Azazel, what does it mean and represent, especially on Yom Kippur? 1) Rashi, 2) Rashbam, 3) Chizkuni- a bribe to the left side, 4) Zohar, to distract the gevuros so that they don’t inspire judgement from ‘on high’, 5) Tziyuni, to ‘feed’ all the king’s servants even the bad ones, (so that all are included…

Deep insight into the word “Miketz”. Sources include: Rashi, Eben Ezra, Alshich, a sicha from the Lubavitcher Rebbe (a technical rashi sicha), Rabbenu Bechaye, Tzemach Tzedek, and more.

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.

This class on Parshas Pinchas addresses the question of the succession from Moshe Rabbenu to Yehoshua ben Nun. Rabbi Paltiel draws on the following sources: Midrash, Rashi, Sforno, Ralbag, Shelah, and a sicha from the Lubavitcher Rebbe. The class is taught at an intermediate level but is accessible to motivated beginners. Note: This recording did…

This is a great class from the archive. The class was originally given as the introduction to a sicha on the story of the meraglim (reference coming). However, the class is self-contained and can be enjoyed on its own. Rabbi Paltiel begins with a concise summary of the events from just prior to the Exodus…

The question of why Hashem counts the Jewish people is addressed with a broad range of sources: Rashi, Ramban, Rabeinu Bechaye, Shelah, and a Sicha from volume 4 of Likutei Sichos.

What is the idea of Korbonos (Sacrifice). Two versions follow here. One a short one (one class) from 5765, The other more involved (four parts) from 5768. One feature both these classes have is the controversial opinion of the great Rambam about Korbonos. Version One (5665). Quality may be a bit poor. Version Two Class…

The dinim of Khuna that prohibit a Kohein from becoming Tamai (spiritual contamination) has seven exceptions: Father, Mother, Son, Daughter, wife, brother and… (in a separate Posuk) sister. Why is the sister in a separate Posuk and why are there three different rules that narrow what kind of sister one is permirtted (and obligated) to…

17-07. Acharei-Kedoshim – 2010 Seiirim – shidim. Form of lowly avoda zara Offering to other gods is called “offering to Seiirim” (the demons). What does this mean?Sources: Gemara, Rambam, E. Ezra, Ramban, Alshich, Chasam Sofer, Zohar

Parshas Yisro, (Yeshiva 5780) without Yisro there is no Torah!The Zohar says Yisro’s coming and conceding, needed to happen before Sinai. What makes this outstanding is the fact that Mattan Torah at Sinai is considered a unilateral event, yet Yisro’s concession is a pre-requisite to the giving of Torah.Pharoah, Bila’am and Yisro.So smart, from Klipa…