12-02. First Mitzva, Kidush Hachodesh. This Mitzva is given to Beis Din alone. They must determine the months and the years, deciding when and how to add a leap year. The class (which is divided in two because of it’s length), deals with opinions about this mitzva. There is a surprising Rabbeinu Chananel, and the…

Maayan Chai on Vayigash.

A story about a famous Chasid, comments on the story of Yosef HaTzadik and Chanuka as well. An enjoyable shiur.

This class addresses the issues of tzedaka and poverty. Specifically, the question of whether or not there will always be poor people even if we serve Hashem. Sources include Abarbanel, Rashi, Even Ezra, Ramban, Sforno, Riva, Eitz HaDa’as Tov, and a letter from the Lubavitcher Rebbe. Women’s and Girl’s Beis Midrash and Seminary for Higher…

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…

There are many different and surprising commentaries on Moshe Rabbenu’s plea to Hashem to go into Eretz Yisroel. This class covers many as well as Chassidus. Sources coming soon.

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…

Masei 2008 – Cities of Refuge – Class #1

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.

This class addresses the challenges the Jews faced as their entry to Eretz Yisroel came closer. After leaving the midbar they would have to learn to find Hashem in the world itself without open miracles. All of you who are farming or gardening will appreciate this shiur! There is also a very interesting discussion of…