Deeper Look At The Parsha

Rabbi Dunner explores the remarkable transformation of Moshe Rabbeinu in Sefer Devarim. Discover how he evolved from a reluctant speaker to a master orator, and learn the critical importance of memory and history in shaping Jewish identity. Drawing on classical commentaries and contemporary insights, Rabbi Dunner examines Moshe’s legacy and the enduring lessons we can apply to our own lives.

Rabbi Pini Dunner delves into the ethical implications of targeted assassinations in modern warfare, drawing parallels with the Torah's commandment to confront the Midianites in Parshat Mattot. Examining historical examples and contemporary military strategies, Rabbi Dunner questions the effectiveness of appeasement and highlights the necessity of confronting evil to ensure lasting peace and justi...

Rabbi Dunner explores Parshat Massei, delving into the significance of the 42 journeys and stops of the Israelites in the wilderness. Discover how each stop, both detailed and obscure, shaped their spiritual growth and resilience. Drawing insights from the Netziv, Shadal, and Rabbi Jonathan Sacks, and relating these ancient travels to our modern experiences, Rabbi Dunner illustrates the timeless i...

Drawing parallels with the Torah’s account of Joshua succeeding Moses, Rabbi Dunner explores the qualities needed in a leader to inspire progress and hope for a brighter future, amidst President Biden's stunning announcement not to seek re-election. Thrusting Vice President Kamala Harris into the spotlight as the presumptive Democratic candidate, this unexpected shift mirrors historical leadership...

Rabbi Pini Dunner explores the controversial figure of Pinchas in this shiur on Parshat Pinchas. Delve into the complexities of zealotry, divine justice, and the covenant of peace. Discover the balance between righteous zeal and compassionate leadership through historical and contemporary stories, including about Rabbi Menachem Ziemba of Warsaw and Rav Kook in Jerusalem.

In a world where social media drives people to dangerous extremes for fame and validation, Rabbi Dunner draws a poignant parallel to the biblical story of Bilam in Parshat Balak. Discover how ancient wisdom sheds light on modern obsessions and the perilous quest for external approval. Learn why true worth comes from within and why it is so important to seek validation through genuine connections r...

Discover the intriguing narrative of Bilam, the non-Jewish prophet whose extraordinary abilities rivaled even Moshe. Rabbi Dunner delves into the complexities of Bilam's character, exploring his initial reluctance to curse the Israelites, his ultimate downfall, and the profound lessons we can learn from his story.

Rabbi Dunner pays tribute to Bishop Robert Stearns at his 30th-anniversary gala celebration in Buffalo NY, on July 11th, 2024. Using an extraordinary story from 1979, of the notorious "Jim twins", Rabbi Dunner reveals the secret behind the incredible bond between faithful Christians and Jews, particularly since the creation of the State of Israel in 1948. For further information regarding Bishop S...

Rabbi Dunner explores the significance of water as a metaphor for Torah and spiritual sustenance. Beginning with the story of Rabbi Akiva's realization of the power of water, prompted by observing water drops wearing away a rock, Rabbi Dunner cites the dreadful story of the water crisis in Flint, MI, comparing it to the biblical narrative regarding the water stopping its flow from Miriam's well in...

Rabbi Dunner explores the devastating impact of internal divisions, drawing parallels between the American Civil War and the biblical story of Korach's rebellion. Highlighting the term "War of Brothers," he reflects on how the Civil War pitted family members against each other, leaving deep emotional scars. Rabbi Dunner emphasizes the importance of unity, warning that internal discord poses a grea...

Rabbi Dunner explores the rebellion led by Korach against Moses and Aaron, highlighting the dangers of unchecked ambition and demagoguery. Drawing parallels to modern leadership, he emphasizes the importance of humility, unity, and service to the community. Rabbi Dunner contrasts positive examples of leadership from history, such as Antoninus Pius and Dwight D. Eisenhower, with negative figures li...

Following his latest visit to Israel, Rabbi Dunner notes how unity is once again being tested as tensions resurface. A landmark ruling by Israel’s High Court has mandated Haredi conscription to the IDF, and halted state funding for non-serving yeshiva students. Rabbi Dunner highlights the inspiring collaboration in Kibbutz Be’eri between secular and Haredi Israelis, and calls for Israeli Haredim t...

Rabbi Dunner explores the moral and ethical complexities surrounding Israel's recent hostage rescue operation. He critiques the hypocrisy of media and international actors who condemn Israel while ignoring the realities of the conflict and the necessity of such missions. Rabbi Dunner emphasizes Israel's robust commitment to protecting its citizens against terrorist threats.

