Commentaries on the Torah

In the Mishnah, R' Yehudah says that if a metzorah (one who suffers from Biblical leprosy) enters someone's home uninvited, the home becomes defiled within the amount of time it takes to light the Shabbat candles. What is the deeper, spiritual meaning of this law and how does it help us understand the tremendous power of the Shabbat candles? (Based in Likkutei Sichos, vol. 17, pp. 141)

How does a food item become susceptible to ritual defilement? This class analyzes the three requisite conditions in Halacha and relates each to a parallel in the service of G-d. (Based on Likkutei Sichos vol. 27, pp.74)

This class explores the fascinating role of the Charoset and in so doing sheds new light on the personal freedom we are to experience Seder night. (Based on Likkutei Sichot, vol. 32, pp. 44–53.)

The High Priest's apron-like garment called the "ephod" had gems over the shoulder straps with the names of the twelve tribes engraved in them. The classical sources differ as to the order in which the tribes were named on the jewels. A spiritual interpretation of these opinions is that they describe two kinds of Jewish unity. (Based on Likutei Sichos, vol. 36.)

One of the four special mitzvot to observe on the day of Purim is giving gifts to the poor. Why is this practice termed "gifts" (matanot) to the poor and not "charity" (tzedakah) as we might expect?

How does a convert finish the conversion process? In the times when the Holy Temple stood, it was necessary to bring a sacrificial offering. What do we do now, after the Temple was destroyed? We look closely at the opinion of Maimonides that a convert requires “circumcision, immersion in a mikvah, and when the Temple will be rebuilt, the bringing of an offering.” (Based on Likkutei Sichot, vol. 26, p. 160.)

In addition to the regular Rosh Hashanah, the mishnah teaches that there are actually four different Rosh Hashanahs (New Years) on the Jewish calendar: the new year for kings, for festivals and for trees. (Based on Likkutei Sichos vol. 36.)

The Sages of the Talmud, in their debate whether one may discuss Torah while consuming a meal, address the existential quandary of whether it is better to transcend nature or conform to it. (Based on Likutei Sichos, Vol 35. Vayechi 3.)

As a remembrance that Jacob's sciatic nerve was damaged in his wrestling match with an angel, the Torah forbids us from eating the sciatic nerve (gid hanashe) of an animal. Interestingly, this also shows us the extent to which every detail of our lives is directed by Divine Providence.

Esau married his uncle Ishmael's daughter Machalat. Was Machalat righteous or wicked? Scripture gives us evidence to argue both ways.