Double click the viewing screen to enlarge

Double click the viewing screen to enlarge

Double click the viewing screen to enlarge

Dedicated by Ruth M. Shane in memory of her mother, Sarah Poliakoff Shane חיה שרה בת חיים רפאל והענא גיטל, and her aunt, Bess Poliakoff Krivitsky פעשא בת חיים רפאל והענא גיטלwho were
חובבי תורה and devoted to the Land of Israel and her children


Double click the viewing screen to enlarge

Am Yisrael has 3 Patriarchs not merely as a biographical fact but because they fulfil a unique role and express a different approach to the challenges that they (and we) face. Thus, their relationships with surrounding society – a central motif throughout sefer Bereishit and Jewish History - present us with several paradigms for interaction with non-Jewish neighbors and nations. As we shall see, each of them has a distinct approach which is a function of their differing spiritual and personal qualities, their respective roles in building the Jewish nation and the changing circumstances which they confront.

Yitro is of course an exceedingly positive character, a man of justice.Why doesn't he stay for Matan Torah? And why doesn't he accompany Israel to the Promised Land?Studying his biography and that of his descendants in the books of Shoftim, Shmuel and Yirmiyahu, and in Midrash we encounter a persistent desire for neutrality, liminality and an aversion to commitments. What do we make of this?


This shiur is dedicated in memory of Tom Weisz, z'l, Moshe Meir ben Avraham haKohen v'Rivka Rachel by his wife, Shelli and
family. His dedication to Torah learning remains our inspiration


Double click the viewing screen to enlarge

What is the purpose of man’s toil? Why does injustice prevail while the righteous endure suffering? How can one attain true contentment? Tackling these profound questions, we will uncover Rashi’s insights into these existential questions concerning the human condition.


Double click the viewing screen to enlarge


This shiur is dedicated in memory of Izzie and Yetra Goldberg whose steadfast devotion to the enrichment of Jewish education was seen in the Jewish community of St. Louis, MO. and in Israel. This was one of the most important achievements in their lifetime. Dedicated by their daughter Janice Bitansky and family.

xThis shiur provides a reading of the story of the battle with Amalek found in Chapter 17 of Sefer Shemot. It attempts to develop a novel understanding of the story in light of a parallel between the story and another battle story, that of Keriyat Yam Suf, found earlier in the parsha. In doing so, the shiur also attempts to provide insight into the meaning of "emuna" in Sefer Shemot



Double click the viewing screen to enlarge

Sponsored by Daniel Ginsburg in Memory of his grandfather
הרב אברהם מרדכי בן הרב שמואל אלחנן
 and his uncle חיים בן הרב אברהם מרדכי,
 who both dedicated themselves to educating the next generation of Jewish leaders.

Double click the viewing screen to enlarge

Many of us are familiar with the two stories of creation at the beginning of Sefer Bereishit. But how many of us are aware of the existence of two accounts of the flood as well and of the ways in which these accounts reflect the two worldviews that emerge from the two stories of creation? Through a careful examination of the text, we will try to show that there are indeed two accounts of the flood and then explain their importance in the unfolding of events from the time of creation.

Double click the viewing screen to enlarge


The book of Amos, perhaps the earliest of our literary prophets, begins with a series of prophecies aimed at the nations that surround Israel. We analyze the rhetoric used by the prophet from Tekoa and assess the intended impact on his audience, revealing the rhetorical genius of the Navi.

In memory of Rosina Pardo Korda, Shoshana Baat Saadi Z”L, who learned, loved, celebrated, and performed Torah and Mitzvot with all of her heart and soul.

Double click the viewing screen to enlarge

Civilizations at large have generated a plethora of economic theories. Some have been dismal failures which caused much misery to people, while others have developed into success stories improving the lot of mankind. The Torah has a definite message on the subject of economics. A careful reading of the Biblical, Midrashic, and Rabbinic sources will show this to being correct. The annual Half-Shekel contribution commandment will launch this in-depth discussion with relevance to the contemporary situation

This shiur is dedicated with gratitude for the innovative voices of a new generation of talmidot chachamot


The Book of Judges portrays several instances of violence between Israelites or Israelite tribes. In three cases, the story begins with a relationship between a man and a woman who isn't quite his wife. What does Gideon's concubine have in common with the nameless concubine of the book's end, and how do they compare to the prostiture who fathered Jepthach? And why do their stories end, time and time again, in blood? This talk explores the way these dysfunctional relationships shape the world around them and offer a window into the core problems of the era.


