Judaic-Studies Online Archive

Chassidut & Kabbala

The reckoning of the �Penimiyut�, the internal essence of these holidays is a chasidic pre-occupation. The Sefat Emet is renowned for taking passages that appear to be inconsequential only to reveal the powerful insights just waiting to be discovered. This is the Chasidic M.O. and the secret of their popularity. The Gur dynasty that the Sefat Emet represented was also well known for their scholarship in conventional Talmudic studies which makes their insights that much deeper and powerful.
Click here to view the Pesach with the Chasidic Masters course page including handouts

Pesach with the Chasidic Masters Class date: Mar 28, 2012

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Leaving Egypt...again, and again, and again Class date: Mar 21, 2012

We are obligated to see ourselves as perennial refugees on the fifteenth of Nisan. Beyond memory is the freshness of experience. For the Chasid, this is not merely a symbolic exercise, but a reality that is powered by faith, and rewarded with new understanding. Even those laws that we are unable to rationalize (Chukim)are understood through focused experience. If we don't immerse ourselves in the experience, we are not B'seder. Join us tonight.

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A three week meditation on taking our speech out of Egypt.
Click here to view the Pharoh: A Step-father to Moshe and the Redemption of Prayer course page including handouts

Pharoh: A Step-father to Moshe and the Redemption of Prayer Class date: Mar 22, 2012

Hello, I hope all of you receive this in time for tonight's class we will continue with the Midrash's account of the early life of Moshe Rabeinu, in and out of the house of his step father, Paroah. This week the Midrash Rabah takes us through the events that eventually lead to Moshe's escape from Egypt. The remarkable sequence includes a description of the way the Egyptians would abuse the Jews through seduction and slavery. And how Moshe, with divine inspiration, exacted judgment, even though others refused to accept his authority, because of his age. We are also shown how Paroah treats Moshe, tries to kill him and how Moshe escapes through Divine Intervention. Esoterically, this story, dramatic and exciting as it is, teaches us metaphorically about the struggle of true prayer to emerge from within a person, and how this the process of 'redeeming prayer' takes place, with great effort and difficulty, in each of us, with God's help and kindness. Look forward to seeing your there. Avraham

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Pharoh: A Step-father to Moshe and the Redemption of Prayer Class date: Mar 29, 2012

Welcome to our last shiur of the mini-semester. Tomorrow night we will attempt to bring our learning about the redemption of prayer, the revelation of true speech, into practice. We will begin with a short section of learning about meditation as a preparation for prayer, and then we will proceed to a guided meditation which will attempt to bring us from the external voice and ear to the internal ones, those which will give us direct contact with our true inner voice, the voice that 'waters' the garden, as Rabbi Nachman teaches, of our souls. We should all be prepared with the deepest questions of our hearts, for there begins the creation of the vessel to receive that for which we pray. Look forward to seeing all of you there for this special night of learning and Torah meditation. Avraham Chira

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We will look at ideas of seder, Pesach and redemption through the thought of Rav Tzadok HaCohen.
Click here to view the Rav Tzadok HaCohen on the Passover Haggada course page including handouts

Rav Tzadok HaCohen on the Passover Haggada 2 Class date: Mar 21, 2012

In this class we will look at a few different sections of the haggadah and try to understand them more deeply through the eyes of Rav Tzadok HaCohen. We will focus on 'Ha lachma anya', 'mah nishtana', 'avadim hayinu' and possibly more (depending on time available). This is the second of three classes on the haggadah, but you should still attend this class even if you missed the previous one (or the next one) for some reason.

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Rav Tzadok HaCohen on the Passover Haggada 3 Class date: Mar 28, 2012

In this final class on the hagaddah we will look at a few more ideas of Rav Tzadok HaCohen of Lublin. We will learn about the four sons, "in every generation" and the concept of 'song'. Time permitting we will also learn something about sefirat haomer.

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Couldn't find what you were looking for in Chassidut & Kabbala? Use the form on the right to narrow your search, or click here to browse the entire Chassidut & Kabbala department.

Chumash (Bible: Torah)

A large portion of the Haggada is Maggid, telling the story of the exodus. The story begins with our ancestors, who were idolaters, and continues through the enslavement in Egypt. The Rabbis explained each verse of the story told in the bible using a form of biblical exegesis called 'Midrash'. In this class, we will go behind the scenes to uncover the story encoded within the words of Maggid: The Midrashim of Maggid.
Click here to view the Behind the Scenes of the Passover Story course page including handouts

Behind the Scenes of the Passover Story Class date: Mar 22, 2012

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Behind the Scenes of the Passover Story Class date: Mar 29, 2012

Please find attached the family tree of our forefathers, and notes about the plague of the first born. Wishing everyone a Chag Sameach Yehoshua Geller

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Join Rabbi Brovender as he takes you on a journey to the past to uncover the depths of the story of the creation of the world, as told in the book of Bereishit- Genesis. This semester we will learn about the third day of creation, the day the water was separated from the dry land and God created plants.
Click here to view the Creation: Day 3 course page including handouts

Creation: Day 3 Class date: May 15, 2012

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Learn Parashat Hashavua with the Divrei Torah of Reb Shlomo Carlebach zts". This course will be broadcast live from Rabbi Shlomo Katz's home in Neve Daniel.
Click here to view the Parshat HaShavua course page including handouts

Parshat Bechukosai Class date: May 14, 2012

How many Torah classes have we been to? How many holy books have we bought? How many of them last? Tonight we will have the opportunity to learn the first three words of the parsha, which answer the questions above in the most passionate way.

