R Yitzchak Shifman Torah Classes

The new year for trees is a curious phenomena and the complaints of Zevulun is explained based on a reference in Shir HaShirim

The concept of "chamushim" highlights the step needed to recieve protection from Hashem, and understanding the "she'eino yodeya li'shol" is the method of creating this unity

Reason Mishna changes the variable from Reisha to Seifa and discussion of halacha when the 14th falls on Friday

The idea of leaving Egypt "chamushim" highlights that we are protected when we are united, and one way to accomplish this is to understand the son who "does not know to ask"

Shemot Rabba (Va'era) 87:4- through the reward of the righteous and the suffering and recognition of the wicked Hashem is ultimately honored

While one source would imply that the underlying cause for the suffrage in Egypt was due to a misdeed of Avraham, another would imply it was due the lacking in his descendants. Which one was it?

The need for the Egyptian suffering and it's resolution are a powerful lesson in the necessity of Jewish unity.

Shemot Rabba (Shemot) 1:28- Backstory to Moshe killing the Mitzri and two Jews fighting

Series of teachings of R' Yehoshua ben Levi and determination as to underlying motivation for leniency of villagers to read earlier

Ranking of mitzvos that take precedence when have opportunity to perform two of them (megilla, avoda, Torah, meis mitzva)

Sources for 15th fot walled cities and debate if walled from Yehoshua bin Nun/Achashveirosh, establishment of the "osios sofios" and Targumim

The "complaining" of Yaakov in his conversation with Pharaoh requires some sort of an explanation.

Can read Megilla from 11th-15th of Adar, hints in verses for the extra dates, various opinions if applies today

Backstory for the rebuke that Yaakov gave to his first three sons on his deathbed.

Did the brothers and Yosef ultimately resolves their underlying conflict or not?

Although the plan of Yosef had been to clarify the unity amongst the brothers, the storyline would not dictate this in certain terms.

Four approaches to explain the intentions of Yosef in his treatment of his brothers and father, and a final question that requires resolution.

4 potential explanations for the way Yosef treated his brothers and father, and a question regarding the distinction between the incident of Yaakov and Rachel vs brothers and Benyamin

There seems to be a discrepancy in focus regarding the miracle that is more important, and the legacy of the righteous Chashmonaim remains slightly tarnished in light of the outcome of their dynasty

The converts may have reverted to paganism but the impact would still be felt.

Bereishit Rabba (Miketz) 89:6,7- Specific steps arranged by Hashem for Yosef to be elevated and continuum of story, Sar HaMashkim was involved and highlights "accursed" kindness

Seemingly contradictory implications can potentially be resolved with an understanding of the issue of wanting to live in "tranquility".

A perspective on the age-old reality of antisemitism

Kli Yakar explains the importance of this name change and it's reference to the previous redemption and the future one.

Although the reason for Eisav's hatred towards Yaakov seems to have been resolved, the enmity nonetheless continues...

The historical explanation was preordained and highlights the uniqueness of Yehuda.

Bereishit Rabba (Vayechi) 98:6- source lies in blessing of Yaakov

The life of Yehuda and the blessing of Yaakov

The nature of Yaakov is described as an "ish tam", yet his life's events seem to tell a far different story

Bereishit Rabba (Vayetze) 70:12- 3 reasons that Yaakov cried upon meeting Rachel at the well

Was Yaakov a "tam" (naive/innocent) as the verses describe as his essential character, or a "rama'i" (trickster/cunning) as the stories of his life imply?

Two distinct approaches in explaining the juxtaposition of akeidas Yitzchak and the passing of Sarah

Rashi and Bereishit Rabba 63:1,2- four explanations (2 from Rashi, 2 from Midrash) for the seemingly redundant emphasis that Avraham produced Yitzchak

The story of akeida triggered the passing of Sarah Imenu, but the specifics require explanation.

1 section- kashering and ability to use various types of vessels on Pesach including knives and earthenware and distinctions if used prior in hot or cold

1 section- distinctions for Pesach use in Kashering vessels used previously with just cold or with heat

A seemingly innocent pact formed between Avimelech and Avraham had severe repercussions.

1 section- discussion about ability/how to kasher various items for Pesach including knives, wooden spoons, and lead-coater earthenware vessels

Bereishit Rabba (Chayey Sarah) 58:5- the trigger for Sarah's passing, the minimal crying, and the content of the eulogy said by Avraham about Sarah

1 section- 6 teachings of Rava regarding wrong intent and the korban ola

1 section- series of 6 laws/teachings of Rava regarding wrong intentions and the korban ola

The differing behaviors of Avraham in the stories with Pharaoh and Avimelech highlights when to respond to accusations and when to remain silent.

1 section- debate if intent for the correct korban but of the wrong person is an issue of shinuy kodesh or not

1 section- machlokes if intent during slaughter for correct korban type, but for another person's korban is deemed shinuy kodesh or not

1 section- debate about keeping earthenware chametz vessels for after Pesachim and related discussion about ability to kasher ovens/vessels

1 section- conclusive distinction in material types and differing items if able to be kashered

2 sections- psakim regarding vessels of chametz and ovens used with animal fat

story about "dream" of REbP, and situations of rain shortages with other Rabbi's

Gemara Berachot 10a/Bereishit Rabba (Lech Licha) 44:9- story of Chizkiyahu and Yeshayahu (in contrast to Avraham v'David) teaches perspective if it's better to fulfill mitzva of p'ru u'rivu and have wicked kids or avoid reproducing altogether.

1 section- discussion if Ola covers one for the bitul mitzvos aseh following the designation as well and 2 proofs (but rejected)

1 section- second proof if can receive atonement for after hafrasha from chata'os of Shavouos according to R' Shimon, but ultimately inconclusive