Yirmiyahu

False Prophets

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This video is class 11 of 17 in the series Yirmiyahu III.

In this Torah shiur on Sefer Yirmiyahu, Rabbi Avishai David describes the role of false prophets, Nevi’ei Sheker, throughout Yirmiyahu’s career as a Navi. Rabbi David examines the two descriptions of a Navi Sheker in the Chumash, and applies them to the types of false prophets found in Sefer Yirmiyahu. Rabbi David also explains how the test of a true Navi is found in this perek.

Yirmiyahu

Days Are Coming

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This video is class 10 of 12 in the series Yirmiyahu II.

Rabbi Avishai David delves into and explains Sefer Yirmiyahu perek 16, contrasting the Truth of Hashem with the uselessness of idol worship, and discussing the prophesies of future recognition of Hashem’s Sovereignty.

Yirmiyahu

Perek 23: Two Forms of Redemption

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This video is class 10 of 17 in the series Yirmiyahu III.

In this Torah shiur (class) on Sefer Yirmiyahu, Rabbi Avishai David discusses the content of Perek 23. Rabbi David compares the similarities and distinctions between Perek 23 and 33. In the class, Rabbi David describes the two types of Geula (redemption)- B’ita, in its proper time, and Achishena, before it’s time, as described in the Gemara Sanhedrin. Rabbi David explains the Malbim’s approach to the different types of redemption. The perek ends with a description of the false neviim, and the idea of Nevua (prophesy) as a Masa.

Elul, Rosh Hashana, Yom Kippur

Selichot: Keys to Forgiveness, Part II

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This video is class 9 of 62 in the series Elul, Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur.

In this Torah shiur (class) on the Selichot prayers, Rabbi Avishai David explicates the Selichot, specifically the themes of repentance and forgiveness. One of the main themes of the Selichos is that our neshama is incorruptable, and we must use this opportunity to return the part of ourselves that remains pure despite our sins.

Hilchot Shabbat

Sewing Science: Tofer/Korei’a Demonstrations part 3

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This video is class 9 of 25 in the series Shabbat Scenarios.

In this Torah shiur (class) on the practical applications of Hilchot Shabbat, Rabbi Shimon Isaacson discusses more practical examples of the Melacha (prohibited activity) of Korei’a (tearing), the flip-side of the Melacha of Tofer (sewing). This class utilizes actual items that one may want to tear on Shabbat for a constructive purpose, and discusses permitted and prohibited methods of doing so.

Yirmiyahu

Yirmiyahu’s Prayer: Perakim 14 and 15

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This video is class 9 of 12 in the series Yirmiyahu II.

In this class on the 14th and 15th chapters of Yirmiyahu, Rabbi Avishai David discusses how Yirmiyahu could have davened to Hashem after he was told not to daven anymore. Rabbi David also talks about Hashem’s dismal warning that He is disgusted with Klal Yisrael, and how even this negative prophesy is not absolute, as the Covenant between Hashem and the Jewish People can never be undone. Going on to the 15th chapter of Yirmiyahu, Rabbi David discusses the four punishments mentioned in the perek, and expounds upon the characteristics and outlook of Yirmiyahu Hanavi, who had the difficult job of prophesizing doom and destruction to his brothers.

Yirmiyahu

Perek 23: The Ideal King

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This video is class 9 of 17 in the series Yirmiyahu III.

In this Torah shiur (class) on Sefer Yrmiyahu, Rabbi Avishai David explains the juxtaposition of perek 22, which bemoans the lack of justice during the reigns of many of the later kings of Judea, with Perek 23, which describes the perfect justice that will prevail during the reign of Moshiach. Rabbi David includes the Rambam’s discussion of the ideal Jewish king, and compares similarities between this chapter and chapter 16 in Sefer Yirmiyahu.

Understanding Prophecy

Varying Levels of Prophesy

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This video is class 9 of 30 in the series Nature of Prophesy.

In this shiur (Torah class) on Prophesy, Rabbi Avishai David explains the Rambam’s declaration that there are many levels of nevua. Rabbi David discusses the differences between Neviim, the Prophetic books, and Ketuvim, the Scriptures, according to the early commentators (Rishonim) Radak, Abarbanel, and Meiri, as well as the approach of Rav Chaim Soloveitchik of Brisk.

Yirmiyahu

The Heritage of the Kings of David

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This video is class 8 of 17 in the series Yirmiyahu III.

In this Torah shiur (class) on Sefer Yirmiyahu, Rabbi Avishai David reveals the function of the kings of the House of David, as seen through the Torah and the Navi. Rabbi David examines the reign of various Kings of Judea, showing how they negated the principles of Mishpat and Tzedakka that they were supposed to uphold.

Understanding Prophecy

Prophetic Actions

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This video is class 8 of 30 in the series Nature of Prophesy.

In this Torah class (shiur) on Nevua, Prophesy, Rabbi Avishai David presents various views of the commentators on whether actions taken together with a prophesy were literally performed, or were prophetic visions. Rabbi David describes the opposing opinions of Ramban and the Rambam, and the Abarbanel’s compromise position.