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This course will be an weekly study on the Torah portion to be read that week (Parshat Hashavua).
Click here to view the The Weekly Torah Portion: Vayakel-Tzav course page including handouts

Why we're governed by the moon? Parshat Hachodesh Class date: Mar 22, 2012

This week is the third of four special maftirim that preceded Pesach. Like spring, Pesach is a time of renewal, and nothing signifies renewal more than the phases of the moon. Nissan is the first of months, and the Torah teaches that it is uniquely ours. Tonight we will see why this month is ours alone.

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Learn the story of Yaakov and Eisav while expanding your Torah-learning text skills by studying Rashi through the lens of the Midrash.
Click here to view the Yaakov Meets Eisav course page including handouts

Yaakov Meets Eisav Class date: May 14, 2012

Dear Students,   Welcome to summer session of 2012! I am very happy to welcome back students from past semesters and meet new students. I hope we will have an expanding learning experience together. I would like to get to know you and what your goals are.  Please send me a short bio and your text background and translation skills.   We will be working on Chapter (32) (lamed bet) Goals: 1)      To translate both verse (Posuk) and Rashi accurately. 2)       Finding the main point of verse and Rashi’s question on the text. 3)      Translate the Medrash and note what is being added to deepen our understanding.   I will be giving you a weekly assignment of preparing a number of verses (and commentary for those who can) to the best of your ability.    I will upload: 1) Grammar sheets 2) The text with Medrash(I wish it was clearer, it was scanned) 3) A separate text and Rashi   Please print out the above so you can follow the text both with your print outs and on the screen.   Looking forward to getting started!!! Osnat Goldman

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Couldn't find what you were looking for in Chumash (Bible: Torah)? Use the form on the right to narrow your search, or click here to browse the entire Chumash (Bible: Torah) department.

Halacha (Jewish Law)

The Rabbis prohibited eating chametz even after Pesach if that chametz had been in Jewish possession during Pesach. How can we know whether pasta, beer, or any other chametz product is permitted after Pesach?
Click here to view the Chametz After Pesach course page including handouts

Chametz After Pesach Class date: Mar 21, 2012

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Chametz After Pesach Class date: Mar 28, 2012

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We will discuss the question of machine-made versus hand-made matzot and how the halacha is decided in this regard. Time permitting, we will also cover the topic of Kitniyot (Legumes).
Click here to view the Keeping Kosher on Passover course page including handouts

Keeping Kosher on Passover Class date: Mar 20, 2012

Dear Everyone,Today we spoke about "shmurah matzah." We saw that the matzot that we eat at the Seder need to be not just "kosher" (= non-chametz) but to possess a quality called "lishmah"- which means they have an aspect of having been made for the purpose of being eaten for the mitzvah of eating matzah on Pesach. There are two questions that need to be answered: (1)Does the matzah need to be made (from harvesting through baking)by mentally competent Jews, or is it sufficient that the process be supervised by mentally competent Jews? (2)If matzah needs to be made "lishmah" is a matzah made by a machine considered to possess "lishmah?" Besides these halchic/technical issues, we saw that there were Poskim in Poland who opposed machine matzot because they were opposed to any changes in how we perform mitzvot.

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Keeping Kosher on Passover Class date: Mar 27, 2012

Today we discussed the question of using tap water on Pesach. The question is an old one. The prohibition of tap water is based on the rule that chametz that is mixed into food on Pesach is "assur bemashehu"- in the most miniscule quantity. This being the case, and with the reality that chametz is being tossed into the Kinneret on Pesach, there are people who store water before Pesach to use on Pesach (the chametz that is mixed into the tap water before Pesach is nullified 1 part in 60). We saw that in the Middle Ages opinions were divided over the question of what to do if bread was found in the town well on Pesach. Some authorities forbade the use of the water, some permitted its use. The reasons to be lenient (as listed by Rav Ovadiah Yosef ) include (a) cold water does not absorb the taste of chametz (b) the taste of chametz in drinking water is deleterious (c)Chazal never decreed that large , flowing bodies of water could be prohibited by a miniscule piece of chametz (indeed we saw that the Aruch Hashulchan says that such an idea would be absurd). Rav Ovadiah Yosef adds that there is a real possibility that the fish in the Kinneret might eat the chametz before the 24 period needed to create the prohibition would pass. Thank-you for participating in these shiurim and I hope to see you again in the next z'man. Chag kasher vesameiach, Stuart Fischman

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What do the great rabbis say about inedible medicines and cosmetics which contain chamets? Is there a distinction between pills, tablets, capsules, creams, and lotions? The principles we will learn have vast ramifications for kashrut, medicines, and cosmetics all year long.
Click here to view the Medicine and Cosmetics on Passover course page including handouts

Medicine and Cosmetics on Passover Class date: Mar 18, 2012

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Medicine and Cosmetics on Passover Class date: Mar 25, 2012

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This course will explore different aspects of the halakhic system. What are the limitations for rabbinic enactments? How do rabbinic decrees avoid the prohibition against adding to the Torah? Does pesak halakha reflect a commitment to absolute truth? What is the relationship between sage and prophet? We will explore these and other questions relating to the philosophy of halkha.
Click here to view the The Halakhic System course page including handouts

