KMTT - the Torah Podcast

Parshat Vayeshev - From the Valley of Chevron to the Valley of Dotan: In the Footsteps of Yosef and the Midrash, written by Harav Yaakov Medan

What can Yosef's journey to find his brothers - and Chazal's commentary on this journey - teach us about the intricate interpersonal relationships at play in this episode?

Parshat Vayishlach - Anyone Who Says Reuven Sinned, written by Harav Yaakov Medan

Our Sages were torn over whether the incident between Reuven and Bilha was a terrible sin or a minor misdemeanor. What can our analysis of the incident teach us about Reuven's role in his interactions with his various family members and about his legacy as a would-be leader of the nation of Israel?

Parshat Vayetze - Beit El, written by Harav Yaakov Medan

Beit El plays a critical role in Parashat Vayetze, and indeed, in several places throughout the Tanakh. What can Beit El's location and its relationship with Jerusalem tell us about its sanctity and its significance for the people of Israel?

Recollections of Harav Aharon Lichtenstein zt"l, by Rav Hershel Schachter

R. Schachter explains why he could not speak about R. Aharon immediately after he passed away, and spends 41 minutes describing his rebbe, R. Aharon. "R. Aharon had such a tremendous influence on all of us." He cries, and laughs, and at times both.

Parshat Toldot - Esav's Merit, written by Harav Yaakov Medan

Chazal's portrayal of Esav as a wicked murderer does not quite match the relatively mild description of Esav in the actual text of the Torah. How can we explain this discrepancy, and what does it mean for us today?

Parshat Chayei Sara, Ketura, written by Harav Yaakov Medan

What is the connection between the rabbinic dispute over the identity of Ketura and the people of Israel's covenantal claim to the Greater Land of Israel, between the Nile and the Euphrates?

Parshat Vayera - The Way of God and the Way of Righteousness and Justice, written by Harav Yaakov Medan

How can examining the events of Sedom help us understand Avraham's complicated relationship with God's will on the one hand and the values of righteousness and justice on the other?

Parshat Lekh Lekha - Berit Bein HaBetarim: The Covenant between the Parts, shiur written by Harav Yaakov Medan

While the Covenant between the Parts is mostly remembered for God's promise that Avraham's descendants will become a great nation, it also promises that they will endure slavery and suffering in Egypt. What is behind Chazal's varied approaches to the reason Avraham deserved such a harsh punishment?

Parshat Noach, Then I Shall Bring Upon the Nations a Clear Language, written by Harav Yaakov Medan

What is the connection between the colorful midrashim about the Tower of Bavel and various stories from other place in the Tanakh?

The Weekly Mitzva - VeZot HaBeracha, Torah Tziva Lanu Moshe, by Rav Yair Kahn

The shiur deals with the obligation to instill the significance and importance of Torah to young children