Rabbi Dunner critiques the inadequate response of East Brunswick school leaders to a yearbook incident where a Jewish student group's photo and names were replaced with those of Muslim students. He emphasizes the need for true leadership that goes beyond apologies, insisting on accountability, proactive measures, and preventing such incidents. Drawing from Parshat Bamidbar and the teachings of Rab...

In the wake of an extraordinary tweet by the Supreme Leader of Iran, Rabbi Dunner reflects on the troubling alignment between progressive groups in the West and regimes like Iran and terrorist groups like Hamas, which starkly contradict the values these groups claim to uphold. Highlighting the dangerous cognitive dissonance in supporting oppressive movements, he draws on the teachings of Bechukota...

Rabbi Dunner condemns the decision by ICC prosecutor Karim Khan to propose war crimes arrest warrants for Israel's leaders. He criticizes this move as politically motivated rather than a pursuit of justice, highlighting the bias and pressure from other nations, like Libya. Citing the Haftarah of Behar, in which Jeremiah's land purchase symbolizes hope and resilience despite impending doom, he asse...

Rabbi Dunner reflects on the tragic loss of five IDF soldiers from his son Meir's unit in Gaza in a 'friendly fire' incident. This prompts a deep exploration of the theological problem of unbearable human suffering. Rabbi Dunner contrasts two perspectives - the Rambam’s rational approach and the Izhbitzer Rebbe’s more radical view - and highlights the struggle to find meaning and maintain faith am...

Rabbi Dunner delves into the concept of sacred time in Judaism, drawing from Rabbi Jonathan Sacks' teachings. He explains how Shabbat, likened to a temporal sanctuary, offers a break from daily life, fostering reflection and spiritual renewal. By exploring the duality of time—both cyclical and linear—we discover the importance of balance, illustrating how these sacred moments enhance spiritual gro...

Using a classical story from the Talmud about Hillel the Elder, Rabbi Dunner blasts pro-Palestinian social justice activists for using hateful methods that go against their own stated goals of justice for all. In particular, he targets the Neo-Marxists who are behind the protests and fund them, claiming they exploit these events to spread their ideology and undermine Western democracy.

In this shiur, Rabbi Dunner emphasizes the communal aspect of holiness, inspired by the Torah's command "Kedoshim Tiheyu" — "You shall be holy." The significance of this directive being delivered publicly to the entire Jewish community underlines the collective responsibility and effort required to achieve holiness. Rabbi Dunner integrates stories of Rav Samson Raphael Hirsch and the Chofetz Chaim...

Rabbi Dunner delves into the persistence of antisemitism, comparing its inevitability to "death and taxes." Drawing on insights from the late Rabbi Jonathan Sacks, he explains how antisemitism mutates but remains equally virulent. The latest guise of antisemitism has seen hatred of Jews cloaked in anti-Israel sentiment. Citing recent events at UCLA, Rabbi Dunner urges American Jews to awaken from...

Rabbi Dunner takes us to the heart of a cherished Passover tradition: opening our doors for Elijah the Prophet towards the end of the Seder, as we solemnly declare ‘Shfoch Chamatcha El Hagoyim Asher Lo Yeda’ucha’ - ‘Pour out Your wrath on the nations that do not know You.’ What is the origin of this strange custom? Why does Elijah the Prophet appear at our Seder? How does the harsh sentiments of ‘...

Rabbi Dunner discusses how the late Henry Kissinger's innovative diplomacy, which balanced out-of-the-box thinking with established structures, parallels the dynamic interplay of tradition and creativity in the Pesach Seder. A thought-provoking exploration of how tradition and innovation coexist, shaping both global politics and Jewish religious observances.

Rabbi Dunner discusses the importance of deeply engaging with the Exodus story during the Seder, offering participants two methods to enhance their personal connection with Yetziat Mitzrayim. The shiur focuses on the second suggested model: applying the lessons of the Exodus story to present challenges. This transforms the Seder into a personal and communal journey of meaningful liberation.

Rabbi Dunner reflects on the profound challenges facing Israel and its people amid the ongoing conflict. He draws on the timeless teachings of Ramban to explore the unique spiritual and historical significance of Eretz Yisrael. Despite the current adversity, Rabbi Dunner offers a message of hope and resilience, urging us to remember the land's enduring sanctity, asserting that today's trials are m...