Deeper Look At The Parsha

New York learned the hard way what happens when essential systems break down—once when the city drowned in garbage, and once when it plunged into darkness. Rabbi Dunner explores the eerie parallels between these moments of chaos in New York and the episode of the Golden Calf in Parshat Ki Tissa. What happens when leadership vanishes and order collapses? And why does it always take a crisis to real...

Self-driving cars, hospital diagnosis algorithms, and AI-controlled weapons—machines are making more decisions than ever. But can AI ever truly replace human judgment? Rabbi Dunner explores this question through the ancient lens of the Urim VeTummim, the Torah’s own decision-making tool. What does the Urim VeTummim teach us about the limits of non-human guidance? Why must some decisions always rem...

Universities were once bastions of knowledge and debate, but at Barnard College, masked agitators turned hallowed halls into arenas of intimidation. With drums, slogans, and violence, they demanded immunity for disrupting classes—while weak-willed administrators caved. When mob rule replaces reason, and expediency trumps principle, society suffers. Rabbi Dunner exposes the rot undermining our temp...

Hamas’s latest act of depravity wasn’t about returning hostage remains—it was a grotesque spectacle of cruelty designed to inflict maximum pain. Rabbi Dunner contrasts radical Islam’s disregard for human life with Judaism’s deep commitment to human dignity. The time for moral clarity is now.

True kindness isn’t just about giving—it’s about giving without taking away dignity. In this powerful and thought-provoking shiur, Rabbi Dunner explores the Torah’s approach to tzedakah, revealing why an interest-free loan is the highest form of charity. With insights from Rabbi Sacks, Chassidic masters, and Mussar giants, this shiur will change the way you think about generosity, power, and respo...

Rabbi Dunner explores what it truly means to be “People of the Book,” reflecting on the Torah’s timeless mission to elevate and enlighten. Using the recent arrests of two East Jerusalem booksellers accused of incitement, he contrasts the Jewish commitment to using books for good with the misuse of books as tools of hatred. A compelling call to uphold the sacred power of the written word in a world...

Join Rabbi Dunner for a fascinating Tu Bishvat shiur exploring the deeper meaning behind the Sheva Minim—the seven species that symbolize Eretz Yisrael's bounty. Discover how wheat, barley, grapes, figs, pomegranates, olives, and dates represent profound spiritual lessons about identity, resilience, joy, and growth. Through Torah insights, mystical teachings, and practical reflections, Rabbi Dunne...

Rabbi Dunner dives into the explosive proposal unveiled by President Trump unveiled —an audacious vision for Gaza that has the world reeling. But is it really so radical? Rabbi Dunner explores Gaza’s deep Jewish roots, the prophetic warnings of its downfall, and the echoes of Samson’s final act. As history unfolds before our eyes, is this the moment to reclaim Gaza’s destiny?

It’s the most triumphant song in Jewish history—but hidden within Az Yashir in Parshat Beshalach are mysteries waiting to be unlocked. Why is the song written in a unique structure? Why does Moshe sing in the future tense? Why does Hashem remain silent in the face of evil? And what does Mi Kamocha Ba’eilim Hashem really mean? Join Rabbi Dunner as he uncovers the depth, drama, and destiny embedded...

For nearly eight decades, the house next door to Auschwitz—the former home of Nazi commandant Rudolf Höss—stood untouched, a silent witness to history’s darkest crimes. Now, thanks to Ambassador Mark D. Wallace, Elliott Broidy, and Dr. Thomas Kaplan, it is being transformed into a global center for combating antisemitism and extremism. Rabbi Pini Dunner explores how this initiative ensures history...

Rabbi Dunner explores the transformative power of renewal in this shiur on Parshat Bo. Why was the very first mitzvah given to the Jewish people the sanctification of the new moon? What does it teach us about time, destiny, and second chances? And how does the two-day Yom Tov tradition serve as a powerful reminder of what we once had—and what we can reclaim?

When religious leaders trade faith for politics, they don’t just lose credibility—they risk losing the very soul of what they are meant to represent. Rabbi Pini Dunner takes on Bishop Mariann Budde’s politically charged sermon at the National Cathedral, exposing a deeper trend within the Episcopal Church. From anti-Israel activism to clergy who reject God outright, what happens when religion is no...

Hamas calls every war a “victory,” no matter how much devastation they suffer. This time is no different—celebrations erupted in Gaza even as the rubble settled. But history tells a different story. In Shemot, Pharaoh refused to admit defeat, convinced that his defiance was power. In the end, he stood alone, and witnessed the wreckage of his own making. Rabbi Dunner shows how Hamas is following th...

