Explorations

Tanya Chapter Eleven 21.12.2021 6:47 ↓

An exploration of the term "Rasha" in the thought of the Baal HaTanya.

Mitzvah 12: Not to eat food containing Chometz on Pesach 20.12.2021 5:48 ↓

An exploration of an unusual Mitzvah, not to eat foods containing Chometz on Pesach, which is NOT the same thing as the Mitzvah not to eat Chometz on Pesach.

Boruch Sheim Kevod Malchuso L'Olam Va'ed 19.12.2021 7:40 ↓

I explore the second phrase in the Shema, the mysteriously whispered "Boruch Sheim Kevod etc", and the Talmud's story of its origin in the Yaakov's exchange with his sons immediately before his passing. 

Giving Brochos to one's children on Friday Night 17.12.2021 5:14 ↓

Exploring the special moment of blessing one's children on Friday night.

Shimon and Levi are brothers. 16.12.2021 7:16 ↓

Exploring the brothers Shimon and Levi, and how Yaakov dealt with them. (I gave a longer version of this thought last year. This is another take, a third of the length of last year's version.)

Yehoshua Chapter 12 15.12.2021 6:33 ↓

Exploring Chapter 12, and how it concludes the first part of this book.

Tanya Chapter Ten 14.12.2021 5:21 ↓

An exploration of Tanya Chapter Ten, defining a Tzaddik.

Mitzvah #11: Chometz may not be found in a Jew's possession on Pesach 13.12.2021 5:13 ↓

An exploration of the Mitzvah not to own Chometz on Pesach.

The two truths included in the Shema 12.12.2021 4:26 ↓

An exploration of the TWO opposing ideas that appear side by side in the first line of the Shema.

The love and grief of Asara B'Teves 10.12.2021 7:44 ↓

Exploring what is so special about the fast of the Tenth of Teves.

Yaakov meets Pharaoh 10.12.2021 5:36 ↓

Let's explore Yaakov's brief meeting with Pharaoh; why Yosef wanted it to happen, and what everyone should learn from the meeting. 

Yehoshua Chapter Eleven 09.12.2021 10:20 ↓

An amazing chapter, completing Yehoshua's conquest of Eretz Yisrael and foreshadowing some amazing future developments.

Tanya Chapter Nine 08.12.2021 5:46 ↓

Exploring Tanya Chapter Nine. The nature of the war between the two souls.

Mitzvah #10 - To eat Matza on Seder Night 06.12.2021 3:51 ↓

We explore the mitzva to eat Matza on Pesach

Asher Yatzar 05.12.2021 3:06 ↓

A brief exploration about the bracha of Asher Yatzar

Hallel on Chanukah 03.12.2021 6:01 ↓

Exploring how Hallel on Chanukah is more special than Chanukah on all other holidays.

Parshas Mikeitz: Understanding Yosef as a unifying people person 02.12.2021 5:27 ↓

Let's explore what Yosef was trying to accomplish in his leadership of Mitzrayim.

Yehoshua Chapter Ten 02.12.2021 7:25 ↓

Action. Yehoshua conquers Yerushalayim and Chevron

Tanya Chapter Eight 30.11.2021 6:39 ↓

An exploration of the distinction between "treif" and "pareve" in the world.

Mitzvah #9: Eliminating Chometz on Erev Pesach (4:40) 29.11.2021 4:40 ↓

No chometz may remain in a Jew's possession starting at midday of Erev Pesach.  I explore this mitzvah's meaning. 

What we say and sing on Chanukah 28.11.2021 5:05 ↓

An exploration of how we should view the miracles of Chanukah through the lens of the brachos and songs we sing.

Feasting on Chanukah 26.11.2021 5:22 ↓

Is feasting on Chanukah a thing? I explore a spectrum of three answers to that question.

Yosef and Mrs. Potiphar 25.11.2021 5:32 ↓

Yosef's encounter with Mrs Potiphar can tell us a lot about the Jewish experience in America, especially (but not only) on Thanksgiving.

Yehoshua Chapter Nine 24.11.2021 7:25 ↓

A summary of an exploration of Yehoshua Chapter Nine: The Givoni Ruse

Tanya Chapter Seven 23.11.2021 7:34 ↓

This class summarizes Tanya Chapter Seven.