The Torah Learning on this site is dedicated in memory of Rochel Leah bas R' Chaim Tzvi and R' Yisrael Menachem ben R' Binyamin.
In this shiur (Torah class) on the laws of proper speech, Rabbi Beinish Ginsburg teaches Sefer Chofetz Chaim klal daled paragraph 12. In this shiur, Rabbi Ginsburg talks of the lengths one must go to to do teshuva for the sin of lashon hara.
In this shiur (Torah class) on the laws of proper speech, Rabbi Beinish Ginsburg discusses when one is allowed to warn children and students to stay away from the influence of someone with bad midot (character traits), in order to protect them from negative influences.
In this shiur (Torah class) on the laws of proper speech, Rabbi Beinish Ginsburg begins a discussion of when one may speak lashon hara in order to warn others not to imitate bad behavior. If one sees another doing an aveira (transgressing a Torah law) on purpose multiple times, he may point it out to others in order to prevent them from copying this behavior. However, this may be done only if those hearing the lashon hara will not fully accept it, but rather view it as a cautionary warning. People who did not receive a Jewish education and therefore are unaware of Torah law may not be spoken about.
In this Torah shiur (class) on the laws of proper speech, Rabbi Beinish Ginsburg teaches Sefer Chofetz Chaim klal daled, paragraphs 4-6. The Chofetz Chaim emphasizes that one is not allowed to tell others if he saw someone commit a transgression once, because the person may have done teshuva. Rather, he should approach the person and rebuke him himself. Rabbi Ginsburg discusses the proper way to give tochacha (rebuke), as constructive criticism, gently and respectfully.
In this Torah shiur (class) on the laws of proper speech, Rabbi Beinish Ginsburg teaches Sefer Chofetz Chaim klal 4 paragraphs 1-3, which discuss speaking lashon hara about someone who transgresses Mitzvot bein Adam l’Makom, in matters between Man and G-d. Rabbi Ginsburg emphasizes the importance of noticing and focusing on positive behaviors when interacting with others.
In this Torah shiur (class) on the laws of proper speech, Rabbi Beinish Ginsburg explains the punishment of tzara’at (Biblical leprosy), and its connection to the sin of lashon hara.
In this Torah shiur (class) on Tehillim, Rabbi Avishai David explains the lessons of psalm 135. There are two ways to reach true emunah, belief in G-d, through Nature and through recognition of Hashem’s intervention in Jewish history. The latter way is the ideal approach, as it reflects our understanding of Hashem’s absolute control of the world
In this shiur (Torah class) on proper speech, Rabbi Beinish Ginsburg analyzes Purim plays, and whether mocking someone good-naturedly is permissible according to the laws of shemiras halashon.
In this Torah shiur (class) on the laws of speech, Rabbi Beinish Ginsburg begins klal 3 of Sefer Chofetz Chaim, which defines the distinction between mitzvot lishma and mitzvot done for other reasons.
In this Torah shiur (class) on Shemirat Halashin (the laws of proper speech), Rabbi Beinish Ginsburg continues his explanation of klal bet of Sefer Chofetz Chaim, and applies it to common situations such as discussing a class, criticizing Rabbonim, and other scenarios.
In this Torah shiur (class) on the laws of proper speech as taught in Sefer Chofetz Chaim, Rabbi Beinish Ginsburg teaches the second half of klal bet, which discusses lashon hara between colleagues, such as teachers talking about students at teachers meetings, etc.
In this Torah shiur (class) on Shemiras Halashon ( the laws of proper speech), Rabbi Beinish Ginsburg teaches klal 2 of Sefer Chofetz Chaim, specifically focusing on the Rambam’s position regarding lashon hara (derogatory speech) spoken in public.
In this torah shiur (class) on Shemirat Halashon (the laws of proper speech), Rabbi Beinish Ginsburg finishes explaining klal 1 of Sefer Chofetz Chaim, with a discussion of the various forms of lashon hara – spoken, written, etc., and an explanation of their details.
In this Torah shiur (class) on Sefer Chofetz Chaim, Rabbi Beinish Ginsburg completes his discussion of klal aleph. This class covers issues of lashon hara in the workplace, hinting at lashon hara, how to give someone tochacha (rebuke) for lashon hara, and when to ask a shaila (halachic question) regarding the laws of lashon hara.
In this Torah class (shiur) on Sefer Chofetz Chaim, Rabbi Beinish Ginsburg begins teaching the body of the sefer, beginning with klal aleph. This class defines lashon hara and rechilus, and discusses which is worse. Rabbi Ginsburg also discusses a situation where a Rebbi or parent requests that someone tell them lashon hara, and how to respectfully avoid speaking improperly even under such circumstances.
