Torah Classes by R Yitzchak Shifman. Daf Yomi, Parsha, and more.
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
The sotah is rewarded if she is indeed innocent from infidelity, and this theme is repeated elsewhere. The question is why reward the sinner for their suffering?
Various explanations clarifying the reason a sotah would receive a blessing upon being proven innocent.
Bamidbar Rabba (Nasso) 9:1- Hashem will publicize the sins of those who think that He does not know.
Lessons derived from the fact that the Torah arranges the sections of Nazir and Sotah next to each other.
Bamidbar Rabba (Nasso) 7:1, Vayikra Rabba (Metzora) 18:4- parallel of the sending out of the impure from the camp and the healing that occured at Mt Sinai
A history book, a book of mitzvot... not exactly.
The prohibition of ona'as devarim and the related laws
Chinuch Mitzva 338, Gemara Shabbat 88b- the terrible sin of "ona'at devarim" and the ways to react to being insulted
Two types of prohibitions of abuse of a fellow Jew: financial and verbal.
Gemara Ketuvot 67b-68a, Vayikra Rabba (Behar) 34:10- eight levels of ways to give charity and the appreciation we should have for the fakers who ask for money despite not needing it.
Discussion of redemption of the peter chamor with its equivalent value and not sheep
The backstory of this figure makes the story all the more tragic.
An analysis of the events leading up to this serious aveira begs further explanation.
Vayikra Rabba (Emor) 26:9, Gemara Taanit 16a- the Torah values the physicality of a person, and directs it's usage in the appropriate ways.
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