Deeper Look At The Parsha

From Munich 1938, to the JCPOA in 2015, to Parshat Balak, Rabbi Dunner explores how not being present can be devastating—or not, when divine intervention steps in as human diplomacy falls short. A powerful reflection on unseen protection, ancient patterns, and why absence doesn’t necessarily mean you’ve been forgotten.

In this eye-opening shiur, Rabbi Dunner explores how even one’s fiercest enemies can become unlikely allies — from Nazi officer Karl Plagge to the infamous biblical prophet Bilaam. Discover how curses turn into blessings, truth emerges from donkeys, and moral courage pierces the darkness. Parshat Balak has never felt more relevant — or more uplifting.

When Jewish children are expelled for objecting to a Hitler portrait, and music festival crowds chant “Death to the IDF,” it’s time to ask: is it still safe for Jews in the West? Rabbi Dunner draws a chilling parallel from Parshat Chukkat, reminding us what happens when polite requests are met with “You shall not pass.”

Why was Moshe punished so harshly for hitting a rock? In this gripping shiur, Rabbi Dunner unpacks the mystery of Mei Merivah, revealing layers of leadership, trauma, and divine expectation. Drawing on classical commentators, psychological insight, and historical parallels, this shiur offers a powerful reflection on how even the greatest leaders can falter—and what we can learn from it.

Zohran Mamdani’s rise may look like a progressive triumph, but Rabbi Dunner warns it’s a dangerous mirage. In this biting analysis, he exposes Mamdani as a modern-day Korach—charismatic, radical, and ultimately destructive. With sharp observation and Torah insight, Dunner calls out the populist façade threatening to turn New York into a city ruled by slogans, not solutions.

Israel’s strikes on Iran have exposed more than military vulnerabilities—they’ve revealed the deadly consequences of Iran’s religious zealotry. Drawing parallels with the biblical spies in Parshat Shlach and the doomed sectarians of Qumran, Rabbi Dunner explores how absolutist ideology—whether ancient or modern—is not the path to purity or righteousness, but rather to chaos and ruin.

Rabbi Dunner draws a haunting parallel between the leadership failures of 1914 and the Torah’s model of inspired, grassroots leadership, as found in Behaalotecha. From Edward Grey to Jean Jaurès to modern-day prophetic voices, he reminds us that true leaders empower others — and that ignoring the wisdom of those who know, from among the people, always leads to disaster.

In Gaza, Israel and America are upending the usual script, delivering food aid directly to the people and bypassing Hamas’s stranglehold. Yet the critics howl: “You’re weaponizing aid!” “You’re manipulating hunger!” Rabbi Dunner cites Parshat Nasso, where the nazir is described as breaking away from the crowd, refusing to play along. Sometimes doing what’s right—like feeding the hungry—means going...

Davis, CA, may look like a quiet, tree-lined college town — but beneath the surface lies a toxic brew of antisemitism and radical activism. In this firsthand account, Rabbi Dunner shares what he saw and heard during his visit to Davis — and what every Jew needs to understand about what’s really happening on American campuses. Bamidbar’s lessons have never been more urgent.

Why does the Torah fall silent for 38 years in the middle of Sefer Bamidbar? Rabbi Dunner explores this narrative mystery through classic commentaries, Midrashim, and the insights of Rabbi Jonathan Sacks. Discover how silence itself can speak volumes—and how a generation’s quiet transformation shaped the future of the Jewish people. Sometimes, the missing years tell the deepest story.

Two young Israeli diplomats were murdered in Washington, DC—targeted simply for being Jewish. Rabbi Dunner calls out the moral bankruptcy of those still defending anti-Israel hate and draws strength from Parshat Bechukotai. This is a time for clarity, courage, and faith—not fear. The Jewish people have been here before. With God's help, we will endure.

What if the land you live on isn’t just dirt—but a partner in your destiny? In Parshat Bechukotai, we discover that Eretz Yisrael responds to the moral and spiritual state of its people. Join Rabbi Dunner for a powerful journey through blessings, rebuke, Rav Kook, the Chazon Ish, and the land that never forgets.

In the wake of President Trump’s landmark visit to the Gulf, the illusion of Arab unity may finally be crumbling. From multi billion-dollar deals to diplomatic realignments, the Middle East is moving on from outdated identities. Rabbi Dunner explores this seismic shift—through politics, history, and Parshat Emor’s deeper lesson about letting go of pre-set identities and embracing a better future.

