Explorations

Hashem 25.10.2021 6:48 ↓

This is part one of an undetermined number of classes exploring "HaShem", God's name, in Hebrew; what it means, why we say it one way and not another way, and what we should think of when we say it.  I explore the whole idea of names in general as well. 

Fish on Shabbos 22.10.2021 4:47 ↓

Why is there such a widespread minhag to eat fish on Shabbos? I explore this and offer a few insights.

Why Guests over God? 21.10.2021 5:04 ↓

Why does welcoming guests into one's home override being in God's presence?

Yehoshua Chapters 3 and 4 21.10.2021 5:12 ↓

The crossing of the Jordan River and why it's important.

Tanya Chapter Two 20.10.2021 5:07 ↓

What is the second soul that dwells within us?

The Mitzvah not to eat the "Gid Hanasheh" 19.10.2021 6:56 ↓

What does this mitzvah mean? What does it teach us about Jewish History?  

The meaning of the word Ata. 18.10.2021 4:22 ↓

Why did Rav Gifter say that the word Ata is the most important word in all our davening?

Shabbos Zemiros 15.10.2021 5:04 ↓

Exploring why we sing Zemiros on Shabbos. Should I do a podcast in which I sing Zemiros?

Bris Mila: Not just Mila 15.10.2021 4:20 ↓

Why is this mitzvah called Bris Mila, and not merely Mila?

Yehoshua Chapter Two 14.10.2021 5:35 ↓

Here's the summary with some insight into the second chapter of Yehoshua, all about the spies he sent to Yericho, and our introduction to Rachav. 

Tanya Chapter One 13.10.2021 7:46 ↓

A summary and insight into chapter one of Tanya, AKA Sefer shel Beinonim.

Bris Mila 11.10.2021 4:59 ↓

Here is a summary of and insight into the Mitzvah of Bris Mila, the second of the 613 Mitzvos.

The meaning(s) of the word Baruch 10.10.2021 4:15 ↓

We say the word Baruch so many times a day. Do we know what it means?

Shalom Aleichem 08.10.2021 5:29 ↓

Why do we sing Shalom Aleichem on Friday night? What can it teach us about Shabbos and Erev Shabbos?

Why did God decide not to ever repeat the flood? 07.10.2021 5:11 ↓

We're all grateful, of course. But what prompted the decision not to have another flood?

Yehoshua Chapter One 07.10.2021 5:54 ↓

Starting Yehoshua, Chapter One. Yehoshua is not merely Moshe's successor. He is Moshe's understudy, the moon to Moshe's sun. We will see in the course of this series why Yehoshua was necessary for Jewish History. 

Tanya Chapter 0: The cover page 05.10.2021 5:45 ↓

Most people ignore the cover page of a sefer. But what if the cover page gives away the whole theme, and can be referred to every step of the way, to keep the reader/learner anchored to the purpose of every line? 

The first Mitzvah: Pru U'Rvu 05.10.2021 6:33 ↓

Why is having children the first mitzvah of the Torah? 

The meaning of Mashiv Haruach Umorid HaGeshem 03.10.2021 6:42 ↓

We make a rather big deal about this four word addition to the Amida.  What does it say about prayer. It is the first prayer, according to Rashi on Parshas Bereishis 2:5.

The Mystery of Simchas Torah 27.09.2021 7:02 ↓

Where did Simchas Torah come from? Why is it celebrated on the second day of Shemini Atzeres?

Ushpizin - David 27.09.2021 7:45 ↓

David Hamelech - the last of the Succos guests, putting it all together.

Ushpizin - Yosef 27.09.2021 7:24 ↓

Why does Yosef come after Moshe and Aharon? Let's celebrate what Yosef brings to Succos.

Ushpizin - Aharon 27.09.2021 7:55 ↓

Aharon , the real hero of Succos, as the creator of the cloud of smoke that expanded into the clouds of Glory, represents a different form of leadership from his brother. 

Ushpizin - Yitzchak 24.09.2021 6:24 ↓

What does Yitzchak had to our Succah and understanding of Yom Kippur?

Ushpizin - Avraham Avinu 24.09.2021 5:23 ↓

Our first holy guest in our Succah is Avraham Avinu - What does Avraham tell us about how to manifest Yom Kippur and celebrate Succos properly?