Rabbi Paltiel begins with an introduction to this fifth and final Book of the Chumash. The class then follows with an analysis of the first pasuk (line) of the parsha. The classic commentaries disagree on the intention underlying Moshe Rabbenu’s final address to the Jewish people – is he criticizing them or not? Follow the…

Moshe Rabbenu gave the Yidden mussar (criticism) in parshas Devarim. Rabbi Paltiel discusses the concept and process of giving mussar in a way that will lead to a good result. He discusses several lessons from the Gemara that enlighten the point. The class also includes an introduction to Chodesh Menachem Av (the month of Menachem…

Two interpretations in Tziyon BiMishpat TiPade ViShuvehu BiTzdaka: 1) Both Tziyon and Shaveha are redeemed by Mishpat with the help from Tzedaka, 2) Tziyon is redeemed by Mishpat (Torah) and Shuveha through Tzedaka. The second pshat reaches higher than it was originally while the first pshat simply brings things back to how they were before…

Two galus models two redemption models. Torah is before Tzedaka, but ultimately the effect of Tzedaka is greater then through Torah. Lizchus Refua Shlaima Vichuli for Shmuel Menachem Mendel ben Shulamis.

This Possuk has two ideas which this Ma’amar develops in to three based on the Possuk ואשים דברי בפיך ובצל ידי כסיך לנטוע שמים וליסוד ארץ ולאמור לציון עמי אתה. The idea is that there is Torah which is Essence that is above the two ideas of Mitzvos and Tefilla. Torah is ציון. Mitzvos and…

Class One. This מאמר is מוגה. This מאמר begins typically enough but then turns on its head. (In this class we learned the beginning and the end of the מאמר. The middle we’ll do next time). The first explanation is: ציון are Yidden who stand out in Galus and deserve “משפט” redemption; while שבי’ה are…

What could possibly be the depth behind a description of Og the king of Bashan’s bed?

The Torah say things that are obviously unreal. How do we explain these exaggerations?