Ba'al Tosif and Rabbinic Innovations Class date: May 15, 2012

Dear Participants, I look forward to some  productive learning together over the next months.  The first shiur will explore the prohibitions against adding to and subtracting from Torah.  What are the rationales for these prohibitions and when do they apply?  Why do rabbinic enactments not violate this principle?   All the best, Y Blau

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In this course we will discuss some aspects of the laws of marriage and divorce, as well as some of the lesser known laws of these two institutions.
Click here to view the The Laws of Marriage and Divorce course page including handouts

The Laws of Marriage and Divorce Class date: May 15, 2012

Hello and thanks to everyone who attended the shiur and who listen on the archives. Today we started our discussion of marriage in Halacha. First we saw the opinions if there is a mitzvah per se to get married or if the mitzvah of marriage is to be understood as means to perform the mitzvah of having children. We then moved on to study what is actually meant when we say that a man and woman are married. We saw that "marriage" is the agreement of a woman to knowingly enter into a monogamous relationship with a man and that this relationship can be terminated only by divorce or the death of the husband. We saw in Shulchan Aruch that marriage is normally created when the man tells his wife-to-be "Harei at mekudeshet li..." Significantly, the Halacha is that the giving of the ring does not have to be precede by "Harei at mekudeshet li.." In a case where the couple were having a marriage-related discussion, and then the man gave the woman an object, that object becomes a vehicle for kiddushin and the couple are married (if two witnesses saw the woman accept the object). This being the case, Rav Henkin zt"l wrote that when a man gives his fiancee-to-be an engagement ring (in front of 2 witnesses) they are married, because the woman accepted an object in a marriage-related context. Next week, bli neder we will continue with the discussion of marriage in Halacha. if anyone has questions or suggestions please write to me at

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Passover is a complex holiday with many nuances and laws. Join Rabbi Chaim Brovender to learn about some of the customs, rituals and laws of the Seder night.
Click here to view the The Laws of the Passover Eve course page including handouts

The Laws of the Passover Eve Class date: Mar 20, 2012

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The Laws of the Passover Eve Class date: Mar 27, 2012

This Pesach shiur is sponsored in memory of the Yahrzeit of Helen Orbach חיה בת שלום ישראל ע"ה by her children, Saul, Eli and Toby

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Torah insists on telling the truth, except when it doesn't. We will discuss several situations throught this semester in which the obligation to tell the truth becomes a bit fuzzy.(a) Lying: When is it permissible to lie? May one lie in order to encourage people to perform more mitsvot? Should one lie in order to spare someone embarassment?(b) Flattery: Flattery often straddles the boarder of falsehood. When is flattery prohibited.(c) Bal Tosif: There are 613 commandments in the Torah. Adding to them is a perversion of the truth of the Torah. We will investigate the limits of this prohibition.(d) Using a Stolen Shofar: Using any stolen item to fulfill a mitsva creates a contradiction between that mitsva and the sin of stealing. When, if ever, can a mitsva be fulfilled on the basis of falsehood and perversity?Hebrew sources surveying the principle opinions of the great rabbis will be provided to the participants. In class we will translate and analyze these sources.
Click here to view the Truth & Falsehood in Jewish Law course page including handouts

"He has died." Class date: May 13, 2012

Our first topic deals with telling the truth about the passing of a relative. What are the parameters of truth-telling? When can or when should the truth be suppressed? A link with sources has been sent to all participants. In class we will translate and analyse these sources.

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Couldn't find what you were looking for in Halacha (Jewish Law)? Use the form on the right to narrow your search, or click here to browse the entire Halacha (Jewish Law) department.

Machshava (Jewish Thought)

Una fasceta no por muchos conocida, de este terrible episodio que vivió nuestro pueblo. ¿Acaso es posible mantener la fe, en una situación tan extrema? ¿Cómo lograban manifestarla nuestros hermanos en aquellos dramáticos años? ¿Qué preguntas y cuestionamientos surgieron? ¿Qué respuestas se dieron y se siguen dando? ¿Qué sucede con los pequeños "holocaustos" a los cuales puede enfrentarse, cada uno de nosotros?
Click here to view the La fe en la Shoah course page including handouts

Judaismo ABC Class date: Mar 21, 2012

B"H Queridos alumnos: ya estamos de regreso en Yerushalaim, a fin de recomenzar nuestras clases. Gracias por los mails de condolencias que me enviaron, por el fallecimiento de mi padre. Un momento difícil, donde la fe en Hashem y las halajot de aveilut (las leyes de duelo) ayudan muchísimo para ir superando este momento. Purim ya pasó, y espero que lo hayan disfrutado. Se acerca Pésaj y obviamente será el tema de nuestra próxima clase. Los espero. Rab. Gulman

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Judaismo ABC Class date: Mar 28, 2012

B"H Baruj Hashem, hemos recomenzado nuestras clases. Y la próxima clase, continuaremos hablando de Jag Hapésaj. Nos enfocaremos en la mitzvá de "Vehigadeta Lebinjá": "Y le contarás a tu hijo". Un tema fundamental de esta festividad, que garantiza la continuidad de nuestro pueblo. Este tema, nos ayudará a prepararnos adecuadamente para el Séder de Pésaj. Nos vemos, y mientras tanto... a seguir limpiando la casa de Jametz  y prepararnos adecuadamente para esta maravillosa fecha de nuestro calendario. Rab. Gulman

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Judaismo ABC Class date: Apr 4, 2012

