Shiviti Rambam's Mishneh Torah

Class 77: Rambam's Introduction; exploring the lives and teachings of our Chachamim (Sages), focusing in this class on the life of Rabban Gamliel; cultural appropriation of Judaism; sensitivity of Rabban Gamliel; Rabban Gamliel's unique request for burial; a tangent on Jewish burials and the behavior of the Chevra Kadisha; and more! (3/8/2022) — Thank you to Baruch (Barry) Savin for contributing to the description above. If you wish to volunteer with our video team and help add a more detailed description to this YouTube Shiur, please send us an email to info@shiviti.org. Tizku L'Mitzvot! — Shiviti Night Kollel Rambam's Mishneh Torah - Edition and Commentary of Rabbi Yosef Kapach (Qafih) — Rabbi Yonatan Halevy's official YouTube channel! Subscribe for the newest audio and video coming out of the Shiviti Bet Midrash!

Class 76: Rambam's Introduction; exploring the lives and teachings of our Chachamim (Sages), focusing in this class on the life of Rabban Gamliel; the dispensation for his family to study Greek; world travels on behalf of the Jewish people; decree to kill Rabban Gamliel; early Christians; and more! (2/22/2022) — Thank you to Baruch (Barry) Savin for contributing to the description above. If you wish to volunteer with our video team and help add a more detailed description to this YouTube Shiur, please send us an email to info@shiviti.org. Tizku L'Mitzvot! — Shiviti Night Kollel Rambam's Mishneh Torah - Edition and Commentary of Rabbi Yosef Kapach (Qafih) — Rabbi Yonatan Halevy's official YouTube channel! Subscribe for the newest audio and video coming out of the Shiviti Bet Midrash!

Class 75: Rambam's Introduction; exploring the lives and teachings of our Chachamim (Sages), focusing in this class on the life of Rabban Gamliel; the replacement of Rabban Gamliel with Rabbi Elazar Ben Azaryah; the resolution; and more! (2/15/2022) — Tonight's Shiur is dedicated in loving memory of Helen Khorshidi (Rivka bat Monir) z"l, mother of Farshid Farajzadeh, may he live and be well. May her Neshamah have an Aliyah in Gan Eden, Amen! — Tonight's Shiur is dedicated in loving memory of Yaakov ben Eliezer and Leah z"l, grandfather of Elke Weiss. May his Neshamah have an Aliyah in Gan Eden, Amen! — Thank you to Baruch (Barry) Savin for contributing to the description above. If you wish to volunteer with our video team and help add a more detailed description to this YouTube Shiur, please send us an email to info@shiviti.org. Tizku L'Mitzvot! — Shiviti Night Kollel Rambam's Mishneh Torah - Edition and Commentary of Rabbi Yosef Kapach (Qafih) — Rabbi Yonatan Halevy's official YouTube channel! Subscribe for the newest audio and video coming out of the Shiviti Bet Midrash!

Class 74: Rambam's Introduction; exploring the lives and teachings of our Chachamim (Sages), focusing in this class on the life of Rabban Gamliel; a tangent on the laws of Giyur (conversion); cut short for a private session off camera; and more! (2/8/2022) — Tonight's Shiur is dedicated in loving memory of Daniel Schwartz (Yitzchak Daniel ben Moshe Ze'ev) z"l, a founding member of the Shiviti Bet Midrash and Kehillat Shaar HaShamayim. May his Neshamah have an Aliyah in Gan Eden, Amen! — Thank you to Baruch (Barry) Savin for contributing to the description above. If you wish to volunteer with our video team and help add a more detailed description to this YouTube Shiur, please send us an email to info@shiviti.org. Tizku L'Mitzvot! — Shiviti Night Kollel Rambam's Mishneh Torah - Edition and Commentary of Rabbi Yosef Kapach (Qafih) — Rabbi Yonatan Halevy's official YouTube channel! Subscribe for the newest audio and video coming out of the Shiviti Bet Midrash!

Class 73: Rambam's Introduction; exploring the lives and teachings of our Chachamim (Sages), focusing in this class on the life of Rabban Gamliel; service of the heart and the challege of standardized prayer established in Yavneh; some history of "Nosach Sepharad" and the Chabad Siddur "of the Arizal"; Rabbi Gamliel and Rabbi Yehoshua debate if the evening prayer is obligatory; Rabbi Elazar ben Azarya replaces Rabban Gamliel as head of the Yeshiva; Rabban Gamliel becomes a student; and more! (2/1/2022) — Thank you to Baruch (Barry) Savin for contributing to the description above. If you wish to volunteer with our video team and help add a more detailed description to this YouTube Shiur, please send us an email to info@shiviti.org. Tizku L'Mitzvot! — Shiviti Night Kollel Rambam's Mishneh Torah - Edition and Commentary of Rabbi Yosef Kapach (Qafih) — Rabbi Yonatan Halevy's official YouTube channel! Subscribe for the newest audio and video coming out of the Shiviti Bet Midrash!

Class 72: Rambam's Introduction; exploring the lives and teachings of our Chachamim (Sages), focusing in this class on the life of Rabban Gamliel; save Yavneh and it's Sages before destroying Jerusalem; Sepharadic autonomy until 1948; the need for a Sanhedrin; a unique attitude towards the jobs offered toRabbi Elazar Ḥisma and Rabbi Yoḥanan ben Gudgeda; Rabbi Yehoshua challenges the day of Yom Kippur; and more! (1/25/2022) — Thank you to Baruch (Barry) Savin for contributing to the description above. If you wish to volunteer with our video team and help add a more detailed description to this YouTube Shiur, please send us an email to info@shiviti.org. Tizku L'Mitzvot! — Shiviti Night Kollel Rambam's Mishneh Torah - Edition and Commentary of Rabbi Yosef Kapach (Qafih) — Rabbi Yonatan Halevy's official YouTube channel! Subscribe for the newest audio and video coming out of the Shiviti Bet Midrash!

