Nitzavim | The Devarim "Revolution", by Rav Yitzchak Etshalom

What are we to make of Moshe's "Teshuva speech" in Devarim 30:1-10? The "Parashat haTeshuva" (Devarim 30:1-10) seems to double back on itself, introducing Teshuva and then - introducing it again. Based loosely on a wonderful shiur by Rav Baruch Gigi, Rosh Yeshivat Har Etzion, we analyze the difference between the obeisance directed in Sefer Shemot-Bamidbar as opposed to the emotional attachment between HKBH and Knesset Yisrael introduced by Moshe in his grand speech of Sefer Devarim. Using this dichotomy to suggest two different sets of consequences of "non-compliance" (or "Divine disappointment"), we propose reading the two segments of Parashat haTeshuva as first and foremost addressing the core relationship with HKBH and only after that relating to the practical commitment to Mitzvot.

Sefer Yonah | Chapter 3, by Rav Yitzchak Etshalom

Why did the king of Nineveh respond so quickly and so forcefully to Yonah's declaration? 

As we continue our study of Sefer Yonah, we note the many peculiarities of the narrative in chapter 3. In only 10 verses, it tells us of Yonah's immensely successful prophetic mission to Nineveh, where his simple cry elicits immediate fasting, mourning and (apparently) heartfelt repentance on the part of the Ninevites. We note the striking parallels between the first narrative - on the boat - and this one and how in each case, the foreign audience (sailors, Ninevites) serve as helpful background players and throughout the story, the real character is Yonah himself. Some of the questions that we have raised will be addressed in the final installment of this mini-series.

Sefer Yonah | Overview, Introduction and Chapter 1, by Rav Yitzchak Etshalom

In this opening shiur of a three-part series, we explore the historic background of both Yonah and the Assyrian Empire and its impending conquest of Samaria. We then analyze the first chapter of the story - Yonah on the boat - looking for textual and literary clues to understand the underlying message of the story. More to come...

Ramban on the Torah | 5785 | 39 | Ki Tavo, by Rav Eli Weber

How do we show gratitude to Hashem? How do we deal with failure in Avodat Hashem?

Rav Soloveitchik on Teshuva (11): Appreciating Our Dual Relationship With Hashem, by Rav Dovid Gottlieb

What is the basis of our relationship with Hashem - what we inherit from our parents or something more personal? What does sin do to that relationship and how does teshuva repair the relationship?

Ki Tetze | 5785 | Sha'atnez, by Rav Tzvi Chaim Kaye

The issur appears twice in the Torah; what does the word itself mean?! And what processes are required to create a violation of this mitzva. This and more...

Ramban on the Torah | 5785 | 38 | Ki Tetze, by Rav Eli Weber

What is behind the order of the parshiot? What does the Torah say about the ethics of war? 

Rav Soloveitchik on Teshuva (10): The Secret Power that Makes Teshuva Possible, by Rav Dovid Gottlieb

What is it that allows us to achieve atonement for our sins - what happened to "do the crime, do the time"?

Rav Soloveitchik on Teshuva (9): Deciding to Repent Even When the Temptation of Sin Remains, by Rav Dovid Gottlieb

What's the thought process  of a person who decides to repent for a sin even though he/she is still tempted by that sin?

Rav Soloveitchik on Teshuva (8): Mourning Our Lost Selves and the Emotions of Repentance, by Rav Dovid Gottlieb

Eighth in a series of mini-shiurim on R Soloveitchik's approach to Teshuva based on his famous and incredible sefer Al HaTeshuva. 

What are the primary emotions associated with teshuva and how do they motivate us to repent?