The Eikev installment of the advanced First Pasuk in the Parsha Series. Sources include: Rashi, E. Ezra, Ramban, Sforno, the Tur, Yalkut, Alshich, Etz Hada’as Tov, Ralbag, a Ma’amar and Sichos (references coming).

Part Two in the Mini-Series on Shema Yisroel continues the discussion of Shema Yisroel from the perspective of both philosophy (based on the Rambam) and Kabbala (drawing on Rabbenu Bechaye). Note: The third part of this series will cover the Chassidus of Shema Yisroel. Women’s and Girl’s Beis Midrash and Seminary for Higher Learning Parsha…

Class One. The reason the Soul down in this world says to ‘Bnos Yerushalayim’ “I’m black and (but I’m) beautiful’ because down here there is a love of longing and fear rooted in the Mehus rather than (simply the nature of) the Etezem. How fear of G-d down here is more the Mihus than on…

This מאמר explains the ברכות of Bentching: 1) Why even in the מדבר they thought of the future לחם מן הארץ. 2) Why even after the מן stopped we continue saying הזן את הכל. 3) The meaning of the last ברכה that even the ירידה into גלות is part of what we are thankful for…

This Ma’amar is on Bentching. Why are there three biblical blessings and the ChaZaL added a fourth? It is like the numbers 3 (lights) that is favored by the Sefer Yetzirah and the number 4 (light and vessel) favored by later Kabbalah. Hashem’s favoritism to His people for Bentching for a smaller amount than what…

Dew and rain, Rachamim and Rachamim Rabim.

This Ma’amar explains Eikev in several ways (the lowest generation the lowest world etc.) and Tishmeun, Ushmartem, VaAsisem, (Machshava, Dibur and Maase) which are all included in Shmia, Shma Yisroel. When we elevate the lowest level we reveal Atzmus.

Avoda Shebilev (The labor or work of the heart) is the Torah denotation for Prayer. Why? Class One. Class two. Class Three.

Ma Hashem Elokecha Shoel MeImcha Ki Im LiYira….