Torah Classes by R Yitzchak Shifman. Daf Yomi, Parsha, and more.
The sixth midda of "Ki Chafetz Chessed Hu" teaches the idea of seeing the good kindness in others that can act to remove deserving anger that emerges from another side.
The Jews fail in battle against the city of Ay and Hashem explains the reasons to Yehoshua, who promptly corrects the issues.
The fifth midda of "Lo Hechezik L'Ad Apo" is the the idea of lessening even deserved anger and rebuke, a powerful message for interpersonal relationships.
The forth midda of "L'She'erit Nachalato" highlights the closeness Hashem has with the Jewish people and the way we should be with other Jews as well.
Jews undergo national brit mila, celebrate Pesach, bring Korban Omer, and Yehoshua speaks with an angel about the conquest of Yericho.
The third midda of "Over al Pesha" highlights how Hashem Himself cleanses man from the stain of his sins, requiring us to to follow suit with the wrongdoings of others, as well as acting as a preventative from performing future sins.
As the Jews finish crossing the Jordan, the Kohanim pass over it miraculously, and two sets of stones are set up as commemorations of the miracles of that great day.
Jews begin process of crossing the Jordan River into mainland Eretz Yisrael.
The second midda of "Noseh Avon" refers to Hashem sustaining the "mashchit" that is created through sin, allowing man to repair ways. This requires a high level of patience with those who harmed us, giving the offender time to fix the issue.
Rambam Hilchot Teshuva 2:1, Kli Yakar on Devarim 30:11- definition of complete "ba'al teshuva" and the 4 steps in the yeshiva process
Yehoshua sends two spies into Eretz Yisrael to the city of Yericho and they meet Rachav, they agree to a pact with her after she protects them and eventually report back to Yehoshua
Introduction to following in the middot of Hashem and the 13 of Micha, first midda of "Mi Kel Kamocha": how Hashem is "Melech Ne'elav" and how we must replicate this.
Hashem strengthens Yehoshua in his new role as leader, people are told will travel over Jordan River in 3 days, and reaffirmation of the pact of children of Reuven, Gad, and half of Menashe
Kli Yakar explains how the mantle of Yehoshua was twofold, and teaches an important lesson in leadership.
Devarim Rabba (Vayelech) 9:1- important lesson about utilizing the time we have in this world and not taking the future for granted.
Moshe discusses the responsibility a Jew has by virtue of the interconnectivity of the Jewish nation.
As we enter the holiest day of the year, Yom Kippur, we request permission for the sinners to join. This unique statement carries a powerful message regarding our focus on others.
The Jews would gather to hear the reading of the Torah and the babies were also included. Reasons to explain this unique mitzva and related lessons.
Devarim Rabba (Netzavim) 8:3, D"R (Ki Tavo) 7:3, Mishna Berura 155:6- we should not be dismayed by the amount of Torah study to be accomplished, and even sitting amongst the Sages is valuable.
Rashi describes the unique reality of the tribe of Shimon in being left out of blessings and curses. This requires independent explanation, particularly in light of the varying approach of Yaakov.
We must first recognize our shortcomings to correct them, and then remove excuses to accomplish Teshuva.
Sefer Chinuch Mitzva 611: the obligation to follow in the "ways" of Hashem and mimic His "characteristics".
Devarim Rabba (Ki Tavo) 7:11- the clothing worn by the Jewish people in desert were altogether supernatural, a further testament to His providing of everything.
The state of affairs in the times prior to Mashiach will highlight various dreary realities. Specifically, a loss of respect for superiors and general anti-truth and anti-Hashem perspective are interconnected, as explained by the Kli Yakar.
The two mitzvot of sending away the mother bird and honoring one's parents are rewarded with the same two items. The Kli Yakar explains this and teaches an important lesson as it relates to children and parents.
The Torah prohibits wearing items and engaging in activities that are unique to the opposite gender. This becomes an important baseline principle for our holy nation.
Devarim Rabba (Ki Tetzeh) 6:8- How can we recognize, to correct, personal faults? The issue of showing tzara'at to relatives and it's initial causations imply a lesson that can assist with this issue.
Ohr HaChaim explains the reference in the pesukim to ones battle with the yetzer hara, the pitfalls and the only way to overcome them.
An important message about caring for others to bzH succeed in having a successful Elul
Gemara Shabbat 118a-b, Devarim Rabba (Re'eh) 4:11- discrepancy between the determining borders of the land and resolution based on tile periods.
Eretz Yisrael is a land whose stones are iron. This is explained as a reference to the people whose character helps build it..
Does keeping the Torah cause us to appear intelligent or foolish in the eyes of the nations?
Devarim Rabba (Va'etchanan) 2:8- Moshe attempts to argue that he should enter Eretz Yisrael, but to no avail.
Why is the generation who would enter Eretz Yisrael rebuked about the wrongdoings of their forebearers?
Gemara Erachin 16b, Devarim Rabba (Devarim) 1:4,5- who is qualified to give rebuke and importance of using lived experiences in the service of Hashem
When considering if a breakaway is appropriate or not, one could look at the story of b'nei Reuven v'Gad for a historical lesson.
Bamidbar Rabba (Matot) 22:7,8- within the storyline of b'nei Reuven v'Gad there is an issue of perspective about money, and a great lesson in usage of our "gifts".
While the word is used in association with the gentle Aharon, it is also used with the "aggressive" Pinchas. What is it's true definition and reality?
Bamidbar Rabba (Pinchas) 21:1- like his grandfather Aharon, albeit with a different approach, Pinchas promoted peace.
Based on Rambam it is difficult to understand how a wicked person like Bilam could receive prophecy, let alone akin to that of Moshe Rabbeinu. Kli Yakar explains a wonderful approach to clarify this, but we do leave off with a remaining question.
The Torah's warning to not follow in the destructive ways of Korach and his assembly is a practical lesson in productive and destructive behaviors, and the approach to appropriate and inappropriate conflicts.
Bamidbar Rabba (Chukat) 19:25- a hidden storyline about a great miracle akin to kriat yam suf, that occured in year 40 of the sojourn.
The basis for the upheaval of Korach and his assembly is quite unclear, and this is further complicated with Chazal's definition as an argument of "Korach and his assembly".
Bamidbar Rabba (Korach) 18:4- Korach incited a rebellion against Moshe, resulting in total destruction.
The changing perspectives of the Jews in the desert requires some explanation.
The message to Aharon regarding the menorah and the inauguration of the nesi'im highlights the proper intent in serving Hashem.
Midrash Tanchuma, Parshat Beha'alotecha Siman 5- The service given to Aharon highlights a second step in the proper intent necessary in Hashem's service, following the event of the korbanot of the nesi'im.
The Torah teaches a story that gave way to a mitzva, and highlights it's importance as well.
Backstory for the unique law of pesach sheini
Bamidbar Rabba (Baha'alotecha) 15:20- the mark of leadership is the acceptance of suffering on behalf of the people
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