B"H Ahora sí, Pésaj está muy cerca. Pero aún, hay mucho por hablar y aprender para la noche del Séder. Los espero en esta clase, para seguir hablando de nuestra Hagadá de Pésaj, sus mensajes y cómo lograr que nuestro Séder sea una verdadera experiencia de transmisión intergeneracional. Los espero Rabino Aarón Gulman

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Judaismo ABC Class date: Apr 18, 2012

B"H Shalom a todos. Me acaban de avisar que tendremos el día de hoy clases en nuestro horario normal. Será la última de esta primera serie de clases que estuvimos dando, de temas básicos de judaísmo, a fin de comenzar la próxima semana, con un tema muy especial y complejo. Los dejo con el suspenso durante unas horas. Lo anunciaré al final de la clase que dictaremos en unas horas. Les pido disculpas por la premura con que les doy el aviso de la clase de hoy, pero en este momento me dieron el anuncio. Ojalá les de tiempo a todos de leer el mail y estar en clase preparados. Shalom a todos desde Yerushalaim, y nos vemos en unas horas, beezrat Hashem. Rab. Gulman

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La fe en la Shoah Class date: Apr 25, 2012

B"H Shalom desde Yerushalaim: Durante nuestro próximo encuentro, daremos inicio a un nuevo curso. En él abordaremos qué sucedió con la fe del pueblo de Israel, durante los años de la Shoah, el holocausto. Mucho se ha hablado y escrito de la Shoah, pero poco aún es lo que se ha difundido sobre las maravillosas expresiones de fe durante estos años; cuáles fueron las preguntas que se hicieron y qué respuestas recibieron. Un curso que pretende derribar mitos e ideas que durante décadas se transmitieron, y que no siempre coinciden con la realidad y los testimonios.  Un curso sumamente interesante, complejo y de gran crecimiento espiritual. Los espero como siempre, en el mismo horario. Rab. Gulman

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La fe en la Shoah Class date: May 2, 2012

B"H Hemos comenzado nuestro nuevo y complejo curso. Se han planteado grandes preguntas y cuestionamientos. Se presentaron algunas frases, ideas preconcebidas y algunos mitos. Es hora de comenzar a desentrañar este tema: ¿Qué pasó con la fe de nuestro pueblo, durante esos terribles años de la Shoah? Los invito a que participen de este nuevo curso. Les aseguro, que se sorprenderán de muchos de los temas y puntos que trataremos en él. Brajot desde Yerushalaim. Rab. Gulman

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La fe en la Shoah Class date: May 9, 2012

B"H Mañana tendremos el tercer encuentro sobre este difícil tema de la Shoah, en el cual estamos analizando qué sucedió con el mundo de Torá, de Emuná (fe) en estos trágicos años. Es un curso que tiene como objetivo, analizar una cara para muchos desconocida de la Shoah, que tirará abajo muchos mitos e ideas preconcebidas. Aquellos que no pudieron participar online de los primeros encuentros, pueden ver las clases grabadas en los archivos correspondientes, mismos que ya se encuentran a disposición de todos. Nos vemos, beezrat Hashem, el día de mañana. Shalom desde Yerushalaim Rab. Aarón Gulman

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La fe en la Shoah Class date: May 16, 2012

B"H ¿Qué es tener fe? ¿Cómo tenerla en una situación tan extrema como durante la Shoah? ¿Qué sucede cuando todos los marcos en los que llevaba mi vida religiosa, van desapareciendo uno  tras otro? ¿Qué sucede cuando mis maestros, rabinos y guías espirituales, son asesinados o deportados? Si soy rabino, debo intentar huir y salvar mi vida, o debo quedarme con mi gente? Si él es mi Rabino, debo ayudarlo a que se salve, o debo pedirle que se quede con todos? Cuestionamientos. Dilemas. Fuertes preguntas. Los invito a que juntos veamos qué dicen las fuentes que poseemos de esos dramáticos años y ver las respuestas que dieron a estos dilemas y las reacciones diversas que se suscitaron. Los espero Rab. Gulman

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By studying Mesillat Yesharim we will be studying what it means to live as a Jew. Mesillat Yesharim is not only a classic because of its content, but it is one of the few books of Jewish thought that has been embraced by all the streams of Jewish practice, and has been endorsed by the Gaon of Vilna as well as Prof. Yeshayahu Leibowitz whose lectures on Mesillat Yesharim have been published.
Click here to view the Messilat Yesharim Part 3 course page including handouts

Messilat Yesharim Part 3 Class date: Mar 18, 2012

Today we finished the dicussion on "Purity" which for Ramchal means "purity of motive." We discussed how Ramchal's idea of there being a "true" motive for mitzvot (which can only be achieved by rather prolonged contemplation)was decried by the opponents of Chassidut. We saw the opposition to the popularization of esoteric ideas about the mitzvot in the late 18th century responsa of the Noda BeYehuda and in the essay of Rav Soloveitchik, "Ish Hahalcha" ("Halachic Man" in the English translation).

