Commentaries on the Torah

Chapter 27 of Psalms begins, "By David: The Lord is my Light!" and is known by the Hebrew words, "L'David Hashem Ori." This psalm is customarily recited twice a day starting a month before Rosh Hashanah. What is the deeper meaning of this prayer and what is its connection to the High Holiday season?

An analysis of the legal difference between ownership of property and the proprietary rights one has over one’s own body. We look particularly closely at laws in Maimonides’ Laws of The Sanhedrin. (Based on Likkutei Sichot, vol. 34, p. 106)

The final Mishnah of Tracate Shabbat concludes with the law that one may "close up [a window], measure [an object needed for a mitzvah], and tie a [non-permanent] knot on Shabbat." What do each of these three ideas represent in our spiritual service of G-d? (Based on Likutei Sichos vol. 14)

This week's portion states (Numbers 19:15) "Any open vessel which has no seal fastened around it becomes unclean." Based on this verse, Maimonides discusses various scenarios in which the contents of a vessel with a tight-fitting lid (Heb. "tzamid patil") are protected from ritual impurity. What are these particular scenarios and how does each one correspond symbolically to another aspect of our relationship with G-d? (Based on Likutei Sichos vol. 38, pp. 72.)

“Aaron did so; he lit the lamps toward the face of the menorah” (Numbers 8:3). We contrast a chassidic and a non-chassidic interpretation of this verse in order to highlight the revolution that chassidic teachings have brought to our understanding of G-d, Torah and our fellow Jew.

"So it was, whenever the ark set out, Moses would say, 'Arise, O Lord, may Your enemies be scattered and may those who hate You flee from You." What is the difference between "Your enemies" and "those who hate You"? An analysis of Rashi's commentary on Numbers 10:35. (Based on Likkutei Sichos vol. 23, p. 73.)

In the Talmud, there is a dispute between the sages as to what date the Torah was given at Sinai. According to one opinion, Moses added an extra day of preparation before the giving of the Torah. How could Moses depart from G-d's timeline?

The Sages say that he who acquires a slave acquires a master for himself. What are the rules that govern indentured servitude? Maimonides "Laws of Slaves" is used as a primary source. (Based on Likkutei Sichos vol. 37)

The commandment to count the Omer comes from the verse: "You shall count for yourselves, from the morrow of the Sabbath from the day you bring the Omer as a wave offering seven weeks; they shall be complete" (Leviticus 23:15). The term "Sabbath" in this context refers to the first day of the holiday of Passover and not the weekly Sabbath. However, in some years, when Passover begins on Sabbath, the weeks of the Omer do coincide with the seven-day week. Is there an aspect of extra "completeness" that occurs in such years? (Based on Likkutei Sichos vol. 12 p. 16 and vol. 22 p. 143)

Why does Maimonides equate the commandment of keeping fair weights and measures to the commandment of believing in the Exodus? The answer leads to a better understanding of the Exodus as the foundation of all commandments and also the issue of free choice in the face of Divine decree. (Based on Likkutei Sichos, vol. 27, Kedoshim pp. 149)