In this Torah class (shiur) on Tehillim, Rabbi Avishai David explains the various segments of perek 135. Hashem is praised as both the Creator of the world, and the One who intervenes in all world events. Through the names of Hashem in the chapter, we learn His of His interaction with us through Middat Hadin (justice). The greatness of klal Yisrael lies in our commitment to Hashem and His Torah even in times of hester panim (Hashem’s hiddenness).
In this Torah shiur (class) on Tehilim, Rabbi Avishai David continues his analysis of Psalm 90. Rabbi David notes the dialectic of fear and love in our relationship with Hashem, which is prominent in this chapter, and compares it to the themes of Unetaneh Toekf and Neila, important prayers of the High Holy Days.
In this Torah shiur (class) on Tehillim, Rabbi Avishai David explains the structure and themes of Psalm 90. This chapter, similar in theme to the prayer of U’netaneh Tokef on Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur, contrasts the eternal nature of Hashem and His Torah with the transience of Man’s existence. The perek ends with a plea for Divine assistance in repentance, and a life of blessing and fulfillment.
In this Torah shiur (class) on Tehillim, Rabbi Avishai David explains various aspects of Psalm 131. This perek focuses on the evolution from ga’avah (pride) to anava (humbleness), and its relevance to the life of David Hamelech.
In this Torah shiur (class) on Tehillim, Rabbi Avishai David continues explicating psalms 70 and 71, which describe the judgment and concealment of G-d’s Presence amidst our enemies’ attacks, and King David’s unwavering faith during troubled times.
In this Torah shiur (class) on Chofetz Chaim and Shmirat Halashon, Rabbi Beinish Ginsburg speaks about the mitzvah to remember what happend to Miriam when she spoke lashon hara about her brother Moshe Rabbenu. He goes on to discuss the mitzvah to honor kohanim and to fear Hashem, both of which can be transgressed when one speaks lashon hara. The class includes a beautiful story about Rav Shach zatzal and Rav Yaakov Kaminetzky zatzal.
In this Torah class (shiur) on Tehillim, Rabbi Avishai David analyzes the themes of chapters 70 and 71, focusing on both the distress felt at the beginning of the psalms, and the ultimate thanks and praise that characterize their end.
In this shiur (Torah class), Rabbi Yitzchak Cohen continues to study Shaar Avodas Elokim of the Sefer Chovot Halevavot. This class discusses the ways and opportunities man can focus on G-d.
In this Torah shiur (class) on Sefer Chofetz Chaim and Shmirat Halashon, Rabbi Beinish Ginsburg explains how respect for a shul (synagogue) and a talmid chacham (learned person) can help a person to avoid speaking lashon hara.
In this shiur (Torah class) on Tehillim, Rabbi Avishai David continues his analysis of the intriguing chapter 22, which refers to the travails of both Queen Esther and King David. The perek is also a parable for the the difficulties of galut and the nature of geula (redemption), and the dual reality of Hashem’s hiddenness and His guidance during difficult periods of history.
In this shiur (Torah class), Rabbi Yitzchak Cohen continues with Shaar Avodas Elokim, from Sefer Chovot Halevavot. This class focuses on practical applications of using one’s self in actively serving G-d.
In this Torah shiur (class) on Sefer Chofetz Chaim, Rabbi Beinish Ginsburg begins a discussion of the positive mitzvot that are related to Shmirat Halashon (guarding one’s speech). The class discusses speaking lashon hara as a violation of the mitzva of V’ahavta L’rei’acha Kamocha, loving your fellow Jew. It also mentions that judging others favorably helps one to avoid speaking and believing lashon hara.
In this Torah shiur (class) on Tehillim, Rabbi Avishai David continues his analysis of Psalm 22, which was said by Esther before she went to Achashverosh. This poignant prayer reflects both the helpless desperation felt in a time of harsh decrees, as well as the overwhelming joy and light of salvation.
In this Torah shiur (class) on Tehillim, Rabbi Avishai David analyzes Psalm 22, which refers to the struggles of both David Hamelech and Queen Esther. This perek is a beautiful progression from initial feelings of abandonment and helplessness, which lead to prayer and bitachon, to eventual revelation, salvation, and joyous thanks to Hashem. The final praise is so intense that it begins with personal thanks, and spreads to include all of klal Yisrael (the Jewish people), the malachim (angels), and eventually the entire universe.
In ths shiur (Torah class), Rabbi Yitzchak Cohen begins a new shaar (chapter) in Sefer Chovot HaLevavtot. This shaar, shaar Avodat Hashem, focuses on the methods of serving G-d with one’s whole being.
