Rabbi Yakov Bronsteyn - Parsha Classes

We discuss the unfortunate phenomenon of a dual degeneration, precipitated by the evil inclination if a person chooses be obstinate in their Teshuva. Firstly, it tries to kill him. Secondly, it compounds and increases his missteps. This fosters an avalanche effect that makes one’s own extrication more difficult. However, unlike Dr Jekyll in a fictitious account, we have the capacity to reverse the...

We discuss the reasoning behind the 48 ways with which the Torah is acquired. Also, why is the mourning period for the students of Rabbi Akiva during the time of Sefira? Finally, why is Lag B’Omer a holiday perhaps in a non-mystical sense?

**Throwback Episode** This class was given on 4/5/11

**Throwback Episode** We discuss the law regarding one who has to steal in order to save lives. Was King David permitted to burn down a field to save himself and his army? Was the Bobover Rebbe permitted to borrow money to save Jews from the Holocaust and not pay it back? Can one perform an autopsy to save others? This class was given at the Phoenix Community Kollel on 4/28/08

We discuss the intentions of the Rabbis when they make analogies. We focus of embarrassing others. Why is it like killing?

We discuss the difference between Tzeddah and Lending from an analytical perspective retrieving a point ethical consideration.

**Throwback Episode** We relate a Responsa from the Tzitz Eliezer. It’s about a woman who was missing a uterus and female genitalia but retained her ovaries. She was engaged to be married but refused to inform her groom of her circumstances. The doctor involved questioned if he could reveal her condition to the groom. We then briefly touch on other questions in Halacha pertaining to similar circum...

We discuss how a Golem is animated. We also read a chapter in the Sefer Nashmas Chaim about what a Soul can’t possibly be.

**Throwback Episode** We discuss the pivotal issues that determine whether such animals as giraffe, bison, and others are kosher. Is it a matter of custom, tradition, or identifying signs? What are the signs on an observational and anatomical level? What are the Torah and Rabbinical requirements? This class was given at the Phoenix Community Kollel on 3/25/08.

An in-depth discussion in Halacha and Agaddah of the process of decision making. We also discuss whether coercive sales and performance of Mitzvos is feasible as far as effectuation is concerned. The discussion centers about this point: can a person hold a false believe with conviction of its veracity in his mind? As R’ Chaim Brisker would put it: is an inadvertent apostate and apostate. This clas...

**Throwback Episode** This class was given at the Ahavas Torah Congregation in Scottsdale, AZ on 4-02-09

**Throwback Episode** Every year we progress a little further in the Haggadah . In this episode we discuss the son who doesn’t know how to ask. We also discuss Hashem’s love for the Jewish People. We explain how that love is integral to their survival through history. This class was given at the Phoenix Community Kollel on 4-1-09

**Throwback Episode** We present calculations of different commentaries who opine as to when is the date of Mashiach’s coming. We primarily focus of the Ohr HaChaim at the beginning of this week’s Parsha. This class was given at the Phoenix Community Kollel on 3/16/11

We discuss how children are very impressionable even when they are unable to understand what it is that they are experiencing. Based upon the analysis of the Alter of Kelm we emphasize the importance of creating the most pristine environment for our children from a pedagogical standpoint.

**Throwback Episode** This class was given at the Phoenix Community Kollel 3-18-09

**Throwback Episode** This class was given at the Phoenix Community Kollel on 3/9/11

**Throwback Episode*** This one was given at the Phoenix Community Kollel on 3-2-11

**Throwback Episode** We the Ohr HaChaim Hakodesh. This class was given at the Phoenix Community Kollel on 2-20-11.

**Throwback Episode**. This one was given at the Phoenix Community Kollel on 3/24/09

We discuss the comments of the Sforno that we mentioned in the last episode. What exactly was Moshe requested to see when he asked, “show my please your Honor”?

In this Sheva Brachos speech with discuss how the natural cause and effect world is just as miraculous as miracles. We explain how in the even in the Purim story, if look carefully, you can see Hashem involvement.

We relate an incite by R’ Moshe Feinstein regarding the Incense. Then we build on that incite by discussing the attributes of Yaakov Avinu and Mordechai Hatzaddik.

We read the Chachma U’Mussar that explains the trait of reliability. We explain how reliability has to do with truth, endurance & resilience. Then we apply that lesson to Mordechai’s actions during the Purim Story.

**Throwback Episode** This was given at the Phoenix Community Kollel on 3/5/09

We discuss the famous statement of the Rabbis, “Who is wise? One who sees the future”. (Tamid 32a) The we explain how this perspective permeated the Purim story.