This installment in the First Pasuk Series examines the question of why the halachos of nedarim (laws of vows) are presented so late in the Chumash. Sources include Rashi, Eben Ezra, Ramban, Rashbam, Tur, Abarbanel, Alshich, and a 4 excerpts from the Parshas Masei sections of the Hemshech Te’Rav.

In this moving class, Rabbi Paltiel focuses on the theme of the famous ma’amar Heichaltzu (stopping senseless hatred and developing ahavas yisroel – loving a fellow Jew) written by the fifth Lubavitcher Rebbe (Rabbi Sholom Dov Ber Schneersohn). Before the Chassidus, the foundation of the topic is laid out drawing on Rashi, Alshich, and Arbarbanel….

The Three Weeks always carries us from Matos/Masei into Devarim. Rabbi Paltiel explores the connection between beginning Sefer Devarim (Deuteronomy) and the practice of taking on chumrahs (stringencies) in the observance of Halacha (Jewish Law). How do chumrahs bring more light into Jewish life? Plus a discussion of the war with Midyan.

מילי דחסידותא is the same idea as זה הדבר words bring the greatest holiness down! There are four types of Jews: רשע who corresponds with ‘עשי, the בינוני who corresponds to יצירה, then the צדיק who corresponds to בריאה, but even he is subject to imperfection (particularly as the word צדיק is used in the…

The difference between Yosef and his brothers (and -even- the Avos) highlights the reason why the בני גד ובני ראובן wanted land east of the Yarden to be pastoralists. This was due to their worldliness עובדי הוי’ בגופם which required them to choose a life far from the material world, as opposed to their brethren…

Reuvein and Gad (and half Menashe) stay east of the Jordan River. Moshe initially is upset, but later acquiesces. These tribes were exiled first. What’s the depth of this story?

Hashem not only instructs how to collect and to divide the spoils, but teaches how much to tax, and innumerates the actual taxing. Why?!

The war with Midian and its inner meaning.