the lifecycle and life-and-death elements of Parshat Shmini, Rabbi Stein examines the spiritual meaning behind the prohibition of Lashon Hara - speaking ill of people.

Celebrating the 100th episode of BDJ DAILY TORAH, Rabbi Stein examines the rules of childbirth as outlined in Parshat Shmini.

As Spring takes hold, Rabbi Kanefsky begins a shiur on the laws regarding the special blessing that is recited upon seeing trees in bloom.

With help from BDJ member Abe Mezrich, Rabbi Stein shows how Parshat Shmini, and especially the loss of Aharon's sons, is a pivot point for the Torah, transitioning from the national to the personal.

Rabbi Stein explains how the sons of Aharon, Nadav and Avihu, were punished not only for what they did, but for what they failed to do.

Starting with a moving personal story, Guest Contributor Mark Rothman explains the double lesson of Pesach Sheni -  the second opportunity for everyone to fulfill an important commandment and be one with the larger community.

Rabbi Stein examines the origins of Pesach Sheni, and the lesson it teaches about commitment to G-d and HaShem's response.

Rabbi Stein examines the rules of Pesach's "Intermediate Days"  --  Chol HaMoed.

Guest Contributor Rabbi Adam Rosenthal elaborates on the lesson of inclusiveness found in the Pesach ceremonies.

Rabbi Kanefsky discusses the rules regarding the Counting of the Omer in the evenings, and whether it is a Biblical or Rabbinic requirement.

Guest Contributor Dr. Rena Selya Cohen examines the contrasts in the Pesach Torah readings, and derives the lessons drawn from combining the story of the Exodus with the agricultural offerings brought on the holiday.

Rabbi Kanefsky, quoting Seforno, shows how the collective work and contributions of the Jewish people in building the Mishkan helped bring about the presence of G-d in their midst.

Rabbi Stein elaborates on the three elements of Chametz removal: Search, Nullification and Destruction.

Rabbi Kanefsky explains why Moshe emphasizes that Aharon, who was at the center of the Golden Calf episode, nevertheless will serve as the Kohen Gadol.

Rabbi Stein brings different views of what the ceremonial Search for Chametz is designed to achieve.

Sarah Pincus discusses the significance of the use of matzah as part of the Korban Todah - the thanksgiving offering. Source sheet: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1pNZzhdjsyvc7JCDIaTe-kgDgVpEEl4IS45VU3d_N7Ic/edit?tab=t.tao9akhglx73

Rabbi Stein examines the true nature of the animal sacrifices brought in the Mishkan.

Is it necessary to wait 24 hours before using the highest setting to kasher an oven for Passover? Rabbi Kanefsky examines the laws and the customs.

Sarah Pincus explores Rashi's depiction of G-d as a "third partner" in several person-to-person transactions.   Source Sheet: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1OvOK79T5zcIwGEx1xWzlloi_7VcOAwSifVyEmAgWr7c/edit?tab=t.tao9akhglx73

Rabbi Kanefsky delves into the details of the view that kashering an oven simply by turning on the highest setting is similar to boiling a vessel or utensil.

Rabbi Stein demonstrates how removing just one letter from the word "Vayikra" fundamentally redefines G-d's relationship with Man.