Rabbi Yakov Bronsteyn - Parsha Classes

Throwback episode

We discuss what benefits we enjoy as a result of keeping Mitzvos. We also discuss the law regarding not interrupting during the silent prayer, Shemonei Esrei.

Throwback episode

- throwback episode

We discuss: - potential issues with plastic surgery, and in which circumstances it may be allowed - how emotional pain and embarrassment hold weight in halacha  - in which cases one can perform blood letting on a parent, and why... - proper application of "v'ahavta l'reiacha kamocha", and an interesting Rashi on this saying - R' Moshe Feinstein's tshuva on cases involving cosmetic plastic surgery...

We discuss details about the Garden of Eden. Is it a physical entity? Where is it located. What’s in it? Who goes there? Why? We also point out that one can be in the Garden of Eden in a figurative sense.

The Ohr HaChaim explains how the Torah inspires us not to give up the fight against our inclinations. We also discuss how one should not settle for mediocrity. We then discuss how one should put their trust in God and not seek revelations of the future from nefarious sources.

We discuss the philosophical underpinnings of keeping kosher. What is the reasoning behind the Mitzvah. How does it affect us? We also delineate the Jewish law regarding parasitic microbial insects found in fish. Do they compromise the kashrus of the fish. When? Why? What’s the crux of the issue? What’s the practical current practice according to the various Kashrus agencies?

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We show that historically speaking we are now in the period of Mashiach’s coming. We explain why the Temple was destroyed. We detail what is missing in our lives as a result of the destruction. We explain how the mechanism of mourning that is Tisha B’Av is designed to recapture what we are missing in our relationship with Hashem.

Throwback episode - audio quality will be low.

Acting in a dignified manner is an attestation to one’s humanity as an individual. With such an attitude there’s no place to judge anyone based upon their race. The world was created for everyone.

We reveal how God actuates reward and punishment. Even when meeting out a punishment a calculation is required to ensure that total eradication doesn’t ensue as a result. Therefore, for the good of the Jewish People Moshe was unable to enter the land of Israel.

Flattery is the essence of crookedness. We discuss what it means to be a straight person. The depth, beauty, and value of this attribute of Temmimus - purity. We cite sources and give examples of righteous people who exemplified this character trait.

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No attribute is inherently good or bad. It depends on how it’s used. The is the reason Pinchas is lauded as one who was jealous on behalf of God.

Lack of disciple can dismantle any semblance of order and plunge one’s life into chaos. Therefore, it’s important to maintain a vigilant adherence to even the smallest of beneficial habits or behaviors. We also discuss the reason the Torah charted Pinchas’ lineage to Aharon HaCohen.

No Mitzvah goes unrewarded. Eventually, the ripple effect of a good deed comes to fruition. Therefore, it is important to be steadfast in our commitment to be good and never give up.

We delineate the qualifications necessary for one to be a Prophet. Then we explain how Balak was able to achieve prophecy seemingly without qualification. Then we segue into the topic of Mental Illness in Halacha. We discuss such questions as: if one is mentally ill are they qualified to make financial decisions, effect a writ of divorce, or to participate in a minyan?

We analyze whether a Pidyon Haben can be performed on Shabbos or at least sent into motion beforehand. Then we apply the same reasoning to vending machines. Is ownership of a vending machine, that can be accessed on Shabbos, feasible? If so, can one own a site where payments are processed any time from anywhere?

We explain how Korach was able to convince all the Jewish People to be on his side when clearly the facts were on Moshe’s. Then we relate this idea to today’s current crisis, where seemingly, there’s a disconnect between all the sides of the political spectrum and there’s no way to bridge the gap.

We discuss how it’s possible to identify if one is biased with their own opinion. We also focus on the perspective of the Be’or Yosef who explains that there were two paradigms of what was happening in Eretz Yisrael at the time the spies were there.

We analyze the real motivations of the spies and others in the “meraglim” incident. Outside appearances may tell only part of the story.