As wildfires rage across Los Angeles County, leaving devastation and despair in their wake, one question looms: Why weren’t we better prepared? Rabbi Dunner examines the failure of California’s leadership to address predictable disasters and contrasts it with the timeless wisdom of Jacob in Parshat Vayechi. Discover how Jacob’s guidance to his children can inspire effective leadership in the face...

Rabbi Dunner draws a fascinating parallel between Joseph’s dramatic reconciliation with his brothers in Parshat Vayigash and post-World War II leadership. True leadership balances toughness with vision—turning enemies into allies rather than crushing them. With insights from Ramban and Sforno, Rabbi Dunner unpacks Joseph’s strategy of redemption over revenge, showing that the best way to win is ma...

Rabbi Dunner delves into the vexed legacy of the late Jimmy Carter—a decent man but a disastrous president. Carter’s well-meaning idealism often veered into dangerous naivety, enabling evil to flourish. From abandoning the Shah of Iran and empowering radical Islamists to legitimizing Hamas and labeling Israel as an “Apartheid” state, Carter’s self-proclaimed moral posturing left the world far more...

In this gripping shiur, Rabbi Dunner delves into the dramatic story of Chanukah. Drawing from Maccabees I and II, Josephus, and the Talmud, he unpacks the Jewish rebellion against Antiochus IV, the Maccabees' daring victories, and the miracle of the oil that defied logic. With insights into faith, resilience, and identity, Rabbi Dunner reveals why Chazal shifted the focus from swords to light—and...

Poland’s threat to arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu if he attends the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz is a disgraceful insult—not just to Netanyahu, but to Jews everywhere. Rabbi Dunner denounces the move as political hypocrisy and a betrayal of Holocaust memory. Drawing on the bravery of the Maccabees, he challenges Netanyahu to defy the threats, stand tall in Ausc...

Israel’s decision to close its embassy in Ireland underscores a troubling history of disproportionate criticism and hostility toward the Jewish state. From Éamon de Valera’s infamous actions during World War II to modern legislation targeting Israel, Ireland has consistently singled out Jews and Israel for condemnation while ignoring far graver injustices worldwide. Rabbi Dunner delves into the hi...

In this captivating shiur on Parshat Vayeishev, Rabbi Dunner explores the unique role of Yosef, the dreamer who bridges the gap between the patriarchs and the tribes of Israel. Through Yosef’s trials, leadership, and ultimate reconciliation with his brothers, we uncover profound lessons about the balance between engaging with the world and preserving our spiritual identity. Discover how Yosef’s st...

Bashar al-Assad’s dramatic fall this week mirrors the fates of countless despots whose fleeting power left only ruins behind. From the erratic Al-Hakim bi-Amr Allah to the complacent Al-Musta’sim, and even the tragic Boabdil of Granada, history is strewn with leaders who seemed mighty but were ultimately forgotten. Rabbi Dunner delves into the Torah’s portrayal of Esav’s descendants to uncover a p...

What’s the deal with Yaakov’s mysterious midnight wrestling match? A man, an angel, Esav’s guardian spirit—who was it, and why did the epic struggle end with Yaakov limping and renamed Yisrael? Rabbi Dunner's shiur dives into one of the Torah’s most puzzling encounters, unraveling layers of meaning with insights from the Ramban, Maharal, the Izhbitzer, and others. Discover how this bizarre struggl...

Ants embody the power of adaptability and collective responsibility, offering timeless lessons for human behavior. Rabbi Dunner explores the wisdom of Proverbs and the Talmud, drawing parallels to the challenges facing Israel’s Haredi community. With insights from Jacob’s journey in Parshat Vayeitzei, he argues for individual initiative and embracing change without compromising tradition, highligh...

Struggling to find your purpose? Rabbi Dunner dives into Parshat Toldot and the timeless lessons of Yaakov and Esav. Discover why some people seem destined for greatness while others wrestle with inner conflict. Learn how modern psychology supports ancient Torah insights. With humor, clever insights, inspiring stories, and a fresh take on self-help, this shiur will leave you with practical tools t...

Rabbi Dunner explores the timeless allure of greed and duplicity through captivating stories of history's greatest con artists. From Gregor MacGregor's mythical paradise to Sarah Howe's hollow promises and James Reavis's fabricated aristocracy, these tales of audacious fraud echo the Torah's account of Ephron the Hittite in Chayei Sarah. Drawing powerful lessons from Abraham’s integrity, Rabbi Dun...