Tehillim

Obligation for Praise

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This video is class of 18 in the series Tehillim VII.

In this Torah shiur (class) on Sefer tehillim, Rabbi Avishai David continues his explanation of Hallel, with an overview of perakim 116 and 117. In these perakim, both Jews and non-Jews are exhorted to praise Hashem, each for different reasons.

Hilchot Shabbat

Sewing Science: Tofer/Korei’a Demonstrations part 3

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This video is class 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 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 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 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.

Tanach

Perek 96

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This video is class of 12 in the series Tehillim IV.

Explains how perek 96 is a continuation and intensification of the previous perek, Tehillim 95. This shiur also focuses on the unique role of the number seven which appears in this chapter.

Yirmiyahu

Perakim 14 & 15: Menashe’s Legacy

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

In his class on Sefer Yirmiyahu, chapters 14 and 15, Rabbi Avishai David discusses the importance of prayer as a means to receiving adequate rain. He then discusses Rambam’s description of the function of a Navi. Going on to chapter 15, Rabbi David speaks about the concepts of reward and punishment, and deals with the question of how one can be punished for another’s sins. The Navi ends this chapter on a positive note and Rabbi David focuses on the Malbim’s question of how a Navi receives of prophecy of destruction, while he must be in a joyous state of mind to receive prophecy.

Yirmiyahu

The Heritage of the Kings of David

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This video is class 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 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.