The DataBeis with Rabbi Yehoshua Eisenberg

Inspired by Pesachim 3 and Parshas Vayeitzei, we talk about Chazal's elevated standard of speech, as Rashi in Pesachim puts it, "LaChzor Achar Lashon Tzach V'Naki"-"to search after a dialect that is most pristine and clean." I believe what this Gemara teaches us goes way beyond the sin of speaking Nivul Peh, a separate Sugya (topic) in Shabbos, Daf 33.

Continuing Shacharis for Shabbos, we move onto "Shmoneh Esreih"/Amidah through Hotza'as Sefer Torah. As always, we focus on Nusach and Havanah. Also, enjoy scattered, special guest appearances from my son Ovadiah Moshe.

Yes, Thanksgiving is a secular holiday, but intrinsically and literally, it is the most Jewish holiday. As Jews, we know that we are supposed to be thankful everyday. If so, is there any value to having one special day of Thanksgiving? What can we learn from this uniquely Jewish/secular holiday?

A few minutes of Mussar and inspiration on Parshas Vayeitzei.

Is there a connection between video games and Siyumim? While the Daf Yomi tribe of Klal Yisrael celebrates its latest Siyum on Maseches Eiruvin, we briefly explore the concept of the Siyum and the connection I noticed between Siyumim and video games of all things. We can learn a lot from video games and if we can understand why video games make many of us tick, we can change our Avodas Hashem!

A panoramic view of Parshas Toldos with a focus on the following questions: 1. Was Eisav "born evil"? The Midrash describes his innate yearning for Avodah Zarah. Is that fair? What was Hashem's origin plan for Eisav? 2. Why does the Torah interrupt the story of Yaakov and Eisav to tell us about Yitzchak re-digging wells? Why should we care about this seemingly insignificant detail of Yitzchak's li...

The first workshop on Shacharis for Shabbos beginning from Shochein Ad and finishing with Shema through the Brachah of Ga'al Yisrael. As usual, we focus on Nusach as well as the 4 H's: Halachah (law), Hashkafah (outlook), Havanah (understanding), Havarah (accent).

An interview with R' Avraham Goldhar, the founder of Zichru, a world famous program designed to improve memory, retention, and recall of one's Torah learning. Zichru is most recognized for its Daf Yomi program which is currently being utilized by hundreds of people throughout the world daily. For more information, go to Zichru.com.

Yaakov ostensibly lied or at least misled his father Yitzchak to intercept the blessing from his older brother Eisav (in a scheme arranged by his mother Rivkah). In this conversation edition of Real-Talk Torah, my older brother and I confront the deception story of Parshas Toldos, critically analyzing the text as well as the traditions of Chazal, and address the question as to how we, as Frum, tra...

A few minutes of Mussar and inspiration for the month of Kisleiv.

A few minutes of Mussar and inspiration on Parshas Toldos.

A workshop on Halleil especially customized for the Chanukah months of Kisleiv and Teiveis. There is a surprising challenge to being a Chazzan for these Halleil's; between Kisleiv and Teiveis, there are 9 Halleil's and only so many song options!

In the first ever "Conversation Edition" of Real-Talk Torah, my brother R' Mendy and I discuss the challenges of performing Gemilus Chassadim (bestowing of kindness) and Mitzvos Bein Adam LaChaveiro (commandments between man and his fellow) properly, in a way that anticipates the needs of the recipient, knowing what and what not to say or do.

A panoramic view of Parshas Chayei Sarah with a focus on these questions: 1. Chayei Sarah records an elaborate exchange between Avraham and Efron regarding the purchase of Sarah's burial plot, and yet, in only one passing line, the Torah tells us that Avraham eulogized Sarah. Where is Sarah's eulogy? Why doesn't the Parsha record one? 2. Yitzchak's wedding isn't the only one recorded in this Parsh...

A blooper/outtake from the most recent Real-Talk Torah session. Enjoy my son's noises...

A workshop on Musaf for Rosh Chodesh with a focus on Nusach and Kavanah.

Elections are "over," sort of? And it matters, sort of? Exactly how much does/should it matter? As Yidden, what do we do now? What is our Tachlis? Also, some thoughts on the Petiros of two giants, R' Dovid Feinstein and R' Lord Jonathan Sacks.

A workshop on a generic Halleil focusing on both Nusach and nice singing opportunities. Stay tuned for workshops on month-themed and Chag-themed variations of Halleil.

A few more minutes of Mussar and inspiration on Parshas Chayei Sarah.

A workshop on Kiddush HaChodesh for any month of the year!

A few minutes of Mussar and inspiration on Parshas Chayei Sarah.

What is the Avodah of Yid in these uncertain, unfinished elections? Whom can you still trust? Where should we place our Bitachon?

A few minutes of Mussar and inspiration on Akeidas Yitzchak.

A panoramic view of Parshas Vayeira with a focus on the following questions: 1. Why are there 2 "Avraham Avinu" Parshiyos? Why don't we cut straight to the birth of Yitzchak? What does Vayeira add to Lech Lecha? 2. Is Vayeira a repeat of Lech Lecha? In both Parshiyos:      • Avraham Avinu is promised a son      • Lot is in danger      • Sarah Imeinu is kidnapped by a king      • Avraham Avinu has...

Going through Halachah, Hashkafah, and Nusach/Chazanus of the standard Kabbalas Shabbos and Maariv.