Class 71: Rambam's Introduction; exploring the lives and teachings of our Chachamim (Sages), focusing in this class on the life of Rabbi Yehoshua Ben Chanina! (1/18/2022) — Tonight's Shiur is dedicated in loving memory of R' Chaim Natan ben HaRav Avraham Nechemiah Rabinowitz. May his Neshamah have an Aliyah in Gan Eden, Amen! — If you wish to volunteer with our video team and help add a more detailed description to this YouTube Shiur, please send us an email to info@shiviti.org. Tizku L'Mitzvot! — Shiviti Night Kollel Rambam's Mishneh Torah - Edition and Commentary of Rabbi Yosef Kapach (Qafih) — Rabbi Yonatan Halevy's official YouTube channel! Subscribe for the newest audio and video coming out of the Shiviti Bet Midrash!

Class 70: Rambam's Introduction; exploring the lives and teachings of our Chachamim (Sages), focusing in this class on the life of Rabbi Yehoshua Ben Chanina! (12/21/2021) — If you wish to volunteer with our video team and help add a more detailed description to this YouTube Shiur, please send us an email to info@shiviti.org. Tizku L'Mitzvot! — Shiviti Night Kollel Rambam's Mishneh Torah - Edition and Commentary of Rabbi Yosef Kapach (Qafih) — Rabbi Yonatan Halevy's official YouTube channel! Subscribe for the newest audio and video coming out of the Shiviti Bet Midrash!

Class 69: Rambam's Introduction; exploring the lives and teachings of our Chachamim (Sages), focusing in this class on the life of Rabbi Eliezer Ben Hyrcanus, in particular his teachings scattered throughout Rabbinic literature. Class highlights: Torah study for women, Tefillah with proper intention, and more! (12/7/2021) — If you wish to volunteer with our video team and help add a more detailed description to this YouTube Shiur, please send us an email to info@shiviti.org. Tizku L'Mitzvot! — Shiviti Night Kollel Rambam's Mishneh Torah - Edition and Commentary of Rabbi Yosef Kapach (Qafih) — Rabbi Yonatan Halevy's official YouTube channel! Subscribe for the newest audio and video coming out of the Shiviti Bet Midrash!

Class 68: Rambam's Introduction; exploring the lives and teachings of our Chachamim (Sages), focusing in this class on the life of Rabbi Eliezer Ben Hyrcanus, in particular the end of his life and his final passing. (12/6/2021) — If you wish to volunteer with our video team and help add a more detailed description to this YouTube Shiur, please send us an email to info@shiviti.org. Tizku L'Mitzvot! — Shiviti Night Kollel Rambam's Mishneh Torah - Edition and Commentary of Rabbi Yosef Kapach (Qafih) — Rabbi Yonatan Halevy's official YouTube channel! Subscribe for the newest audio and video coming out of the Shiviti Bet Midrash!

Class 67: Rambam's Introduction; exploring the lives and teachings of our Chachamim (Sages), focusing in this class on the life of Rabbi Eliezer Ben Hyrcanus, in particular the aftermath of his famous debate and falling out of grace with the new Sanhedrin in Yavneh. (11/30/2021) — If you wish to volunteer with our video team and help add a more detailed description to this YouTube Shiur, please send us an email to info@shiviti.org. Tizku L'Mitzvot! — Shiviti Night Kollel Rambam's Mishneh Torah - Edition and Commentary of Rabbi Yosef Kapach (Qafih) — Rabbi Yonatan Halevy's official YouTube channel! Subscribe for the newest audio and video coming out of the Shiviti Bet Midrash!

Class 66: Rambam's Introduction; exploring the lives and teachings of our Chachamim (Sages), focusing in this class on the life of Rabbi Eliezer Ben Hyrcanus, in particular his famous debate and falling out of grace with the new Sanhedrin in Yavneh. (11/29/2021) — If you wish to volunteer with our video team and help add a more detailed description to this YouTube Shiur, please send us an email to info@shiviti.org. Tizku L'Mitzvot! — Shiviti Night Kollel Rambam's Mishneh Torah - Edition and Commentary of Rabbi Yosef Kapach (Qafih) — Rabbi Yonatan Halevy's official YouTube channel! Subscribe for the newest audio and video coming out of the Shiviti Bet Midrash!

Class 65: Rambam's Introduction; exploring the lives and teachings of our Chachamim (Sages), focusing in this class on the five students of Rabban Yochanan Ben Zakkai; in particular the life of Rabbi Eliezer Ben Hyrcanus. (11/16/2021) — If you wish to volunteer with our video team and help add a more detailed description to this YouTube Shiur, please send us an email to info@shiviti.org. Tizku L'Mitzvot! — Shiviti Night Kollel Rambam's Mishneh Torah - Edition and Commentary of Rabbi Yosef Kapach (Qafih) — Rabbi Yonatan Halevy's official YouTube channel! Subscribe for the newest audio and video coming out of the Shiviti Bet Midrash!

Class 64: Rambam's Introduction; exploring the lives and teachings of our Chachamim (Sages), focusing in this class on the five students of Rabban Yochanan Ben Zakkai; students who enriched the transmission and increased the knowledge of the Torah; students are unique when they understand their rabbi's spiritual mission and adopt it as their own; students who were willing to risk their lives for their rabbi; and more! (11/15/2021) — If you wish to volunteer with our video team and help add a more detailed description to this YouTube Shiur, please send us an email to info@shiviti.org. Tizku L'Mitzvot! Thank you to Barcuh (Barry) Savin for his assistance with writing the class description. Tizke L'Mitzvot! — Shiviti Night Kollel Rambam's Mishneh Torah - Edition and Commentary of Rabbi Yosef Kapach (Qafih) — Rabbi Yonatan Halevy's official YouTube channel! Subscribe for the newest audio and video coming out of the Shiviti Bet Midrash!

Class 63: Rambam's Introduction; exploring the lives and teachings of our Chachamim (Sages), focusing in this class on the five students of Rabban Yochanan Ben Zakkai; students who enriched the transmission and increased the knowledge of the Torah; students are unique when they understand their rabbi's spiritual mission and adopt it as their own; students who were willing to risk their lives for their rabbi; and more! (11/9/2021) — If you wish to volunteer with our video team and help add a more detailed description to this YouTube Shiur, please send us an email to info@shiviti.org. Tizku L'Mitzvot! Thank you to Barcuh (Barry) Savin for his assistance with writing the class description. Tizke L'Mitzvot! — Shiviti Night Kollel Rambam's Mishneh Torah - Edition and Commentary of Rabbi Yosef Kapach (Qafih) — Rabbi Yonatan Halevy's official YouTube channel! Subscribe for the newest audio and video coming out of the Shiviti Bet Midrash!

