Deeper Look At The Parsha

Rabbi Dunner's shiur delves into the significance of the four cups of wine at the Pesach Seder. He explains their connection to the four expressions of redemption in the Exodus story, offering insights into their symbolic meanings. Rabbi Dunner also touches on various interpretations from Talmudic and Midrashic sources, including an interesting link between the four cups and Pharaoh's butler's dre...

Rabbi Dunner meets one of his great heroes, Hillel Neuer, Executive Director of UN Watch. Rabbi Dunner lauds Neuer's relentless advocacy against UN biases, particularly its disproportionate focus on Israel. He draws parallels between Neuer’s work and the Jewish values of truth and justice, invoking Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch's commentary on Shemini to emphasize the importance of integrity in lead...

Rabbi Dunner revisits a pivotal moment in Israeli diplomacy through the lens of an interview with Chaim Herzog, Israel’s sixth President, conducted weeks before his passing in 1997. He weaves Herzog’s diplomatic insights with reflections on the recent controversial U.N. Security Council resolution. Drawing parallels between historical skepticism of international organizations and current events, R...

Rabbi Dunner examines the profound teachings that can be drawn from the Terumas Hadeshen ritual, highlighting the spiritual and ethical lessons derived from the seemingly menial task of removing ashes from the altar. By exploring how this act symbolizes humility, renewal, and the readiness for new offerings, the shiur connects ancient ritual to contemporary life. Rabbi Dunner includes stories of n...

Rabbi Dunner pays tribute to Senator Joseph "Joe" Lieberman, focusing on his unique blend of devout Orthodox Jewish faith and distinguished American political leadership. Senator Lieberman seamlessly integrated his religious practices with a high-profile public life, and set a precedent for integrity and bipartisanship based on faith in an increasingly polarized political landscape. Rabbi Dunner e...

Rabbi Dunner dissects T'ruah's letter to President Biden, expressing his strong disapproval of their call for an immediate ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas conflict. He argues that T'ruah's stance, while seemingly rooted in humanitarian concerns, overlooks the complex realities on the ground and the strategic necessity of Israel's war against Hamas. He invokes the Shem Mishmuel's commentary on Vayikr...

Rabbi Dunner cites Ben Shapiro, who argues for the value of working beyond age 65. Likening society to an ecosystem, where every part, including the elderly, plays a crucial role, Rabbi Dunner draws parallels to Jewish community dynamics, emphasizing the interdependence of Israel and Diaspora Jews. Highlighting the communal spirit illustrated in Parshat Pekudei, he champions the Jewish tradition o...

Rabbi Dunner explores Parshat Pekudei through the lenses of charitable giving and consistency in Torah study. Invoking Rabbi Meir Shapiro of Lublin and his Daf Yomi project, Rabbi Dunner contrasts the phenomena of studying Torah in great depth and daily study sessions, highlighting the bridge between devoted regular learning and high-level scholarly pursuits.

Rabbi Dunner presents a captivating blend of Jewish folklore and psychological research, illuminating the profound significance of communal participation. Through the lens of a classic tale from Chelm, and the seminal 1968 "bystander effect" study by two leading psychologists, Rabbi Dunner explores the Torah's mandate for a universal half-shekel contribution.

Rabbi Dunner explores the themes of Shabbat, the Mishkan, and the Golden Calf, drawing on a remarkable insight from a Meshech Chochma commentary on Parshat Vayakhel. Weaving together a synthesis of Jewish thought, halacha, and philosophy, Rabbi Dunner contrasts the two associations of Shabbat and the Mishkan project, offering an original take on why the order changes from Mishkan/Shabbat to Shabba...

The classic bible story of David vs. Goliath is much overused and employed as a means to paint parties in a fight as the victims of rivals much stronger than them. Rabbi Dunner uses analogies from the business world, and cites the story of Elijah and the prophets of Baal, to demonstrate the unique position of Israel, which is painted as a Goliath but is in reality the quintessential David.