What do Speaker Mike Johnson’s pocketful of pebbles from the Valley of Elah and Senator Cory Booker’s emotional words about Joseph the dreamer have in common? In this powerful and personal reflection, Rabbi Dunner shares what happened when 300 rabbis and pastors came to Washington—and how Parshat Kedoshim reveals the secret to bringing holiness into the halls of power.

What if dreams aren’t fantasies, but glimpses of the future? Rabbi Dunner explores J.W. Dunne’s startling theory of “Serial Time,” Herzl’s visionary Zionism, and the prophetic message of Elisha. In a world that's ever more cynical, argues Rabbi Dunner, it's time to reclaim the power of belief — because sometimes, seeing isn’t believing… believing is seeing.

Rabbi Dunner reflects on his family's miraculous survival during the Holocaust and draws a powerful parallel to today’s world, where every Jew is a survivor — especially after October 7th. In this stirring piece, he urges us to recognize our responsibility: survival isn’t just luck, it’s a calling. We are all survivors — and we all have work to do.

A visit to the ruins of Shiloh and an ascent onto Temple Mount reveals a powerful truth for Rabbi Dunner: Jewish history isn’t just about the past—it’s a living legacy. In this stirring reflection on Parshat Shemini, Rabbi Dunner explores how ancient sites and sacred moments continue to shape our destiny, if only we choose to act, not just remember.

Why did Nadav and Avihu die? On the holiest day, in the holiest place, they brought an unauthorized fire—and were consumed by God’s fire. Were they arrogant? Were they drunk? Were they idealists? Rabbi Dunner’s shiur on Parshat Shemini explores the conflicting views of Chazal and the commentaries, the deeper message behind their deaths, and what Rav Kook’s response to the “strange fire” of moderni...

Zionist pioneer Nachum Sokolow secured support for a Jewish State from the Vatican—with nothing but words. Today, you too can support the Jewish State—with your vote. As Pesach approaches, the WZO election gives every Jew a voice in shaping Israel’s future. Our story didn’t end with the Exodus—and it won’t end now. Vote. Because our destiny—and Israel’s—still matters. To vote in the WZO elections,...

What happens when keeping strict halacha on Pesach becomes difficult — in war, under tyranny, or during spiritual crisis? From Roman legionaries to Soviet Jews, from Napoleon’s soldiers to early pioneers in Eretz Yisrael, Rabbi Dunner explores the challenges — and the halachic courage and compassion that have kept Jews connected to their heritage through Pesach, even when matzah was scarce.

When a handwritten note was found in the backpack of IDF soldier Hillel Nehemiah Ofen after hedied in training, its opening words—“Ani Shayach”—echoed louder than any headline. In Parshat Pekudei, we’re reminded that true belonging isn’t accidental. It’s built, soul by soul. Rabbi Dunner reflects on connection, identity, and the sacred spaces we create together

What do a bashful patent clerk named Albert Einstein, Apple’s Tim Cook, and a tiny letter in the Torah have in common? Rabbi Dunner connects the dots in this sharply observed reflection on humility, greatness, and why Moshe Rabbeinu made the first aleph in Vayikra so small. Spoiler alert: really great people don’t need to yell to make history.

Rabbi Dunner explores Thomas Jefferson’s passion for architecture and how his iconic home, Monticello, reflects the ideals of design and purpose. Drawing a parallel to the Mishkan in Parshat Vayakhel, he shows how built spaces — whether Monticello, the Mishkan, or the Temple in Jerusalem — were crafted to elevate the human spirit and create a lasting connection to the divine.

Rabbi Dunner explores the transformative power of community through the lens of Parshat Vayakhel. From the unified effort to build the Mishkan to the pivotal role of women in spiritual renewal, he uncovers timeless lessons on collaboration and purpose — culminating in the inspiring story of Sarah Schenirer, a modern-day architect of holiness, healing, and communal strength.

Join Rabbi Dunner for an eye-opening deep dive into the comedy of Tanach and Talmud! From Eliyahu Hanavi roasting the prophets of Baal to Ehud’s slapstick assassination of King Eglon, discover how humor, satire, and sarcasm are woven into Jewish tradition—not just for laughs, but for education and survival. Prepare to see Purim like never before.