Class 62: Rambam's Introduction; exploring the lives and teachings of our Chachamim (Sages), focusing in this class on the five students of Rabban Yochanan Ben Zakkai; students who speak as their rabbi does; lessons to teach us not to stubbornly defend our own opinions, but rather be willing and able to reassess and retract them; and more! (11/8/2021) — If you wish to volunteer with our video team and help add a more detailed description to this YouTube Shiur, please send us an email to info@shiviti.org. Tizku L'Mitzvot! Thank you to Chava Lee for her assistance with writing the class description. Tizki L'Mitzvot! — Shiviti Night Kollel Rambam's Mishneh Torah - Edition and Commentary of Rabbi Yosef Kapach (Qafih) — Rabbi Yonatan Halevy's official YouTube channel! Subscribe for the newest audio and video coming out of the Shiviti Bet Midrash!

Class 61: Rambam's Introduction; exploring the lives and teachings of our Chachamim (Sages), focusing in this class on the five students of Rabban Yochanan Ben Zakkai; what makes the students more qualitative than others; students who do not leave their rabbi's side; students who not only learn from their rabbi but also emulate his good character traits; Torah scholars increase peace in the world; and more! (11/2/2021) — If you wish to volunteer with our video team and help add a more detailed description to this YouTube Shiur, please send us an email to info@shiviti.org. Tizku L'Mitzvot! Thank you to Barcuh (Barry) Savin for his assistance with writing the class description. Tizke L'Mitzvot! — Shiviti Night Kollel Rambam's Mishneh Torah - Edition and Commentary of Rabbi Yosef Kapach (Qafih) — Rabbi Yonatan Halevy's official YouTube channel! Subscribe for the newest audio and video coming out of the Shiviti Bet Midrash!

Class 60: Rambam's Introduction; exploring the lives and teachings of our Chachamim (Sages), concluding our focus on Rabban Yochanan Ben Zakkai and beginning to discuss his five students; a leader that knows how to pick his battles; thinking deeper about the relationships between rabbis and students; and more! (11/1/2021) — If you wish to volunteer with our video team and help add a more detailed description to this YouTube Shiur, please send us an email to info@shiviti.org. Tizku L'Mitzvot! Thank you to Barcuh (Barry) Savin for his assistance with writing the class description. Tizke L'Mitzvot! — Shiviti Night Kollel Rambam's Mishneh Torah - Edition and Commentary of Rabbi Yosef Kapach (Qafih) — Rabbi Yonatan Halevy's official YouTube channel! Subscribe for the newest audio and video coming out of the Shiviti Bet Midrash!

Class 59: Rambam's Introduction; exploring the lives and teachings of our Chachamim (Sages), continuing our focus in this class on Rabban Yochanan Ben Zakkai. (9/2/2021) — If you wish to volunteer with our video team and help add a more detailed description to this YouTube Shiur, please send us an email to info@shiviti.org. Tizku L'Mitzvot! — Shiviti Night Kollel Rambam's Mishneh Torah - Edition and Commentary of Rabbi Yosef Kapach (Qafih) — Rabbi Yonatan Halevy's official YouTube channel! Subscribe for the newest audio and video coming out of the Shiviti Bet Midrash!

Class 58: Rambam's Introduction; exploring the lives and teachings of our Chachamim (Sages), continuing our focus in this class on Rabban Yochanan Ben Zakkai. (8/31/2021) — If you wish to volunteer with our video team and help add a more detailed description to this YouTube Shiur, please send us an email to info@shiviti.org. Tizku L'Mitzvot! — Shiviti Night Kollel Rambam's Mishneh Torah - Edition and Commentary of Rabbi Yosef Kapach (Qafih) — Rabbi Yonatan Halevy's official YouTube channel! Subscribe for the newest audio and video coming out of the Shiviti Bet Midrash!

Class 57: Rambam's Introduction; exploring the lives and teachings of our Chachamim (Sages), continuing our focus in this class on Rabban Yochanan Ben Zakkai. (8/24/2021) — If you wish to volunteer with our video team and help add a more detailed description to this YouTube Shiur, please send us an email to info@shiviti.org. Tizku L'Mitzvot! — Shiviti Night Kollel Rambam's Mishneh Torah - Edition and Commentary of Rabbi Yosef Kapach (Qafih) — Rabbi Yonatan Halevy's official YouTube channel! Subscribe for the newest audio and video coming out of the Shiviti Bet Midrash!

Class 56: Rambam's Introduction; exploring the lives and teachings of our Chachamim (Sages), focusing in this class on Rabban Yochanan Ben Zakkai. (8/17/2021) — If you wish to volunteer with our video team and help add a more detailed description to this YouTube Shiur, please send us an email to info@shiviti.org. Tizku L'Mitzvot! — Shiviti Night Kollel Rambam's Mishneh Torah - Edition and Commentary of Rabbi Yosef Kapach (Qafih) — Rabbi Yonatan Halevy's official YouTube channel! Subscribe for the newest audio and video coming out of the Shiviti Bet Midrash!

Class 55: Rambam's Introduction; exploring the lives and teachings of our Chachamim (Sages), focusing in this class on Shammai HaZaken. (8/10/2021) — If you wish to volunteer with our video team and help add a more detailed description to this YouTube Shiur, please send us an email to info@shiviti.org. Tizku L'Mitzvot! — Shiviti Night Kollel Rambam's Mishneh Torah - Edition and Commentary of Rabbi Yosef Kapach (Qafih) — Rabbi Yonatan Halevy's official YouTube channel! Subscribe for the newest audio and video coming out of the Shiviti Bet Midrash!

