R Yitzchak Shifman Torah Classes

Megilla 3b²-4b¹- Statements of RYbL and Takana for Whom 08.01.2026 39:19 ↓

Series of teachings of R' Yehoshua ben Levi and determination as to underlying motivation for leniency of villagers to read earlier

Megilla 3a², 3b¹- Order of Precedence of Mitzvos 07.01.2026 38:07 ↓

Ranking of mitzvos that take precedence when have opportunity to perform two of them (megilla, avoda, Torah, meis mitzva)

Megilla 2b², 3a¹- Source 15th for Walled, Letters and Targum 06.01.2026 41:24 ↓

Sources for 15th fot walled cities and debate if walled from Yehoshua bin Nun/Achashveirosh, establishment of the "osios sofios" and Targumim

Parshas Vayigash- "I Had A Hard Life" 06.01.2026 49:59 ↓

The "complaining" of Yaakov in his conversation with Pharaoh requires some sort of an explanation.

Megilla 2a, 2b¹- 5 Potential Dates to Read Megilla 05.01.2026 45:37 ↓

Can read Megilla from 11th-15th of Adar, hints in verses for the extra dates, various opinions if applies today

L&L 105- The "Blessings" of 3 Tribes 04.01.2026 18:32 ↓

Backstory for the rebuke that Yaakov gave to his first three sons on his deathbed.

Parshas Vayigash- Did The Brothers Reconcile? 30.12.2025 44:57 ↓

Did the brothers and Yosef ultimately resolves their underlying conflict or not?

L&L 104- An Unclear Reconciliation 28.12.2025 24:26 ↓

Although the plan of Yosef had been to clarify the unity amongst the brothers, the storyline would not dictate this in certain terms.

Parshas Mikeitz- Yosef's Schemes 23.12.2025 46:12 ↓

Four approaches to explain the intentions of Yosef in his treatment of his brothers and father, and a final question that requires resolution.

L&L 103- The Scheming of Yosef 21.12.2025 39:08 ↓

4 potential explanations for the way Yosef treated his brothers and father, and a question regarding the distinction between the incident of Yaakov and Rachel vs brothers and Benyamin

Chanuka- 2 Miracles and Legacy of Chashmonaim 18.12.2025 39:57 ↓

There seems to be a discrepancy in focus regarding the miracle that is more important, and the legacy of the righteous Chashmonaim remains slightly tarnished in light of the outcome of their dynasty

Parshas Vayeishev- The Converts of the Avos 16.12.2025 39:36 ↓

The converts may have reverted to paganism but the impact would still be felt.

L&L 102- Orchestrated by Hashem and Sinful Kindness 14.12.2025 35:20 ↓

Bereishit Rabba (Miketz) 89:6,7- Specific steps arranged by Hashem for Yosef to be elevated and continuum of story, Sar HaMashkim was involved and highlights "accursed" kindness

Parshat Vayeshev- Did Yaakov Do Outreach? 11.12.2025 41:59 ↓

Seemingly contradictory implications can potentially be resolved with an understanding of the issue of wanting to live in "tranquility".

Parshas Vayishlach- A Historic Hatred 09.12.2025 38:49 ↓

A perspective on the age-old reality of antisemitism

L&L 101- Yaakov and Yisrael 07.12.2025 26:49 ↓

Kli Yakar explains the importance of this name change and it's reference to the previous redemption and the future one.

Parshat Vayishlach- Yaakov and Yisrael (P1) 04.12.2025 40:12 ↓

Although the reason for Eisav's hatred towards Yaakov seems to have been resolved, the enmity nonetheless continues...

Parshas Vayeitzei- Why Are We Called "Yehudim"? 02.12.2025 41:55 ↓

The historical explanation was preordained and highlights the uniqueness of Yehuda.

L&L 100- Why Called "Yehudim"? 30.11.2025 37:21 ↓

Bereishit Rabba (Vayechi) 98:6- source lies in blessing of Yaakov

Parshat Vayetze- Why Called Yehudim? (P1) 27.11.2025 31:58 ↓

The life of Yehuda and the blessing of Yaakov

Parshas Toldos- A Cunning Tam? 25.11.2025 52:00 ↓

The nature of Yaakov is described as an "ish tam", yet his life's events seem to tell a far different story

L&L 99- Why Yaakov Cried When Meeting Rachel? 23.11.2025 28:04 ↓

Bereishit Rabba (Vayetze) 70:12- 3 reasons that Yaakov cried upon meeting Rachel at the well

Parshat Toldot- Was Yaakov a "Tam" or a "Rama'i"? 20.11.2025 43:37 ↓

Was Yaakov a "tam" (naive/innocent) as the verses describe as his essential character, or a "rama'i" (trickster/cunning) as the stories of his life imply?

Parshas Chayei Sarah- Akeida and Sarah's Passing 18.11.2025 39:11 ↓

Two distinct approaches in explaining the juxtaposition of akeidas Yitzchak and the passing of Sarah

L&L 98- Avraham Begot Yitzchak... 16.11.2025 30:21 ↓

Rashi and Bereishit Rabba 63:1,2- four explanations (2 from Rashi, 2 from Midrash) for the seemingly redundant emphasis that Avraham produced Yitzchak