YUTORAH: Recent Shiurim

Thu, 08 Feb 2024 16:12:28 GMT

Parshat Mishpatim - An Eye for An Eye

We discuss the classical conundrum: if the Torah doesn't really want us to take an eye for an eye, then why does it characterize justice so starkly, so many different times?

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Sat, 12 Sep 2020 15:22:19 GMT

When Avraham Avinu Gave Up: Teshuvah When We Just Can't Anymore

As we face the prospect of Teshuvah under the threat of COVID, I spoke in a "Zoom" teshuva event about trying to find a place for repentance in such challenging times

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Wed, 25 Mar 2020 04:33:14 GMT

Parshat Vayikra: Sacrifices and Humility in the Era of Corona

Many view the prospect of offering animal sacrifices with difficulty. We discuss Rambam's famous teaching about sacrifices in Moreh Nevuchim, Ramban's reaction, and how we should relate to the issue.

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Mon, 27 May 2019 21:18:02 GMT

Monty Python, Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai and Rav Kook Meet in the Cave on Lag B'omer

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Wed, 27 Sep 2017 07:35:52 GMT

The Avodah on Yom Kippur

The Avodah represents the pinnacle of service on Yom Kippur. The Mishnah dedicates seven out of eight chapters to the service in the Beit Hamikdash. What actually happened? Why was it so dangerous? What message did Rabbi Yehudah Hanasi convey to us about religious leadership through the language of the Mishnah? And does God control every single thing that happens in the world?

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Wed, 06 Sep 2017 03:07:17 GMT

Ein Ayah on Ki Tavo - Finding the Spiritual in the Physical

From the Mitzvah of Mikra Bikkurim we move to a powerful piece from Rav Kook about the purpose and meaning behind the recitation of Brachot

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Thu, 03 Aug 2017 09:27:01 GMT

Parshat Vaetchanan - Seeing the Positive in Judaism

All too often, we allow ourselves to focus on the negative, failing to see the amazing positives in Jewish life. Despite facing difficult news, Moshe never allows himself to fall into this trap. Ever the optimist, Moshe Rabbeinu, through his language and message, encourages us to see the good and act upon it.

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Thu, 27 Jul 2017 02:02:54 GMT

Parashat Devarim - Why Do We Need a Second Torah?

Why do we need a "Second" Torah? Isn't that concept a bit problematic? We also study the beginning of the Abrabanel's introduction to Devarim, where he poetically describes the destruction of Spanish Jewry?

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Wed, 05 Jul 2017 02:40:03 GMT

Parshat Balak - Truth and Falsehood

Is Balak a person who tells the truth? He seems to think that he is, and says so all the time.

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Thu, 29 Jun 2017 02:18:01 GMT

Parshat Chukat - The Death of Aharon

Chazal convey the pain and beauty in the process of Aharon's death. Why was he punished? And what can we learn from his death about the way that we handle death today? (Trigger warning: Shiur is a bit heavy. It's about death.)

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