Class 54: Rambam's Introduction; exploring the lives and teachings of our Chachamim (Sages), focusing in this class on Hillel HaZaken; story of potential converts requesting that Hillel and Shammai convert them; teaching the Torah on one foot; contemporary Jewish communities and their time limits on Divere Torah; converting for an ulterior motive; fundamental rules in the laws of conversion to Judaism; story regarding Rabbi Yaakov Yosef Hager and a special edition of a troubling Shabbat song; wisdom of Hillel HaZaken and his eighty students; the students of Porat Yosef in the generation of Rabbi Ezra Attia; more rational understandings of a puzzling Aggadeta, from the writings of Rabbi Yosef Messas; the importance of understanding the sciences and the world around us; the "divisive" method of teaching the traditions of Sepharadic and Ashkenazi Jews alongside each other; and more! (8/3/2021) — Thank you to Devorah Miriam Harris for her assistance with writing the class description. Tizki L'Mitzvot! — Shiviti Night Kollel Rambam's Mishneh Torah - Edition and Commentary of Rabbi Yosef Kapach (Qafih) — Rabbi Yonatan Halevy's official YouTube channel! Subscribe for the newest audio and video coming out of the Shiviti Bet Midrash!

Class 53: Rambam's Introduction; exploring the lives and teachings of our Chachamim (Sages), focusing in this class on Hillel HaZaken; story of Hillel's determination to learn; guards at the entry of the Bet Midrash; manipulation of contemporary Chachamim; dilemma that prompted Hillel's promotion to Av Bet HaDin; subsequent memory loss of certain Halachot and the humility that restored it; looking to the Jewish people's practice as a way to determine Halachah; wise people do not always need to know the answer to everything; Abraham Lincoln and Facebook; knowing how to research things you read before you believe them; story of two individuals who made a bet to upset Hillel on Erev Shabbat; the bet of Morenu HaRav Yaakov Peretz; Hillel's wealthy brother and his lack of support for his Torah study; and more! (7/27/2021) — Thank you to Devorah Miriam Harris for her assistance with writing the class description. Tizki L'Mitzvot! — Shiviti Night Kollel Rambam's Mishneh Torah - Edition and Commentary of Rabbi Yosef Kapach (Qafih) — Rabbi Yonatan Halevy's official YouTube channel! Subscribe for the newest audio and video coming out of the Shiviti Bet Midrash!

Class 52: Rambam's Introduction; exploring the lives and teachings of our Chachamim (Sages), focusing in this class on Shemayah and Avtalyon; the fourth generation of Zugot; a tangent in praise of the heroism and lofty stature of "Gere HaTzedek" - righteous converts to Judaism; the mistreatment of Gerim at the hands of the Jewish community; briefly recalling a Shiur of Rabbi Yosef Zarnighian regarding Gerim holding the office of Navi; Unite State's law requires the President to be born in the United States; a different understanding of the concept of "Serara"; perhaps a poor reflection but accurate understanding of Jewish society; women in positions of authority in the writings of Rabbi Benzion Meir Hai Uziel; Jewish descendants of Sancheriv and Haman; Jewish communities which don't count Gerim for a Minyan; Rambam consistently understands that Shemayah and Avtalyon are actual Gerim and not descendants of Gerim; imitation of one's rabbi; a unique tradition of Rabbi Yosef Kapach; a possible precedent to the Spanish Portugese custom of wearing special ritual clothing only in the synagogue; a showdown between the Kohen Gadol - High Priest - and Rabbinic leadership; a moving story and the legacy of Akavyah Ben Mehalalel; and more! (6/15/2021) — Tonight's Shiur is dedicated in merit of the Refuah Shelemah of Dr. Arthur Platt - Chaim Ozer Ben Leah. Tonight's Shiur is dedicated in merit of the Refuah Shelemah of Yisrael Yosef Chaim ben Leah. — Shiviti Night Kollel Rambam's Mishneh Torah - Edition and Commentary of Rabbi Yosef Kapach (Qafih)

Class 51: Rambam's Introduction; exploring the lives and teachings of our Chachamim (Sages), focusing in this class on Shemayah and Avtalyon; the fourth generation of Zugot; historical background to understand Rabbinic contempt towards positions of authority; Queen Shlomzion's stable empire doesn't stay stable forever; Jewish civil war; the tragic death of Honi HaMe'agel; religious murderers and the pig who breached the wall of Jerusalem; Greek wisdom and academic gibberish; collaboration with the Roman's led to their occupation of the Land of Israel; the danger of Jewish partisanship; the significance of outsiders - "Gere HaTzedek" - stepping in to replace Jewish leadership; Ribbi Yosef Messas and the need for Jewish bipartisanship; and more! (6/14/2021) — Tonight's Shiur is dedicated in merit of the Refuah Shelemah of Dr. Arthur Platt - Chaim Ozer Ben Leah. Tonight's Shiur is dedicated in merit of the Refuah Shelemah of Yisrael Yosef Chaim ben Leah. — Shiviti Night Kollel Rambam's Mishneh Torah - Edition and Commentary of Rabbi Yosef Kapach (Qafih)

Class 50: Rambam's Introduction; exploring the lives and teachings of our Chachamim (Sages), focusing in this class on Shimon Ben Shatach; the third generation of Zugot; brother-in-law of King Yanai, brother of Queen Shlomtzion; analyzing two different Aggadot regarding Shimon Ben Shatach and his relationship with King Yanai; murderers of rabbis who are careful to recite Birkat HaMazon; an episode of nine-hundred Nezirim; the sad decline of the "Hacham" in North African literature; the task of reclaiming the Sanhedrin from the hands of the Sadducees; Shimon Ben Shatach and the eighty witches of Ashkelon, as told by Rabbi Ovadia Yosef; a tragic story of revenge singling out the son of Shimon Ben Shatach; the Ishmaelite who blessed the God of Israel, the God of Shimon Ben Shatach; and more! (6/7/2021) — Tonight's Shiur is dedicated in merit of the Refuah Shelemah of Dr. Arthur Platt - Chaim Ozer Ben Leah. (At the time of the giving of this Shiur, the name Chaim was not yet added). Tonight's Shiur is dedicated in merit of the Refuah Shelemah of Rachel Savin's father - Shalom Ben Miriam. Tonight's Shiur is also dedicated in loving memory of Hyman Jebb Levy - Chaim Ben Yehuda V'Bella z”l. May his Neshamah have an Aliyah in Gan Eden, Amen! — Shiviti Night Kollel Rambam's Mishneh Torah - Edition and Commentary of Rabbi Yosef Kapach (Qafih)

