Rabbi Yakov Bronsteyn - Parsha Classes

Our existence is miraculous and not a given no matter what situation we find ourselves in. Nevertheless, it’s incumbent upon us to be more cautious and prudent during a pandemic such as this coronavirus.

**Throwback Episode**

We read the commentary of the Ohr HaChaim HaKodesh’s perspective on the first Man’s sin. He purports the idea that it was accidental. In light of that perspective he outlines the resulting consequences. We also discuss the dynamic between our infallibility and free-will.

In the midst of the Coronavirus Pandemic we share some words of encouragement and learning. The proper belief in God is trust that nothing is accidental. We are in His hands. The only requirement expected of us is that which is within our purview. People aren’t held accountable for elements that aren’t in their control.

Possession of knowledge is primary to many key factors such as the final redemption. Within the context of the Slonimer Rebbe’s analysis in his Nesivos Sholom we discuss the only true and worthwhile acquisition; knowledge. We examine how this idea is borne out of this week’s Parsha.

We discuss if the Temple Mount has sanctity in the absence of the Beis Hamikdash. As a ramification of this issue, what is the contemporary halachik practice? What is the status of the airspace of the Temple Mount? Can one fly over this space?

A speech I gave at our Purim Seudah. Lessons to be learned from the Purim story that have ramifications to today’s advanced technologies. Can a programmer write an algorithm that will alter an autonomous vehicle’s trajectory to kill one person with the express purpose of saving another 20?

Throwback episode-What is the source of the obligation to light candles on Friday evening and Yom Tov? How many should we light? What happens if we forget? Haven’t done it in many years? What’s the reason we do it? We answer all of these questions in this episode.

Throwback episode- We frame the proper balance that we should keep in fulfilling the mitzvah of drinking on Purim. Also, we outline its precise laws and customs. In addition we discuss its philosophical and ethical underpinnings.

The secret of doing things for their own sake; taking advantage of inspiring moments. Also, when Hamam saw that the Jewish People were living inspired on the presumption of the Temple being built in the near future, he made a stunning admission- that he himself would be defeated.

There are two parallel but also intertwined Universes; One of coincidence and the other of Providence. One of reality and one of inexistence. The mitzvah of blotting out Amalek is to embrace reality and to extinguish their facade where there’s only cause & effect with God.

Things aren’t as they seem. Sometimes we ascribe importance to vacuous values. Focusing on what truly matters may be counterintuitive. But, upon closer observation we’re able to see the truth.

If one discovers money in the Western Wall can they keep it? The sources for the obligation to contribute Tzedakah & to the shul. Also, the binding nature of one’s intentions when they make a monetary commitment to an institution. Please Note: This is a throwback episode. As such, the audio quality isn't to the standard of more recent episodes. 

Delve into the source material for the requirement to have a minyan. Be informed of the issues to understand opinions surrounding this query.

The Alter of Nevardik’s perspective on the story of Nachim Ish Gam Zu recorded in Taanis (21A) and the minuscule malevolence he discovered in his heart specifically through his actions.

An in-depth lecture of Jewish law discussing the circumstances under which a son or daughter can medically treat their parents with invasive procedures. Please note: This is a throwback episode so the audio quality is lower than more recent recordings. 

Halachic decision of Rabbi Yitzchok Zilberstein regarding a person who was suffering intractable pain caused by advanced lung cancer. Was it permissible to administer a dose of morphine that may accelerate his death?

We discuss Jewish Law regarding Kiddish and Havdala, sources for their requirements, and priority placement during the Shabbos.

The ends never justify the means because they aren’t really means. They’re the perceived means to ends that are the will of God.

Reality as we know it is a materialization of the Torah. A counterintuitive perspective that can shift our paradigm of the way we think about things.

Is a predetermined decree ironclad in terms of the fact that it can’t change? Was Pharaoh wrong about the evil that saw overshadowing the Jewish People?

How do we know that Moshe’s prophecy is true? How do miracles influence our beliefs? We discuss the perspective of Rabbi Yosef Albo in his work, Sefer HaIkkurim, on these issues.

A person with independence & self-sufficiency is the kind of human being that Hashem intended us to be. This is demonstrative of being truly alive and vibrant.

Sanctification of God’s name means that the Universe functions in accordance with its programming. Humans have a choice to mimic the Universe or spurn God’s will. This is the lesson of the frog plague.

General definition of prayer. The power of prayer when its on behalf of others. Can one carry a mezuzah as a protection from danger? Please note: This is a throwback episode and the recoding quality is lower than more recent classes.