Double click the viewing screen to enlarge

Double click the viewing screen to enlarge

Why was God so upset with the nation after the incident of the Golden Calf? After all, when studying the simple meaning of the text, the people were simply following Aharon’s own initiative and instructions. Our shiur will suggest an answer to this famous question, by considering the broader themes of Chumash, as well as the impact of the ‘splitting of the sea’ and the ‘war with Amalek’ on the psyche of the nation.

Double click the viewing screen to enlarge


Together we explore Yosef's ability to solve dreams and ask whether there is another layer of meaning in which the Torah is communicating something fundamental about the nature of numbers, of counting, and calendars. We look at Egyptian Mathematics, Astronomy and Economics in order to elucidate the Torah and learn some surprising facts that make us realize we are not so different from that long ago time and place.

Double click the viewing screen to enlarge

Moderator: Rav Reuven Spolter, Herzog Global
•
Rabbi Dr. Jacob J. Schacter, Yeshiva University
•
Dr. Deena Rabinovich, Stern College, Yeshiva University
•
Gitta Neufeld, Touro University
•
Rav Dovid’l Weinberg, Yeshivat Orayta


Double click the viewing screen to enlarge

 
Double click the viewing screen to enlarge

Double click the viewing screen to enlarge


This shiur will explore the resistance of Mordechai alongside perek 9 - why the need for war once Haman was killed (antisemitism spread throughout the kingdom), the message the megillah has to offer about this kind of episode.

Double click the viewing screen to enlarge

The central two verses of Kedusha, taken from ישעיהו and יחזקאל, seem to be parts of prophecies of destruction, not redemption. Why are they the verses chosen for the recitation of the all important Kedusha prayer? This shiur will explore the context of the verses of Kedusha, as well as the meaning of Kedusha in our daily Tefillot, in the hope that we can find greater meaning and relevance in this central prayer today!

Double click the viewing screen to enlarge

If we believe that Ma’aseh Avot Siman LeBanim (events experienced by the Patriarchs foreshadow what will befall their descendants), what happened to free will?


Sponsored by Barbara Osband and Mark Lichbach in honor of Rabbi Dr. JJ Schacter for being a thought leader in the Jewish world of learning to the tens of thousands with his Tisha B'Av day of learning; and for his acts of chesed in Project Benjamin, replacing the headstones of fallen World War II soldiers with a Magen David, and for his friendship which we value and treasure. May you continue to inspire us and others.

Double click the viewing screen to enlarge

This shiur is dedicated in memory of Tom Weisz, z'l, Moshe Meir ben Avraham haKohen v'Rivka Rachel by his wife, Shelli and family. His dedication to Torah learning remains our inspiration

At three stages of Shir Hashirim the woman suddenly and surprisingly "appears". Her arrival elicits an inquiry. Who is inquiring about her and how does this shape the story?

Double click the viewing screen to enlarge

This class will look at the phenomenon of Biblical humor. Together we will attempt to discern whether such a thing exists, and if so, what it can tell us about holding on to faith in a sometimes painful world.

The book of Shmuel is primarily the book of David. This shiur will aim to uncover the clear and consistent leadership philosophy of our greatest political leader - King David. We will aim to prove that the purpose of Jewish political leadership in this model is about unity and not about power. We shall call this model “Davidian political leadership” and sharply juxtapose it to the non-Jewish model of Machiavellian politics. The ultimate messianic model of leadership must descend from King David and is so desperately needed today.


Double click the viewing screen to enlarge

This shiur is dedicated in memory of Tom Weisz, z'l, Moshe Meir ben Avraham haKohen v'Rivka Rachel by his wife, Shelli and family. His dedication to Torah learning remains our inspiration

How did R. Ovadia Seforno's love for humanity impact on his parshanut? We shall explore this question through his commentary on the Egyptian plagues, on Matan Torah, and on the Jewish conquest of the Land of Israel.


Double click the viewing screen to enlarge

Repentance does not necessarily mean a redo. Why are some afforded the opportunity for a second chance while others are not? We will examine the narratives of Samson, David, Jonah and others in an attempt to answer this question.


Double click the viewing screen to enlarge

If Pharoah was given no choice, why was he punished? Many responses were suggested to explain why this pasuk does not contradict the principle of free will. We will examine the Torah itself, in search for a Biblical response.

Double click the viewing screen to enlarge

Might the laws of the Arei Miklat have something to do with Israel’s triumph over the Egyptians at Yam Suf? You’d think not. But looks are deceiving. In this session, we will try to explore the possibility that the Torah is not a mere mix of stories and laws; it is an intertwining of story and law. In surprising and unexpected ways, our stories actually become… our laws.


Double click the viewing screen to enlarge