Class 49: Rambam's Introduction; exploring the lives and teachings of our Chachamim (Sages), focusing in this class on Yehudah Ben Tabai; the third generation of Zugot; the decline of the family of Hashmonaim, from Yochanan Kohen Gadol until King Yanai; slightly difference stance regarding King Yanai found between the Talmud Yerushalmi and Talmud Bavli; different opinions regarding which was the Nasi and which was the Av Bet HaDin; a brief history of autonomous self-government of the Jewish people in Sephardic lands, tragically ending with the establishment of the State of Israel; conspiring witnesses and one of the more devastating mistakes of Yehudah Ben Tabai's Rabbinic career; an early debate between the Sadducee and Rabbinic camps; the Hebrew word for lawyer, "Orech Din", arranger of the law; the nobility of Yehudah Ben Tabai and his ability to learn from his mistakes; and more! (6/1/2021) — Tonight's Shiur is dedicated in merit of the Refuah Shelemah of Dr. Arthur Platt - Chaim Ozer Ben Leah. (At the time of the giving of this Shiur, the name Chaim was not yet added). — Shiviti Night Kollel Rambam's Mishneh Torah - Edition and Commentary of Rabbi Yosef Kapach (Qafih)

Class 47: Rambam's Introduction; exploring the lives and teachings of our Chachamim (Sages), focusing in this class on Yehoshua Ben Perachya; the second generation of Zugot; fleeing to Alexandria due to the persecution of Chachamim in Eretz Yisrael; the Halachic and extra-Halachic aspects of judging others favorably; Catholic censorship of classic Jewish texts, such as the Talmud; praying with the Siddur of the Catholic church; Rabbi Yehoshua Ben Perachya and Yeshu; the meaning of the name Yeshu HaNotzri; is Yeshu the historical Jesus or someone else?; a fateful meal at an inn on the way back to Jerusalem; Chachamim's advice to always draw close while pushing away; Rabbi Avraham Yitzchak HaKohen Kook's understanding of the nature of Yeshu's brick-worship; it is incorrect to mock another religion, rather when one increases light, darkness disipates on it's own; Avodah Zarah is turning a means into an end; the lighting bolt of Teshuvah; and more! (5/10/2021) — This Shiur is dedicated in honor of our brothers and sisters who are under attack in Israel. May HaKadosh Baruch Hu bless them and protect them, and bring peace to our homeland, Amen. — Shiviti Night Kollel Rambam's Mishneh Torah - Edition and Commentary of Rabbi Yosef Kapach (Qafih)

Class 46: Rambam's Introduction; exploring the lives and teachings of our Chachamim (Sages), focusing in this class on Yosef Ben Yochanan; getting to know the Rambam himself through his letters; the fear of losing the Jewish people entirely; turning your home into a place of Torah scholarship; the miracle of Chanukah as it relates to the Jewish home; two different approaches to protecting the Torah and saving the Jewish people; the constant struggle between Rabban Gamliel and Ribbi Yehoshua; changing Jewish leadership; miserable relationships and going to a rabbi who appreciates his wife; on Sepharadic and Ashkenazi divides; exploring a foundational teaching of Rabbi Avraham Yitzchak HaKohen Kook; the connection between Parashat Vayeshev and Chanukah; the true struggle between Yehudah and Yosef and its ramifications today; and more! (5/4/2021) — This Shiur is dedicated by R' Nachman and Feigy Reiter in loving memory of their relative who tragically lost his life in Meron this past Lag BaOmer: Eliyahu Shemuel z”l ben Mordechai Cohen. May his Neshamah, along with all the other Neshamot who passed with him, have an Aliyah in Gan Eden, Amen! — Shiviti Night Kollel Rambam's Mishneh Torah - Edition and Commentary of Rabbi Yosef Kapach (Qafih)

Class 45: Rambam's Introduction; exploring the lives and teachings of our Chachamim (Sages), focusing in this class on Yosef Ben Yo'ezer; Yose, Yosef, and nicknames; the beginning of the period of Zugot; on Jewish names like Farah and Mushka; a legal Ketubah with false names; Kohanim who are ransacking the Bet HaMikdash, letting it fall into disrepair as they become more like their Greek friends; the Jewish people turns to new leadership; the firs Halachic dispute in our history: the beginning of the debate surrounding "Semicha" in the Bet HaMikdash; Ashkenazim and Sepharadim and respect of Talmide Chachamim; a story about the Chafetz Chaim and the crisis of intermarriage in the Jewish people; children that choose not to follow in the righteous path of their forefathers; the tragic death of a Sage and his final discussion with his wicked nephew; personal and national traitors; Rabbinic autonomy and the baton we must pass on; and more! (5/3/2021) — This Shiur is dedicated by R' Nachman and Feigy Reiter in loving memory of their relative who tragically lost his life in Meron this past Lag BaOmer: Eliyahu Shemuel z”l ben Mordechai Cohen. May his Neshamah, along with all the other Neshamot who passed with him, have an Aliyah in Gan Eden, Amen! — Shiviti Night Kollel Rambam's Mishneh Torah - Edition and Commentary of Rabbi Yosef Kapach (Qafih)

Class 44: Rambam's Introduction; exploring the lives and teachings of our Chachamim (Sages), focusing in this class on Antigonus Ish Socho; Rabbi Yosef Messas on treating our Arab neighbors with Derech Eretz and respect; we are missing leaders who have love of human dignity; Socho spelled with the letter Samach or letter Sin; not serving HaKadosh Baruch Hu for the sake of recieving a reward; the meaning of the name Antigonus; the place called Socho; the responsibility of a community to spread the teachings of their rabbi; the fate of the Ben Ish Chai's writings; the Pele Yoetz's stance on writing books in Hebrew or the local vernacular; the life of Rabbi Menasheh Ben Yisrael; the origin of the Sadducees and Boethusians; the sickness of reactionary Judaism; seven types of dangerous Pharisees; Judaism that is gripped with spiritual paralysis; Rabbi Yaakov Peretz and pleasant Judaism; and more! (4/27/2021) — This Shiur is generously sponsored by Alan and Dena Sigman in loving memory of their grandparents: Yitzchak Ben Meir z”l, Devorah Bat Avraham z”l, and Tova Bat Yisrael Hillel z”l. May their Neshamot have an Aliyah in Gan Eden, Amen! — Shiviti Night Kollel Rambam's Mishneh Torah - Edition and Commentary of Rabbi Yosef Kapach (Qafih)

