TOM’S TALMUD TISCH:

Series on Hakhel, Part One

Masechet Sotah, Chap. Seven, Page 41a

In Deuteronomy 31; 10-12 Moses conveys the Torah's 612th commandment: "...at the end of every seven years... on the Festival of Sukkot. When all Israel comes to appear before the Lord, your G-d, in the place that He shall choose, you shall read this Torah before all Israel in their hearing. Assemble the people the men, women, and the little ones, and your stranger... so that they may hear, and so that they may learn; and revere the Lord your G-d and observe to perform all the words of this Torah."

This in-depth mini-series focuses on the page in Masechet Sotah that records the teachings of our Sages about this rare Mitzvah. The Talmud (and its multi-layered commentaries) richly define and elucidate the details that govern the fulfillment of this enigmatic biblical commandment.

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In this opening Episode we study the first section of the Mishna that speaks of the practical performance of this, biblically ordained, septennial Jewish National Assembly, and its unique connection to the Monarchy.

As we are introduced to the of the Mitzvah of Hakhel with details like timing, staging there is a heavy emphasis on the King's pivotal role as the central actor. Surprisingly however, the royal element is missing in the Scriptural narrative.

In this Episode we will delve deeply into this mystery to discover the true origin of the Jewish Sovereign's seemingly central ingredient in the fulfillment of this Mitzvah: Is it an Oral Siniac tradition from Moses (e.g. a prophetic instruction), or rather a subsequently added rabbinically ordained injunction?

Talmud Tisch - Intermediate Talmud

Tractate Sanhedrin - The Talmud on the World to Come

Lesson Thirty-Three

Page 94b

The Burning Power of Synagogue Oil Lamps now sheds light on the Brightest (and soberest) Jewish Citizenry in history. Shockingly -- they were motivated to invest in Torah study and get that sharp by Royal Edict, and at Sword Point!

This Episode is features an in-depth exploration of the incredible story of how the Golden-Age of Torah Literacy was created. Illuminating the historic epoch when real-life Monarch inspired his constituents to amass Wisdom rather than Wealth.

Discover a historic anomaly: an unprecedented, and un-replicated legendary story about achieving a pan-national level of Torah erudition for all; Children, Women and Men!

Rabbi Mendel Kaplan

Talmud Tisch - Intermediate Talmud

Tractate Sanhedrin - The Talmud on the World to Come

Lesson Thirty-Two

Page 94b

This Episode opens with a focus on the bodily weakness that brought strength of the spirit, and G-d’s protection upon the nation. For when Am Yisrael is weary from intense devotion to Torah Study it is enabled to resist Enemy Oppression!

We then move on to Deciphering of the Prophecies that Followed the Facts of Faith.

Discovering the meaning of Post-mortem Prophecies that tell of a Divine Oath Bringing Great Challenges that ultimately Channeled even Greater Sustenance. Plus we’ll learn about the Energy and the Burning Power of Synagogue Oil Lamps!

Talmud Tisch - Intermediate Talmud

Tractate Sanhedrin - The Talmud on the World to Come

Lesson Thirty-One

Page 94 a-b

This Episode opens with a focus on the Fiery Destruction of Israel's enemies that came in a Blaze of G-d’s Glory.

Then we'll move on to analyze Differing Dimensions of Divine Retribution for Royal Blasphemy, as we learn of the different methods and messengers G-d might choose to punish the irreverent and arrogant offenders.

Back the People of Israel -- we learn of Softly Flowing Springs Flooded by Strong Rivers, as the national rejection of Shiloach-like Sovereignty leads to the punishing Rapids of Assyrian Affliction.

Talmud Tisch - Intermediate Talmud

Tractate Sanhedrin - The Talmud on the World to Come

Lesson Thirty

Page 94 a-b

This Episode opens with a focus on the powerful potential royal protagonists were endowed, their clash of civilizations and values.

This watershed face-off can speak to us from antiquity with real-time instructions for success even if, or perhaps especially when you aren’t born with unique Privileges or don't merit receiving special Blessings!

This teaching creates necessary backdrop for us to delve into the History and Mystery of The Lost Tribes of Israel!

From the Privileged Naming of a Historic Conqueror to an Incredible Lesson in Communication that we would all be wise to learn from; you’ll discover how sometimes “Where You Go” isn’t nearly as important as “What You Call It!”

Talmud Tisch - Intermediate Talmud

Tractate Sanhedrin - The Talmud on the World to Come

Lesson Twenty Nine

Page 94 a

This Episode opens with a focus on the Royal Disgrace of National Ingratitude at varying watershed moments. We will see a glaring historic omission that repeated itself, and focus on the lessons we must learn from them!

Analysis of an ancient narrative that remains an ongoing source of practical guidance and uplifting inspiration will make us wonder if it was a sharp-edged knife, or serrated sensitivities?

These events of antiquity clearly contain real-time instructions for success even, or perhaps especially when you aren’t born with unique Privileges or don't merit receiving special Blessings!

Rabbi Mendel Kaplan

Tom's Talmud Tisch:

Masechet Sotah, Daf 34,b

Part Two, continues with a fascinating biblical cross reference embarrassingly uncover the naked truth. Then we hear of an heirloom legacy decoding of secret messages encrypted into the IDs of the selected scouts.

This all reveals some shocking information as well as a deeper understanding of the whether this spy-mission ill-fated from the get-go.

Finally, as we re-trace the steps of the Spies who went South, we get the Minority Man Report -- hearing about the one who dared buck the trend and go off on his own!

This little known, yet incredible story of the one Spy who decided to go it alone, slip into a graveyard cave provides the keys to achieving moral clarity. The seeming detour of dependency ends provides him a view of the mission the others missed. It

It's a thrilling narrative that remains an ongoing source of practical guidance and uplifting inspiration. Here you will find real-time instructions for success even when you aren’t given unique Privileges or special Blessings!

Rabbi Mendel Kaplan

Tom's Talmud Tisch:

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Masechet Sotah, Daf 34,b

This Gemara mini-series focuses on the Scriptural Story of the Sin of the Spies. The baffling biblical narrative of the Scouts appointed by Moses to reconnoiter Canaan is a shameful yet important part of our national saga.

In-depth study of the verses reveals the true backstory, enabling us to learn the lessons of history and avoid repeating their mistakes today!

Part One, opens as we seek an understanding of the origins of this most unusual Divine commandment, logically proving it couldn't have been initiated by G-d, but rather a big decision Moses would have to make on his own.

Was the mission doomed to fail from the get-go, or did the system malfunction? Our Sages then dig into the language used to uncover unsavory motives. By employing a fascinating biblical cross reference, the truth is embarrassingly laid bare.

Finally, we are introduced to historic decoding of the secret messages encrypted into the IDs of the selected scouts -- revealing some shocking information!

This is the first Episode of a two-part mini study-series entitled SPIES IN DISGUISE.

Talmud Tisch- Intermediate Talmud

Tractate Berachot Chapter 9 Lesson 14

Our challenging times scream for leadership. Fascinating analysis about how the biblical Bezalel was appointed to head the National

Endeavour to create a Sanctuary for G-d in the Desert provides insight to fill our vacuum today!

Talmud Tisch - Intermediate Talmud

Tractate Berachot Chapter 9 Lesson 13 - pg 55a Part 13

It is wise to compile a list of things that might shorten your life, so you know what to avoid. Yet the notion that refusing an offer to lead

the Grace after Meals makes the list is certainly hard to swallow. Discover the Power of Blessings!