Rabbi Dunner presents a wonderful range of insights into Parshat Ki Tissa, including a unique take on the fascinating debate between the Rema and the Gra about the custom of giving a Machatzit Hashekel-style donation on Taanit Esther, and a dramatic story about the disappearance of the Ktav Sofer's treasured Machatzit Hashekel at a meeting of distinguished rabbis.

The constant stream of antisemitic incidents as reported in the news can be disheartening and depressing. But Rabbi Dunner sees things differently. Citing a powerful Midrash at the beginning of Parshat Tetzaveh about the comparison of the Jewish people to an olive tree, Rabbi Dunner charts a course that allows us to truly appreciate the concept of faith through adversity.

One of the events Rabbi Dunner attended in Israel during his trip last month was the dedication of an apartment in Jerusalem for Nahal Haredi soldiers. Rabbi Dunner explains why the Haredi community in Israel needs to throw its full weight behind this incredible project, so that Haredim can participate fully in the defense of Israel and the Jewish people.

Why does God ask the Jewish people to "take" instead of "give" to the campaign collecting materials for the Mishkan's construction? A wonderful explanation by Reb Shlomke Zviller headlines a series of insights into Parshat Terumah, offering us a glimpse into the eternal messages embedded in this ancient sacred project.

Over the past week, everyone Rabbi Dunner has met has asked him - what was it that left the deepest impression on you during your recent trip to Israel? It was hard for him to pin it down, but after some reflection, this is it.

Rabbi Dunner shares a Midrash that indicates the importance and centrality of civil law in the Jewish faith. With the help of the Darash Mordechai, multiple Chazals, and a beautiful piece from the Chida, Rabbi Dunner explains why ritual law must always take second place to civil law in the conduct of a Jew.

On their recent trip to Israel, Rabbi Dunner and members of his community heard from Oz Davidian, the remarkable hero who saved 120 partygoers by rescuing them from the site of the Nova rave music festival. One particular aspect of Oz's story caught Rabbi Dunner off guard. But on reflection, what Oz did on October 7th makes perfect sense.

Why were the Jewish people credited with having followed God's directives - before they had even carried them out? Rabbi Dunner cites Rashi quoting a Midrash that offers a solution. But Rashi's explanation creates more problems than it solves. Rabbi Dunner charts a path through this puzzling issue with the help of the Darash Mordechai.

Prompted by the ICJ genocide trial in The Hague aimed at Israel, Rabbi Dunner visited the Auschwitz Exhibition at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library - just to refresh his mind regarding the dire consequences of Jews ignoring existential threats. These are his reflections following the visit. Photograph: UN Photo/ICJ-CIJ/Frank van Beek. Courtesy of the ICJ. All rights reserved.

A central part of the Exodus narrative revolves around the ten plagues meted out by God against Egypt, as punishment for not releasing them from bondage. Rabbi Dunner demonstrates how these plagues were not random - each one communicated a specific message, and these messages continue to resonate for us today.

Rabbi Dunner shares the poignant stories of the final communications between 3 IDF soldiers and their families, one on October 7th, and two of them since that terrible day. Rabbi Dunner connects these heartbreaking messages from beyond the grave to the opening verses of Parshat Shemot.

One of the most famous radicals of the twentieth century was the Argentinian-born Cuban revolutionary Che Guevara. Rabbi Dunner looks at his legacy and the jarring idolization of violent terrorists by the progressive left. A revealing statement by Jacob in Vayechi offers a relevant insight into those who think the end justifies the means.

Jacob’s blessings for his children are extremely puzzling. The language is rich and poetic, but the content is not what one might expect as a blessing. Rabbi Dunner focuses on the blessings given by Jacob to his four eldest sons - Reuven, Shimon, Levi, and Yehudah. With the help of Ramban, Rabbi Dunner reveals the timeless messages behind each one.

Rabbi Dunner cites a poignant Hasidic legend as he delves into the complexities of antisemitism and critically examines the conflation of Israel and Jews by anti-Israel activists. A thought-provoking look that includes an original take on a Midrash from Parshat Vayigash, which helps to dissect the warped perspective on this deeply contentious issue.