Class 43: Rambam's Introduction; exploring the lives and teachings of our Chachamim (Sages), focusing in this class on Shimon HaTzadik; insights from Rabbi Yosef Messas; his humility as the reason why he is called "from the remnants" and not "the last" of Anshe Kenesset HaGedolah; the Chassidic Tish and the term "Shirayim"; the book of Ben Sira; the corrupt office of the Kohen Gadol; canonization of the Tanach and Hacham Faur's explanation of Ruach HaKodesh based on the proper understanding of the word "Kodesh"; Alexander the Great's attempt to destroy Jerusalem and his encounter with Shimon HaTzadik; red heifers during this period; the story of the Nazir from the south; prediction of his death; an insight from the writings of the Lubavitcher Rebbe regarding the legacy and personility of Shimon HaTzadik; the Member of Knesset who likened the Jewish people to a broom; and more! (4/26/2021) — Shiviti Night Kollel Rambam's Mishneh Torah - Edition and Commentary of Rabbi Yosef Kapach (Qafih) — Rabbi Yonatan Halevy's official YouTube channel! Subscribe for the newest audio and video coming out of the Shiviti Bet Midrash!

Class 42: Rambam's Introduction; exploring the transition from Nevi'im (Prophets) to Chachamim (Sages); Ezra and the Ansheh Kenesset HaGedolah, the "Men of the Great Assembly"; a tangent on conspiracy theories; replacing corrupt Kohanim and their leadership with Chachamim; understanding the Talmudic statement that "a Sage is preferable to a Prophet"; the study of Nevi'im is literally the study of the word of Hashem; the Rambam explains that legal analysis is done with the same rational, logical thought process regardless of the scholar being a Navi or a Chacham; analyzing a unique teaching of Rabbi Avraham Yitzchak HaKohen Kook; understanding the true evil of Avodah Zarah which leads to the moral decline of the world; the deeper meaning behind the hatred of Halachah as an important phase in the process of redemption; the Kohanim were focused on macro vision for the Jewish future, while the Chachamim were focused on the micro issues of the Jewish people - and the latter were surprisingly more effective than the former; this value is echoed in the hope for a Mashiach who is both a Navi and a Chacham; and more! (1/25/2021) — Shiviti Night Kollel Rambam's Mishneh Torah - Edition and Commentary of Rabbi Yosef Kapach (Qafih) — Rabbi Yonatan Halevy's official YouTube channel! Subscribe for the newest audio and video coming out of Shiviti/Kehillat Shaar HaShamayim!

Class 41: Rambam's Introduction; exploring the transition from Nevi'im (Prophets) to Chachamim (Sages); Ezra and the Ansheh Kenesset HaGedolah, the "Men of the Great Assembly"; decentralization of the Mikdash in favor of a more personal and active Judaism; changing the text of the Torah; we must discuss and teach our children before they are educated problematically by others; ancient script still used in the Samaritan Sifreh Torah; three different understandings regarding the original script of the Torah given to Moshe Rabbenu and various proofs to each of them; similarities with other professional methods of writing, such as law and medicine; older and newer Halachic problems with using "Ashurit" script for day to day use; not every Mitzvah needs a fence!; the evolution of Muktzeh as a model for Rabbinic fences; decreasing fences with communities who are more particular with Halachah; possible double-standards for Talmide Chachamim; leaders who can see the long-term ramifications of their decisions; the famous war of sesame seeds and Rabbi Kook in Jerusalem; restoring trust between Rabbinic leadership and the Jewish masses; and more! (1/19/2021) — Shiviti Night Kollel Rambam's Mishneh Torah - Edition and Commentary of Rabbi Yosef Kapach (Qafih) — Rabbi Yonatan Halevy's official YouTube channel! Subscribe for the newest audio and video coming out of Shiviti/Kehillat Shaar HaShamayim!

Class 40: Rambam's Introduction; exploring the transition from Nevi'im (Prophets) to Chachamim (Sages); Ezra and the Ansheh Kenesset HaGedolah, the "Men of the Great Assembly"; prophecy given to the Chachamim; the institution of blessings and the standardization of prayers; dealing with seeming "political incorrectness" in the Rambam; ; Tefillah as "service of the heart"; Derech Eretz in our communication with HaKadosh Baruch Hu; the history of Tefillah; "Avodah SheBaLev" service of the heart, organic and natural; are we allowed to pray "in our own words"?; who created the Tefillah found in rushed Minyanim?; for some, Tefillah is a silent concert which they observe; the rabbi's sermon as entertainment; the problem of delegating Judaism to others; Anshe Kenesset HaGedolah provided the framework in which we could own our Judaism; the misguided zeal to protect the Torah from the people; bringing the Torah down from the Ivory Tower it was guarded in; romanticizing the past: the real story of Sara Schenirer and the selling of Ashkenazi girls to Jewish human traffickers; replacing corrupt leaders who do not trust their own people; and more! (1/12/2021) — Shiviti Night Kollel Rambam's Mishneh Torah - Edition and Commentary of Rabbi Yosef Kapach (Qafih) — Rabbi Yonatan Halevy's official YouTube channel! Subscribe for the newest audio and video coming out of Shiviti/Kehillat Shaar HaShamayim!

Class 39: Rambam's Introduction; exploring the transition from Nevi'im (Prophets) to Chachamim (Sages); Ezra and the Ansheh Kenesset HaGedolah, the "Men of the Great Assembly"; the fear of rejecting Rabbinic opinions; the famous "Mezuzah compromise"; making a fence for the Torah; balancing "Metunim BaDin", slowness to judgement, with the evil of "Inuy HaDin", suffering caused by delays in the justice system; America's justice system; the importance of having many students; historical background crucial to understanding this Rabbinic period; Babylonian Stockholm Syndrome; Rabbi Yehudah Halevy's Chacham embarrassed by the King of Khazar in the Kuzari; understanding the role of the Kohanim and Levi'im; the corrupted covenant of the Levi'im and the revolution leading to their replacement by Ezra HaSofer and the Chachamim; and more! (1/11/2021) — Shiviti Night Kollel Rambam's Mishneh Torah - Edition and Commentary of Rabbi Yosef Kapach (Qafih) — Rabbi Yonatan Halevy's official YouTube channel! Subscribe for the newest audio and video coming out of Shiviti/Kehillat Shaar HaShamayim!