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Messilat Yesharim Part 3 Class date: Mar 25, 2012

Today we started the discussion on "Chassidut" or what could be translated as "piety." Ramchal opens the chapter by saying what piety is not- piety is not extravagant, bizarre ritualistic practice. Piety is going beyond what the letter of Halacha calls for in order to carry out Hashem's will. But how can a person reliably know what is Hashem's will if it is beyond what is written in the Torah? So Ramchal says that the first step to piety is the profound study of Torah. Piety is not intuitive, only after study can a person know if his or chosen path is pious or just foolish. I enjoyed the shiurim in Mesillat yesharim and I look forward to continuing them after Pesach. Chag kasher vesameiach, Stuart Fischman

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By studying Mesillat Yesharim we will be studying what it means to live as a Jew.Mesillat Yesharim is not only a classic because of its content, but it is one of the few books of Jewish thought that has been embraced by all the streams of Jewish practice, and has been endorsed by the Gaon of Vilna as well as Prof. Yeshayahu Leibowitz whose lectures on Mesillat Yesharim have been published.
Click here to view the Messilat Yesharim: Part 4 course page including handouts

Messilat Yesharim: Part 4 Class date: May 13, 2012

Hello and welcome to the shiur in Mesillat Yesharim. Today we started chapter 19 which is an analysis of "chasidut" which is usually translated as "piety." So what does chasidut/piety actually entail? It entails the striving of a person to excel in his or her service of Hashem.This pursuit of excellence applies to excellence in mitzvot as well as excellence in one's relationship with other people. There was a a rabbi who sold some his clothes to buy wine for kiddush and there was a rabbi who would not go to sleep if he knew there was someone who was angry with him. Respect for others is as least as important as any other mitzvah and I hope that by learning Mesiilat Yesharim together we can make our own and other people's lives a little bit better.

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Pirkei Avot (The Ethics of Our Fathers) is one of the best known and most cited of Jewish texts. This beloved tractate of the Mishna composed of ethical maxims of the Rabbis is familiar for such maxims as "If I am only for myself, who am I?" (1:14) and "Say little and do much" (1:15). Rabbi Brovender will examine and teach the sixth chapter of Pirkei Avot in depth.
Click here to view the Pirkei Avot: Chapter 6 course page including handouts

Pirkei Avot: Chapter 6 Class date: May 13, 2012

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Couldn't find what you were looking for in Machshava (Jewish Thought)? Use the form on the right to narrow your search, or click here to browse the entire Machshava (Jewish Thought) department.

Mishna/Gemara (Talmud)

This shiur is open to serious students with a solid foundation in gemara learning and a high level of commitment and motivation in their studies. Students will be expected to prepare materiel for shiurim in advance and to attend classes regularly. The regular gemara shiur will take place twice weekly. This semester we will be studying Tractate Pesachim, Chapter 1. This shiur is in memory of Dr. Leon Kronitz, of blessed memory. To find out more about Dr. Kronitz and his contributions towards Jewish education, please click here.
Click here to view the Advanced Gemara Pesachim Chapter 1 course page including handouts

Advanced Gemara Pesachim Chapter 1 Class date: Mar 19, 2012

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Advanced Gemara Pesachim Chapter 1 Class date: Mar 30, 2012

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This shiur is open to serious students with a solid foundation in gemara learning and a high level of commitment and motivation in their studies. Students will be expected to prepare materiel for shiurim in advance and to attend classes regularly. The regular gemara shiur will take place twice weekly. This semester we will be studying Tractate Makot, Chapter 1.
Click here to view the Advanced Gemara: Makot Chapter 1 course page including handouts

Advanced Gemara: Makot Chapter 1 Class date: May 14, 2012

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Rabbi Brovender will teach an amud (a page) of Gemara each week, from the third chapter of Massechet Makot. We look forward to this Bekiyut journey through the text.
Click here to view the Amud-a-Week: Makot Chapter 3 course page including handouts

Amud-a-Week: Makot Chapter 3 Class date: May 16, 2012

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Rabbi Brovender will teach an amud of Gemara each week, from the tenth chapter of Massechet Pesachim. We look forward to this Bekiyut journey through the text. This shiur is in memory of Dr. Leon Kronitz, of blessed memory. To find out more about Dr. Kronitz and his contributions towards Jewish education, please click here.
Click here to view the Amud-A-Week: Pesachim Chapter Ten course page including handouts

Amud-A-Week: Pesachim Chapter Ten Class date: Mar 21, 2012

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Amud-A-Week: Pesachim Chapter Ten Class date: Mar 28, 2012

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The course is concerned with imparting to the students a basic understanding of the nature of Torah shebaal Peh (oral law) and Talmud. The two focal points of the course are: firstly helping the student to achieve a mastery of the reading of the text and secondly an introduction to conceptual analysis. The units to be studied will be taken from the first chapter of Tractate Makot.
Click here to view the Beginners Gemara: Makot Chapter 1 course page including handouts

Beginners Gemara: Makot Chapter 1 Class date: May 16, 2012

Dear all We will start the shiur with a quick review of what is on the daf, and dive right into the gemara. What are aidim zomemim, and why does the gemara start the way it does?!   Very much looking forward!   RJR

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This class is for students who already have some skills in analyzing a page of Gemara with Rishonim. In-depth conceptual development will be the focus. This semester we will be learning Tractate Makot, Chapter 1.
Click here to view the Discovering Concepts in Gemara: Makot Chapter 1 course page including handouts

Makkos 2a: Introduction Class date: May 14, 2012

In our first shiur, we will introduce the predominant theme of the perek--Eidim Zomemim, or "plotting witnesses". Our first analysis will be to explore the place of these criminal witnesses within the parameters of the concept of Eidus, testimony. The first Tosafos in the masechet will serve as our starting point.

