Pesach

The Symbols of Pesach

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This video is class 43 of 68 in the series Pesach: Birth of a Nation.

In this Torah shiur (class) on the holiday of Pesach, Rabbi Shimon Isaacson looks at some of the symbols used at the Seder, such as the matza, called lechem oni, and the charoset. Rabbi Isaacson also discusses the seeming interruption of Hallel for Shulchan Orech, the eating of the festive meal.

Pesach

The Mitzvah of Eating Matzah

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This video is class 37 of 68 in the series Pesach: Birth of a Nation.

In this Torah shiur (class) on Pesach, Rabbi Avishai David surveys the halachic opinions of the Ibn Ezra, Rambam, the Vilna Gaon, the Chizkuni, and others, in regards to the Mitzvah of Eating Matza on the night of the Seder and for the rest of the holiday of Pesach. This class thoroughly covers the topic of eating Matzah from a halachic and hashkafic perspective.

Pesach

Chometz: Moving Beyond Self

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This video is class 35 of 68 in the series Pesach: Birth of a Nation.

In this Torah shiur (class) on the holiday of Pesach, Rebbetzin Tziporah Heller speaks about the meaning of chometz, the deeper role of the Halachot (laws) pertaining to it, and how one can internalize the lessons of removing chometz and move beyond ‘self’.

Dedicated in memory of Jacob and Laura Elbirt, by their daughter Paula Elbirt.

Understanding Prophecy

Role of the Navi

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This video is class 29 of 30 in the series Nature of Prophesy.

In this Torah shiur (class) on the nature of Prophesy, Rabbi Avishai David explains the various roles a Navi fills in society. The prophet must inspire and guide the people to correct wrongdoings and strengthen mitzvot and halachot that have weakened. The impact of the Navi is felt because of the force of his personality and charisma. However, this magnetism stems from his perfection of character and self-development.

Understanding Prophecy

Prophesy in Israel

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This video is class 28 of 30 in the series Nature of Prophesy.

In this Torah class on Nevua, prophesy, Rabbi Avishai David discusses the centrality of the land of Israel to Jewish prophesy. All prophesies either took place in Eretz Yisrael or were about the Holy Land. Intersetingly, Rabbi David points out that the split between Yitzchak and Yishmael and Yaakov and Esav were both centered on ownership of Eretz Yisrael.

Understanding Prophecy

Idolatrous ‘Prophets’

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This video is class 27 of 30 in the series Nature of Prophesy.

In this shiur (Torah class) on prophesy, Rabbi Avishai David delves into the Torah’s treatment of false prophets, the prophets for Ba’al, and sorcerers. Through a thorough study of various areas of Tanach, Rabbi David demonstrates that a big goal of true prophets was removing the influence and power of the false prophets and soothsayers.