Class 38: Rambam's Introduction; the life of Baruch Ben Neriyah; the personal scribe of Yirmiyahu; a story about the Rabbi's father and two types of Biblical archeologists; the struggle of being worthy of prophecy but not being granted prophecy; the political assignation of Gedalya Ben Achikam; the ever-lasting damage of Jewish civil war; the perpetuation of in-fighting in the Jewish community; the story of the Irgun, the Haganah, and the Altalena ship carrying weapons to the shores of Israel; a message from HaKadosh Baruch Hu to Baruch Ben Neriyah through Yirmiyahu; a tangent in the Rambam's Moreh Nevuchim to discuss three understandings of prophecy; the rise of charlatans as Babbas and Kabbalists; the tragic neglect of the Jewish classics, such as Moreh Nevuchim, Sefer HaIkarim, Kuzari, Chovot HaLevavot, among others; the politcs which lead to the founding of the Karaite movement; the deterioration of leadership as the cuase of all disaster; and more! (11/23/2020) — Shiviti Night Kollel Rambam's Mishneh Torah - Edition and Commentary of Rabbi Yosef Kapach (Qafih) — Rabbi Yonatan Halevy's official YouTube channel! Subscribe for the newest audio and video coming out of Shiviti/Kehillat Shaar HaShamayim!

Class 37: Rambam's Introduction; the life of Tzefanya HaNavi; significance of the four-generation lineage mentioned here; Tzefanya as a possible grandson of Chizkiyahu the King; three prohpets that went to the people: Yirmiyahu, Tzefanya, and Chulda; Israeli corruptions of a Hebrew phrase; lack of aspirations creates apathy which does not allow room for self and national improvement; Rabbi Yisrael Moshe Hazzan and his concerns about Jewish apathy; inner-rebuke: San Diego as the model city of no Jewish aspirations; the dangers of nationalism - being human first is crucial; racism in the Jewish community; the Judaism of today still suffers from a selfish, Jewish-centered approach; Rabbi Uziel's call for liberation for the whole world; and more! (11/10/2020) — Shiviti Night Kollel Rambam's Mishneh Torah - Edition and Commentary of Rabbi Yosef Kapach (Qafih) — Rabbi Yonatan Halevy's official YouTube channel! Subscribe for the newest audio and video coming out of Shiviti/Kehillat Shaar HaShamayim!

Class 36: Rambam's Introduction; the life of Chavakuk HaNavi; the reason why we are studying Tanach in a Rambam class; the Zohar's identification of Chavakuk as the son of the Shunamite woman from the story of Elisha; the Rabbi's friend, son of a Queen in Zambia; Chavakuk was shown the justice of Hashem, similar to Moshe Rabbenu; doing justice by not praying for the wicked to die; books of Rabbi Eliezer Papo, the Pele Yoetz; the "decree" in some communities against accepting Gere Tzedek into the community; an interesting Buddhist teaching; common Hebrew phrases borrowed from the book of Chavakuk; and more! (11/9/2020) — Shiviti Night Kollel Rambam's Mishneh Torah - Edition and Commentary of Rabbi Yosef Kapach (Qafih) — Rabbi Yonatan Halevy's official YouTube channel! Subscribe for the newest audio and video coming out of Shiviti/Kehillat Shaar HaShamayim!

Class 35: Rambam's Introduction; the life of Nachum HaNavi; the name Nachum is only used once in Tanach, with the exception of a similar name "Nechum" mentioned once elsewhere; the tomb of Nachum in Alqosh - Iraqi Kurdistan; history and current events about the tomb of Nachum: the destruction of ISIS, American and Kurdish rehabilitation efforts; the first female rabbi of Kurdistan, Osenat Barzani; and more! (11/3/2020) — Shiviti Night Kollel Rambam's Mishneh Torah - Edition and Commentary of Rabbi Yosef Kapach (Qafih) — Rabbi Yonatan Halevy's official YouTube channel! Subscribe for the newest audio and video coming out of Shiviti/Kehillat Shaar HaShamayim!

Class 34: Rambam's Introduction; the life of Yoel HaNavi; much speculation regarding who Yoel was; exploring Yoel and the son of Shemuel; "highway robbery with a Kippah on"; leaders who take money and bribes; the complaints Chachamim have on these leaders are still the same complaints against todays model of Jewish leadership; the ability to do Teshuvah and become a prophet; cause-and-effect of world problems; if we are not prophets, we are the children of prophets; and more! (11/2/2020) — Shiviti Night Kollel Rambam's Mishneh Torah - Edition and Commentary of Rabbi Yosef Kapach (Qafih) — Rabbi Yonatan Halevy's official YouTube channel! Subscribe for the newest audio and video coming out of Shiviti/Kehillat Shaar HaShamayim!

Class 33: Rambam's Introduction; the life of Micha HaNavi; the importance of knowing the biographies of Nevi'im and Chachamim; ignoring the messages of the prophets of yesterday, create the problems of tomorrow; the purpose of this Rambam Shiur is not purely of teaching a legal class, but rather to extract life lessons and teachings from it; Micha is the great Navi from a small town, from an insignificant family; "Ami", a leader of the people; the real problem of homelessness in every major city we live in; the world is built by Chessed; stories of Chessed from the Rabbi; corruption in the world of Shidduchim; do what's write and believe in HaKadosh Baruch Hu; and more! (10/27/2020) — Shiviti Night Kollel Rambam's Mishneh Torah - Edition and Commentary of Rabbi Yosef Kapach (Qafih) — Rabbi Yonatan Halevy's official YouTube channel! Subscribe for the newest audio and video coming out of Shiviti/Kehillat Shaar HaShamayim!