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A basic-level gemara course that aims primarily to improve the student's ability to logically parse a gemara sugya.At the start of the semester, the emphasis will be almost exclusively on reading the gemara text, and using parallel gemara sources for understanding specific concepts. Rashi's commentary will be used only sparingly, for informational purposes.Later on in the zman, the shiur will begin to focus more on understanding Rashi's approach as a commentator and mechadesh. Some of the comments and chidushim (innovations) of Tosafot will also be included as time goes on.The shiur is appropriate for students with a range of backgrounds who want to improve their skills working with a page of gemara, and at the same time want to be able to participate in the gemara's world of midrashic understandings of the written Torah, halachic discussion, and aggadic ideas. Prior general background in Jewish studies is helpful, but not essential. This semester we will be studying Tractate Makot, Chapter 1.
Click here to view the Reading the Rabbinic Mind: How to Understand Gemara: Makot Chapter 1 course page including handouts

Introduction and Overview: �¢������ ������������ Class date: May 15, 2012

Shalom and welcome to all students, those whose are new to WebYeshiva or to my shiur, and those who have studied with me previously. In this new summer semester, we will be learning the first chapter of Masechet Makot, a fascinating and rather small tractate of the Talmud. Chapter one concerns the subject of עדים זוממים, false witnesses who are in essence presenting testimony about an event or transaction that they did not actually witness. The Torah applies a unique principle in such a case, that the court punishes the witnesses by giving them the sentence that they would have caused the accused to receive had they succeeded in their plot. Since just about all the Talmudic material on this subject is found in this chapter, we will have the opportunity to learn a lot about this topic and see its various facets and issues.   As we always do in this gemara shiur, we will begin in the first, introductory, shiur by learning the relevant passages in the Torah, then the mishnayot of the first chapter. I have posted this material here for your convenience. You are welcome to look them over in advance of the shiur. As always, I welcome your participation in the shiur, in asking questions and joining the discussion. I am happy to answer questions you may have at any time during the shiur, and even in between shiurim by email. My email address is zurielyb@yahoo.com . I look forward to learning with all of you this zman!

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Rabbi Chaim Brovender, Rabbi Herzl Hefter and Dr. Sam Lebens discuss what, how and why Jews today need to learn Talmud. Rabbi Chaim Brovender is the Rosh Yeshiva of WebYeshiva.org and President of ATID – The Academy for Torah Initiatives and Directions in Jewish Education. Rabbi Herzl Hefter is the Rosh Yeshiva of Har’El Yeshiva (www.Har-El.Org), a new program for sincere, motivated young men in the Old City of Jerusalem. Dr. Sam Lebens holds a Ph.D. in philosophy from the University of London and will be teaching at Har’El Yeshiva.
Click here to view the Study Talmud: Why Bother? A discussion with Rabbi Brovender and Rabbi Herzl Hefter of Har\'El Yeshiva (March 18) course page including handouts

Study Talmud: Why Bother? (March 18) Class date: Mar 18, 2012

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Navi / Ketuvim (Bible: Prophets/Writings)

Students will study Megillat Rut (The Book of Ruth), read on Shavuot. The text of the Megilla is well known by many, yet misunderstood by most. The true meaning and details of the story are right there in the pesukim, yet they often get overlooked. This class will go beyond the basics to look at the real meaning of the pesukim and the fascinating background story encoded within them.
Click here to view the Ruth: From Moav to Messiah course page including handouts

Ruth: From Moav to Messiah Class date: May 13, 2012

Ruth perek A psukim 1-2

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This class will study Sefer Shmuel Bet (The Book of Samuel II), with relevant commentaries. Students will learn to think about the text themselves, and what the narratives mean, as well as hone their skills in exegesis. Where relevant we will take a more b'iyun (in depth) approach to some of the subjects, looking at a broader range of sources including Talmud, Rishonim and Achronim.
Click here to view the Sefer Shmuel Bet course page including handouts

Sefer Shmuel Bet review Class date: May 14, 2012

Dear students   This shiur was dedicated to the memory of Yosef Hirsch z"l After a brief hiatusit was really very exciting to be starting Shmuel again! To those of you who were new to the class -- hope you enjoyed! To those of you returning -- hope you enjoyed too! We spent this first shiur (and only this one shiur) contextualizing Sefer Shmuel and understanding it in a historical context. We reviewed Shmuel Bet 1-6 and had some good conversations. Next week, please God we will start the 7th perek when David wants to build the Bet HaMikdash and finds out some disturbing news.   Have a great week!   RJR

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Megillat Kohelet written by the wisest of men, Shlomo Hamelech, contains many powerful ideas such as the secret to the goals of life, the secret to happiness and advice for success. This class will go beyond the basics to look at the deep meaning of the pesukim and the fascinating details encoded within them, as brought down in the Midrash. Further, the shiur will focus on putting all Kohelet together , understanding the structure of the Megilla as one big masterpiece,experiencing the development and stages of the idea and not as a conglomerate of small ideas.
Click here to view the The Story of Kohelet Continued course page including handouts

The Story of Kohelet Continued Class date: Mar 18, 2012

last pasuk of perek 10 and perek 11 1-6

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The Story of Kohelet Continued Class date: Mar 25, 2012

Perek 11 pasuk 6 until the end of Kohelet. I would like to thank everyone for joining us in this amazing journey

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Spanish

Dedicado especialmente para la mujer, a traves de este curso las participantes podran descubrir la importancia del rol femenino dentro del judaismo y la belleza de vivir plenamente nuestra tradicion.
Click here to view the Mujer Judia course page including handouts

Mujer Judia Class date: Mar 20, 2012

En este encuentro comenzamos a analizar el "Eshet Jail" Escrito por Shlomo HaMelej, y anaizamos comentarios a la luz de nuestra vida cotidiana como esposas, madres, e integrates de Am  Israel.

