Rabbi Yakov Bronsteyn - Parsha Classes

My speech at the Phoenix Community Kollel 25th Anniversary celebration. We discuss how Torah learning has a metaphysical power to transform not only on a cosmic but also on a communal level. These remarks were delivered at the PJCC (Phoenix Jewish Community Center) on 5/25/25.

We discuss how Hashem orchestrates not only the salvation but also the tribulation. This class was given at the Ohr HaTorah Congregation of Phoenix on 5/15/25.

We discuss why the Jewish People have suffered so much through history. This class was given at the Ohr HaTorah Congregation of Phoenix on 4/2/25.

We discuss the meaning of Moshe’s and Esther’s name. This class was given at the Ohr HaTorah Congregation of Phoenix on 3/12/25.

We discuss which reading of the Megilla is more important. Day or night? This class was given at the Ohr HaTorah Congregation of Phoenix on 2/26/25.

We read the Maharal in the Netzach Yisrael Chapter 11 about the status of children of the Jewish People. This class was given at the Ohr HaTorah Congregation on 2/19/25.

We discuss two things. The purpose of the Decalogue and a question regarding the laws of Shabbos. This leads to an explanation of what it means to sanctify God’s name. This class was given at the Ohr HaTorah Congregation of Phoenix on 2/12/25.

We discuss Miriam’s accusation of Amram’s actions and the renewal of redemption. This class was given at the Ohr HaTorah Congregation on 1/29/25.

We discuss current issue of the Israeli Government paying a heavy price for a few hostages. What would the Halacha say about it? What are the issues? This class was given at the Ohr HaTorah Congregation of Phoenix on 1/22/25.

We discuss a few medical ethics issues regarding complications in pregnancies. This class was given at the Ohr HaTorah Congregation of Phoenix on 1/15/25.

We discuss if a renewed sense of simcha even if it’s just perceived is sufficient to warrant a Bracha. This class was given at the Ohr HaTorah Congregation of Phoenix, Arizona.

We discuss a lesson to be gleaned from the candles and what holds a marriage together. This class was given on Chanukah 5785 at the Ohr HaTorah Congregation of Phoenix.

We discuss how Jezabel was a conflicted person who had a dichotomous set of acts that caused her both merit and demise. We explain how both of those approaches are the catalysts for the destruction and building of the Beis Hamikdash. This class was given at the Ohr HaTorah of Phoenix Congregation on 12/18/24.

We discuss the Rambam and Nefesh HaChaim’s perspectives on Yaakov’s Ladder and the purpose of Mitzvos. We also mention that we should look to our parents as examples. This Drasha was given at the Yeshiva of Waterbury in תשפ״ה

We read the Guide to the Perplexed in volume 1 chapter 15 where he explains what the Torah mean by the description that Hashem is standing on top of the ladder. This class was given at the Ohr HaTorah Congregation on 12/4/24.

Rivka questioned why she is having children if they are going to be evil when she’s isn’t commanded in the mitzvah of propagation. Rabbi Kalish asks why we daven that the evil should be cut off according to the position of the Rabbeinu Chananel. We should daven that they should do teshuva? We have a lively discussion about these insights, free will, and God’s knowledge of the future. This class wa...

We discuss how the foundations of religion are contingent on treating people with kindness and respect. This class was given at the Ohr HaTorah Congregation of Phoenix on 11/20/24.

We discuss the corporeal images and descriptions that are used in reference to Hashem specify sitting and standing. This class was given at the Ohr HaTorah Congregation of Phoenix on 11/12/24.

We discuss how the outcome of any event is rooted in in the beginning especially in the area of education. This class was given in our Sukkah in 2024.

We discuss what elements are necessary to survive the onslaught of the Yetzer Harah and the day of judgement.

We relate one thought about how to come away from Yom Kippur with a concrete commitment; doing one mitzvah with proper intention. This class was given at the Ohr HaTorah Congregation of Phoenix on 10/9/24 .

We discuss how relatives are spiritually connected to each other. This vort was given at my niece’s Sheva Brachos in Baltimore at the Hilton Garden Inn Owings Mills.

We discuss why it’s important to mourn individual tragedies on Tisha B’Av. It is to make a connection with what we have lost. Once we make that connection we can begin the healing process. This was said at the Ohr HaTorah Congregation of Phoenix on 8/13/24.

We discuss how we sing some of the Kinnos. The reason for is that even though life can be difficult at times we still don’t give up. This was said at the Ohr HaTorah Congregation of Phoenix on 8/13/24.

We discuss the special nature of Eretz Yisroel and what we are missing on Tisha B’Av. This class was given at the Phoenix Community Kollel for the Rabbi’s Thursday Night Parsha Shiur.