A Talmud Tour session on Berachot 16a-17a, using the Steinsaltz elucidation with comments drawn from Chassidic teachings. It covers why a groom (and anyone engaged in a mitzva) is exempt from reciting the Shema, Rabban Gamliel's unusual conduct in mourning his wife and his servant Tavi, the teaching that only three Patriarchs and four Matriarchs are so named and the qualities every Jew inherits from them, and Rabbi Elazar's reading of Psalm 63 as referring to the Shema and the Amida.

THE MILI G. KABBALA GROUP WITH TALI LOEWENTHAL, 8 Sept 2008. Discussing the Sixth Day of Creation, leading on to the exploring the theme of Rosh Hashana

Explores morning prayer order, bowing in Amidah, High Holiday textual changes, praying for others, forgiveness via shame, and Shema inclusions like Exodus mentions, with Steinsaltz and Chassidic commentaries.

28 December 2025

sourcesheet: https://files.chabadresearch.net/TalmudTour%20-%20Berachot12a-b.pdf

Explores Divine Name "Ehyeh," redemption promise, Elijah's double plea, and morning Shema timing from dawn distinctions to three hours. Chassidic comments highlight prayer's transcendence, kingship of Jews, and juxtaposing blessings without interruption.

7 September 2025

sourcesheet: https://files.chabadresearch.net/TalmudTour%20Berachot9b-10a.pdf

Topics include the virtue of praying with the community, the importance of the Halachah (as opposed to varied opinions in the Talmud), physical and spiritual death, the importance of marriage and womanhood, work and study, relationship with one's teacher, the concept of reciting the Hebrew text of the verses of the Sedra of the week, verse by verse, twice, and then the Aramaic translation.

20 July 2025

sourcesheet: https://files.chabadresearch.net/TalmudTour-Berachot%208a-b.pdf

Explore divine prayer, mercy, and human blessings. Shammai's emphasis on consistent Torah study and kindness. God's prayer seeks mercy over anger. Kabbalistic interpretations connect divine attributes to human actions, highlighting repentance and blessings' impact.

22 June 2025

sourcesheet: https://files.chabadresearch.net/TalmudTourBerachot7a.pdf

Berachot 6b discusses God's metaphorical phylacteries, symbolizing Israel's praise, and the importance of synagogue attendance. It emphasizes running to mitzvot, prayer's spiritual impact, and rewarding actions like rejoicing at weddings, with Chassidic insights on divine connection.

originally given 8 June 2025

https://files.chabadresearch.net/TalmudTourBerachot6b.pdf

The Talmud Tour on Shabbat 88a-89a, honouring Shavuot, explores the Giving of the Torah at Sinai. It discusses the Torah’s threefold nature, its dissolution of the spiritual-physical divide, coercion and acceptance, and the Divine Presence. Chassidic insights emphasize Torah’s role in elevating the physical world.

originally given 25 May 2025

sourcesheet: https://files.chabadresearch.net/Talmud%20Tour%20MatanTorah-Shabbat%2088a-89a%20Giving%20of%20Torah.pdf

Studied in preparation for Lag B'Omer which falls this year on Thursday-Friday 15-16 May 2025. This passage describes Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai and his son having to hide from the Romans in a cave, and the spiritual process which they went through in their understanding of the interface between intense spirituality and life.

originally given 11 may 2025

https://files.chabadresearch.net/TalmudTourShabbat%2033b-34a%20Rashbi.pdf

Explores prayer and synagogue practices, detailing Abba Binyamin's teachings on prayer timing, bed orientation, and communal prayer. It discusses the Divine Presence in synagogues, Torah study, and judgment, emphasizing spiritual focus and the revelation of G-d's presence through these acts.

class originally given 27 April 2025

source sheet: https://files.chabadresearch.net/TalmudTour-Berachot%205b-6a.pdf