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Mujer Judia Class date: Apr 3, 2012

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Mujer Judia Class date: Apr 17, 2012

Hoy hemos desarollado el concepto de la felicidad acorde al judaismo, y la importancia de este enfoque   para nuestra vida cotidiana, y mas aun, como mujeres y pilares del hogar judio.

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Mujer Judia Class date: Apr 24, 2012

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Mujer Judia Class date: May 8, 2012

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Special: Other Topics in Judaism

Agnon's works on Yom HaZikaron and Yom HaAtzmaut (Israeli Fallen Soldiers and Victims of Terrorism Remembrance Day and Israeli Independence Day). The shiur will be broadcast live from Agnon House, 16 Klausner Street, Jerusalem. We invite you to join either online or at Agnon House. To attend in person, register with Agnon House: 02-671-6498 or agnon-h@zahav.net.il. In parnership with the Agnon House in Jerusalem.
Click here to view the Agnon on Yom HaZikaron and Yom HaAtzmaut (April 22) course page including handouts

Agnon's "Earth of Israel" Class date: Apr 22, 2012

For the week of Yom HaZikaron and Yom HaAtzmaut, we'll read Agnon's "Afar Eretz Yisrael" ("Earth of Israel") which explores issues in the uniqueness of the Land and the Jewish connection to Israel from the four corners of the Diaspora. Join us live at Jerusalem's Agnon House (free admission) or online with WebYeshiva from www.WebYeshiva.org/Agnon This self-contained session picks up on themes we've been exploring recently in our study of Agnon - feel free to visit the archives of these two previous sessions: here and here. S.Y. Agnon working his Garden (early 1930s)

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This 3-part mini-series brought to you by Agnon House, WebYeshiva.org and Lincoln Square Synagogue, NY   Join us as we explore a different Agnon story each week, unravelling the magic of the Land of Israel as depicted in Nobel laureate S.Y. Agnon's lyrical weaving of history and mystery into a modern midrash on the link between the Jewish people and Eretz Yisrael in the modern world.   Sundays, March 4th, 11th & 18th, 2012 at 7:00 PM Israel Time Join us live at Agnon House, 16 Klausner Street, Jerusalem NIS40 each session or NIS100 for the entire series (student discount NIS50) Register with Beit Agnon: 02-671-6498 or agnon-h@zahav.net.il OR Participate via simultaneous live, interactive video conference at www.WebYeshiva.org/Agnon - $18 registration required (Sessions recorded and archived for those unable to join in "real time") PLEASE NOTE: This class will take place at 7:00 PM Israel Time, so although the class will meet at 12:00PM US Eastern on March 4, the subsequent meetings will take place at 1:00 PM US Eastern (March 11 and March 18).        
Click here to view the Agnon\'s Eretz Yisrael course page including handouts

"Peace Everlasting" Class date: Mar 18, 2012

After exploring the relationship between Poland and Eretz Yisrael ("Fable of the Goat"), and Jewish-Gentile relations concerning Israel ("Paths of Righteousness", we will conclude our series by exploring Religious-Secular tensions once the Jews get to the Land of Israel and attempt to build a common society, in Agnon's satirical "Peace Everlasting" (in Hebrew: Shalom Olamim).

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We will use text selections from the Rambam's Mishne Torah (primarily Hilchot Melachim but also Hilchot Yesodei HaTorah) in order to understand his concept of the Messianic Era and also what it implies for the individual Jew and the entire Jewish people in the here and now.
Click here to view the Are We There Yet? The Rambam\'s View of the Meaning of the Messianic Era (May 3) course page including handouts

Are We There Yet? The Rambam's View of the Meaning of the Messianic Era (May 3) Class date: May 3, 2012

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Join Rabbi Brovender in an exploration of the seder night through the Haggada.
Click here to view the Haggada: The Seder Night course page including handouts

Haggada: The Seder Night Class date: Mar 19, 2012

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Haggada: The Seder Night Class date: Mar 26, 2012

This Haggadah shiur is sponsored in memory of Rabbi J. Gershon Neumann ז"ל הרב קלמן גרשון הכהן ז"ל בן בנימין הכהן ושרה ע"ה

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The story of the Exodus has become a permanent part of our national consciousness. Its influence permeates much more than its original recounting in the beginning of the book of Shemot. This miniseries will explore the appearance of the Exodus as a national theme, in its relation to other mitzvot and futre Pesach celebrations in other books of Tanach. We will discuss the original story in Shemot, its appearance in other books of the Torah,in Melachim, Ezra, and Diveri Hayamim.
Click here to view the Invoking the Memory of the Exodus course page including handouts

The Principles of Egypt: Memory and Morality Class date: Mar 19, 2012

Dear class, Tonight we will explore the different contexts in which the Exodus is mentioned in the Torah after the physical exodus from Egypt.  What are the lessons we were supposed to internalize as a nation from the experience? We will begin to answer this compelx question by assessing mitzvot and other statements made by God in which he utlizes the theme of the Exodus. Next week we will learn about the four pesach celebrations mentioned in Tanach and see how they do and don't relate to the conclusions we came to this week. I have attached source materials which we will use tonight. Best, Yosefa