Class 32: Rambam's Introduction; the life of Yeshayahu HaNavi; a special relationship between HaKadosh Baruch Hu and Yeshayahu; HaKadosh Baruch Hu warned Yeshayahu about the burden of dealing with an obnoxious Jewish people; dealing with hypocrites; the story of King Yannai, Shlomzion the Queen, Ribbi Shimon ben Shetach, and Ribbi Yehoshua Ben Perachya - the Rabbi of Yeshu; Yeshayahu's connections to royalty protect him unlike other prophets; the special type of evil which uses Torah to do evil; raising rebellious children; unhealthy obsessions with money, corruption, power and greed; the consequence of a thoughtless Judaism; Rabbi Shlomo Ganzfried's quotation of the Sefer Chassidim regarding the importance of blessing with the proper intentions; we don't wish to be officers of Sodom, but rather a faithful city of Hashem; and more! (8/18/2020) — Shiviti Night Kollel Rambam's Mishneh Torah - Edition and Commentary of Rabbi Yosef Kapach (Qafih) — Rabbi Yonatan Halevy's official YouTube channel! Subscribe for the newest audio and video coming out of Shiviti/Kehillat Shaar HaShamayim!

Class 31: Rambam's Introduction; the life of Amos HaNavi; righteousness stems from not accepting Lashon HaRah; the Rambam's understanding of prophesy and the Abarbanel's argument with it from this Navi; story of Rabban Yochanan Ben Zakai and Ribbi Eliezer Ben Horkanus; the name Imma Shalom; those who are scrupulous about the details of Mitzvot but who trample those who are less fortunate than they; Amos came to stress the Mitzvah of seeking HaKadosh Baruch Hu by hating that which is evil, loving that which is good, and restoring justice; stop being so religious and start being Am Hashem; the advantage of a prophet who does not make money from his prophecy; and more! (7/28/2020) — This Shiur is dedicated in loving memory of the Rabbi's grandfather, Rabbi Yaakov Bitton, of blessed memory. — Shiviti Night Kollel Rambam's Mishneh Torah - Edition and Commentary of Rabbi Yosef Kapach (Qafih) — Rabbi Yonatan Halevy's official YouTube channel! Subscribe for the newest audio and video coming out of Shiviti/Kehillat Shaar HaShamayim!

Class 30: Rambam's Introduction; the life of Hoshe'a HaNavi; these four Nevi'im all prophesied in the same time; there are some difficult themes in the Nevi'im that we must delve into; the prostitute wife and parable; praying for compassion for HaKadosh Baruch Hu's children; Jewish preachers who dare speak evil to the Jewish people who need to be defended from HaKadosh Baruch Hu; who will defend Am Yisrael from the Bible-thumping Jewish preachers?; to learn how to include, not to exclude, to bless and not to curse; and more! (7/27/2020) — Shiviti Night Kollel Rambam's Mishneh Torah - Edition and Commentary of Rabbi Yosef Kapach (Qafih) — Rabbi Yonatan Halevy's official YouTube channel! Subscribe for the newest audio and video coming out of Shiviti/Kehillat Shaar HaShamayim!

Class 29: Rambam's Introduction; prophets receiving Torah as scholars; the life of Zechariah HaNavi; ; King Y[eh]oash's murder of Zechariah after the latter rebuked him; Zechariah's cry for HaKadosh Baruch Hu's justice; Rabbi Shelomo Ibn Gavirol's secret of friendship; Aram's defeat of Israel and the violent downfall of the murderous King; discussing various Midrashim of our Chachamim concerning Zechariah HaNavi; Nevuzaradan and the bubbling blood; the Babylonian general who had more love of Israel than God himself!; the seven crimes of Israel; our Chachamim's critique of Zechariah; roping in the Jewish people with the Rambam's "ropes of love"; and more! (7/21/2020) — Class is dedicated in memory of Batsheva (Dawn Davis) Bat Rivka z"l. — Shiviti Night Kollel Rambam's Mishneh Torah - Edition and Commentary of Rabbi Yosef Kapach (Qafih) — Rabbi Yonatan Halevy's official YouTube channel! Subscribe for the newest audio and video coming out of Shiviti/Kehillat Shaar HaShamayim!

Class 28: Rambam's Introduction; the life of Yehoyadah HaKohen; the rebellion against Queen Ataliah after her massacre of all heirs to the throne; understanding how David saw Batsheva from his rooftop; Israel as the land of "seeing" the Torah, as opposed to "hearing" the Torah; Yehoyadah reveals young Yoash and crowns him as king; ridding the land of idols; the early righteousness of King Y[eh]oash and his dedication to restoring the Bet HaMikdash in Jerusalem; reluctance of people to donate to corrupt leadership which misappropriates donated funds; a special teaching from Rav Hai Gaon regarding the Kohanim of Djerba; and more! (7/20/2020) Shiviti Night Kollel Rambam's Mishneh Torah - Edition and Commentary of Rabbi Yosef Kapach (Qafih) — Rabbi Yonatan Halevy's official YouTube channel! Subscribe for the newest audio and video coming out of Shiviti/Kehillat Shaar HaShamayim!

Class 27: Rambam's Introduction; the lives of Eliyahu HaNavi and Elishah HaNavi and the relationship between them; apprenticing under Torah scholars is greater than the study of Torah; ethics professors vs Talmide Chachamim; Torah scholars who lack Da'at are worse than a dead carcass; how to answer stupid questions; Western learning system is not set up for Shimush Chachamim; an extensive tangent in the laws pertaining to Chachamim and their students; and more! (7/14/2020) — Class is dedicated for the Refuah Shelemah of our dear friend, Yisrael Yosef ben Leah, may he live and be well. — Shiviti Night Kollel Rambam's Mishneh Torah - Edition and Commentary of Rabbi Yosef Kapach (Qafih) — Rabbi Yonatan Halevy's official YouTube channel! Subscribe for the newest audio and video coming out of Shiviti/Kehillat Shaar HaShamayim!

Class 26: Rambam's Introduction; prophets receiving Torah as scholars; the life of Achiah HaShiloni; seven people whose lives spanned eternity; the Ra'avad's critique on the Rambam's statement and Maran's response; the relationship between Achiah and Eliyahu HaNavi; are Pinchas and Eliyahu the same person?; the importance of knowing Jewish history; restoring order to Judaism by reading the Torah properly; and more! (7/13/2020) — Class is dedicated for the Refuah Shelemah of our dear friend, Yisrael Yosef ben Leah, may he live and be well. — Shiviti Night Kollel Rambam's Mishneh Torah - Edition and Commentary of Rabbi Yosef Kapach (Qafih) — Rabbi Yonatan Halevy's official YouTube channel! Subscribe for the newest audio and video coming out of Shiviti/Kehillat Shaar HaShamayim!