Rabbi Yakov Bronsteyn - Parsha Classes

**Throwback Episode** This was given at the Phoenix Community Kollel on 2/17/10

We discuss two cases of law where two people were involved in causing a fire with a floor heater. We also discuss why the third Temple will be built by God Himself and with a fire.

**Throwback Episode** This is the first version of this class given at the Phoenix Community Kollel on 3-18-09. We discuss the laws of damages and of Shabbos regarding sound. We also segue into the role of music in Jewish life. How can it be used to serve Hashem in a meaningful manner?

We discuss the dichotomous conception of death. On the one hand we are sad. On the other hand we have been educated to understand that a person has achieved a measure of success for which they will enjoy reward in the World To Come. Why do we mourn? Because of loss or some other reasoning?

**Throwback Episode** We discuss whether it is permissible to separate conjoined twins. If yes, what’s the proper action of one will die? Which one do you choose?

We discuss the interpretation of Onkelos of the verse, “This is My God. And I will build him a Sanctuary”. Also, what was the purpose of giving the Torah? What does one achieve when one follows it?

**Throwback Episode** This class was given at Ahavas Torah of Scottsdale on 2/5/09.

We discuss the mission statement of a President, King, or any leader. What is their job? What defines their office and qualifies them?

We expound on episode #130. Yes Pharoh was happy with the plagues because Hashem was paying attention to him. But, was he actually happy? What was the deeper reason for that? We share the perspective of the Alter of Kelm on happiness. We also explain why scoffers are particularly vile and destructive.

**Throwback Episode** We explain that there are two types of alacrity: physical & spiritual. We discuss the creation of time as a physical entity and that spiritually is unconfined but it’s existence. We also point out that specifically the Mitzvah of Matzah illustrates a component in its structure that should be integral to every Mitzvah. The entire discussion is based upon an article by Rabbi Yi...

We discuss what one needs to overcome in order to reach the World to Come. We then how this World is both an antechamber and the chamber concurrently according to the philosophy of the Alter Or Novardik.

We read a comment from the Alter of Slabotka. He explains that Pharoh’s happiest moments in life were the plagues that were inflicted upon him. We then relate an insight by Rabbi Yaakov Weinberg ZT”L that there’s no greater punishment then to be ignored.

**Throw Back Episode** Kollel 1-7-10 We discuss Amram’s motivation to divorce his wife and then take her back again. We discuss both decrees of Rabbeinu Gershom that a man isn’t allowed to marry a second wife while still being married unless he procures approbation from 100 Rabbis and that a woman can’t be divorced without consent. We also relate a response from Rabbi Moshe Feinstein about a woman...

**Throwback Episode** Is there such a thing as a dying wish? What if the one dying especially a parent requests to be cremated, insists upon marriage to a specific person, or a specific arbitrator in case of a dispute about the estate? Can one inherit money with a condition set by the deceased that no contributions be made to any cause for any reason or that they don’t want their child to say Kadd...

**Throwback Episode** We discuss the requirement to bury in Jewish Law. Does it have to be specifically in the ground? What do you do in places like New Orleans where that isn’t feasible because of the water? Is the deceased affected by the location of their burial? This class was given on 12/30/09 in the Phoenix Community Kollel

**Throwback episode** We discuss the history of Asara B’Teves. What is the reason that this Fast was instituted(with one surprise)? We also point out that this fast is different then all the other fasts which is the reason why theoretically it can fall out on Shabbos. Then we enumerate some of the laws associated with it. This class was given on 12/15/10 at the Phoenix Community Kollel.

We discuss the potential that humans have both spiritually and physically in the context of what is expected. We ask if there were people with super powers in history. And if there were, how did they achieve them?

**Throwback Episode** It is known that the Land of Israel is the center of the Universe and the source of wisdom for the entire Planet. We discuss the sources for these ideas. We also entertain the purpose of this message. Is it literal or figurative? If it’s figurative in what way is it the Center? This class was given on 9/1/05

We discuss the benefits of a Mezuzah. We also discuss the two miracles that happened to Yosef and the two miracles that happened on Chanukah. We also present an answer to the famous question asked about the juxtaposition of the two statements of R’ Tanchum in Shabbos (21b-22a).

**Throwback Episode**What are the sources in the Torah for Zos Chanukah? What does the word Zos indicate? Clarity and inclusiveness. What is the purpose of Chanukah in light of this understanding? Why is the last day of Chanukah the final judgement according to the Kabbalists? This class was given at the Phoenix Community Kollel on 12/8/10.

We discuss how this week’s Parsha is connected to Chanukah. We speculate about Yosef’s experience in the pit. Then we discuss the opinion of the Alter of Slabodka that every individual has a spark of the first Man inside of them. Then we reveal how one can mine that greatness within themselves.

We connect the weekly portion, Vayeishev, to Chanukah. Then we enumerate some of the Halachic considerations for the electric Menorah issue. How much oil is needed? Who can light it? What is the goal of lighting it. This class was given on 12/17/08.

We discuss a case where a fellow was tricked by the wife’s family to give her a divorce. We enumerate some of the intricacies of Jewish law regarding conditions placed on a divorce. What are people’s intentions based upon the given circumstances or promises made by those around them? This class was given on 11/1/05. The last 10 minutes of this audio are poor quality. Nevertheless, this discussion...

We discuss the message Yaakov Sent Lavan. I have lived with Lavan, kept the 613 Mitzvos, and didn’t learn from his evil actions. Did Yaakov keep the Mitzvos? Why didn’t he learn from Lavan’s actions? And what do the two matters have in common?

* throwback episode