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Invoking the Memory: Pesach Celebrations in Nach Class date: Mar 26, 2012

Dear class, As mentioned last night, next week we will be discussing the four celebrations of Pesach mentioned in Neviim and Ketuvim. We will notice that each of these celebration, while sharing a holiday in common, really relate to the challenges and successes of each individual period. It would be very helpful if you could reveiw these stories before the shiur.  We will not have time to go through all of them verse by verse. Yehoshua 5-If you have time, feel free to review the first four chapters as well paying attention to the other parallels to stories from Chumash. II Divrei Hayamim 30 (Chizkiyahu's Pesach) and 35 (Yoshiyahu's Pesach).  The Yoshiyahu story appears in a much shorter version in II Melachim 23:21-23. Ezra 6 (specifically verses 19-22). Feel free to use a translation for the Aramaic if you wish to read the entire perek. This week's source sheets are attached. I want to thank you for being patient regarding last night's technical difficulties. I have already contacted the Webyeshiva technician and we will do our best to make sure that doesn't happen again. Shavua tov, Yosefa

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Join Rabbi Geller on Yom HaShoah, Holocaust Remembrance Day, in discovering the brilliant innovations of Jews during the Holocaust which allowed them to maintain their Jewish spirit, to keep the holidays, laws and traditions, even under Nazi oppression. This shiur is dedicated to Rabbi Alexander Klein z"l, a pioneer in researching the topic of how Judaism survived the Holocaust. In memory of Regina Zuckerberg, of blessed memory.  
Click here to view the Keeping the Jewish Spirit Alive During the Holocaust (April 19) course page including handouts

Keeping the Jewish Spirit Alive During the Holocaust (April 19) Class date: Apr 19, 2012

Thank you for joining us tonight learing about our holy brothers and sisters who kept the Jewish Spirit Alive During the Holocaust. May we know no more sorrow and may we take their legecy and keep the Jewish flame glowing. I am attaching the map of France during the war as well as some of the archives.

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Explore the ancient city of Caesarea, from the Roman port to the modern golf course.
Click here to view the Learning and the Land: Caesarea (April 29) course page including handouts

Learning and the Land: Caesarea (April 29) Class date: Apr 29, 2012

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Praying in time of need is a central theme of the entire Talmudic tractate of Ta'anit. The need for rain in the arid climes of Eretz Yisrael was serious business. Even worse than suffering the deprivation that a drought brings was the fact that God had turned His face from his people Israel. The bringing of rain, the cessation of rain were the most intimate of communications from the Holy One. In such times, to whom does God pay attention, and why? This class will examine these issues and others.
Click here to view the Praying in a Time of Need course page including handouts

It begins with the need for rain... Class date: May 16, 2012

As a collective, the need for rain in a land without mighty rivers is of constant concern. It is not incidental that the granting and the withholding of rain are seen as signs of God's dis/favor with Israel. From Talmudic passages in the Mishnah and Gemara, we will begin with an overview of how tefila empowers in times of great challenge. Please join us as we explore the issues that will enhance our understanding of the activism associated with this spiritual routine.

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Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai, one of Rabbi Akiva's most prominent students, was attributed with authorship of the Zohar. Who was Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai and what made him different than the other Torah scholars of his time?
Click here to view the Shimon Bar Yochai: Different than Other Tannaim? (May 6) course page including handouts

Shimon Bar Yochai: Different than Other Tannaim? (May 6) Class date: May 6, 2012

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The details of Hallel said during the seder differ in many respects from the halakhot of Hallel all year round. This class will explore two possible paths of analysis. We could either provide individual explanations for all the differences or look for one sweeping theory that clarifies them all.
Click here to view the The Unique Hallel of the Seder Night (March 20) course page including handouts

The Unique Hallel of the Seder Night (March 20) Class date: Mar 20, 2012

The Hallel we recite during the seder seems to break all the normal rules of Hallel.  We split it in half, do not recite a blessing beforehand, say it while seated, and recite it at nighttime.  How can we account for all these unusual features?  We could answer these questions in a piecemeal fashion or look for a sweeping theory that explains all the differences.  I look forward to exploring this issue with you.

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A survey of some of the major themes in Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik's thought and religious philosophy as seen in his shorter essays.
Click here to view the Writings of Rav Soloveitchik course page including handouts

Catharsis Class date: May 15, 2012

I'm glad you're joining us for the continuation of our series on Rav Soloveitchik's  thought. If you're new to the series, don't worry - we'll be starting with all new material. Feel free however to visit the WebYeshiva archives to get past installments of the series. If you need some background this intro session to the Rav's thought and biography may help. For our first couple of sessions we'll be reading the essay "Catharsis" (available in accompanying link or here with some other of the essays we've done or will do) - if possible please try giving it a read in advance. As always, I welcome your questions, comments and feedback as we go along. My Skype or Gmail-Chat name is: jeffreysaks

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What are we really celebrating on Yom HaAtzmaut (Israeli Independence Day)?
Click here to view the Yom HaAtzmaut: Celebrating Past or Future? (April 23) course page including handouts

Yom HaAtzmaut: Celebrating Past or Future? (April 23) Class date: Apr 23, 2012

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