KMTT - the Torah Podcast

Am Levadad Yishkon #14 – “Story of Bilaam Part One – Balak’s Unnecessary Fear,” by Rav Asher Haber

We begin an analysis of the parsha containing the verse “Am Levadad Yishkon.” Balak, King of Moav, was terrified of Am Yisrael, even though a careful reading of the Biblical text makes clear he had nothing to worry about. Why was he led to believe he was in danger?

The Weekly Mitzva - Yitro, The Mechanics of Kriat Hatorah, by Rav Yair Kahn

The shiur will analyze the relationship between the role of the person who gets an aliya and that of the ba'al koreh.

Am Levadad Yishkon #13 – “A Roadmap for Jewish History,” by Rav Asher Haber

The Jewish People are required to follow the Torah; nothing less than the destiny of the entire world depends on it. But what if they don’t? The Torah answers that question with a descriptive narrative that predicts the entire course of Jewish history in advance.

Parshat Beshalach - What is it? written by Rav Ezra Bick

The very meaning of the word "man" implies curiosity and bemusement. What is it about the manna that makes it so fascinating - in some ways the focal point of the people of Israel's experience in the wilderness?

The Weekly Mitzva - Beshalach, The Mitzva of Hallel, by Rav Yair Kahn

The shiur begins with the argument between the Rambam and Ramban, whether hallel is a Torah obligation or a rabbinic one. In the course of the discussion, there is an attempt to clarify the criterion that generate the obligation to recite hallel and to define the precise definition of that obligation

Topics in Practical Halakha #8 Gezeirot Akum, by Rav Mordechai Friedman

Parshat Bo - Confrontation of Moshe and Paro, written by Rav Ezra Bick

The first seven plagues occur in Parashat Va'era, while the last three occur this week in Parashat Bo. What is the reason for this division, and what does it tell us about the nature of Moshe's series of dramatic meetings with Par'o?

Am Levadad Yishkon #12 – “Mamlechet Kohanim V’Goy Kadosh – Part Two,” by Rav Asher Haber

With its mitzvot, Torah addresses every single aspect of human life – not only for the individual but also for the nation as a whole. Among other things, the Torah tells us how to run a political system and government, an economy, a system of legal and criminal law with a judiciary and a police force, an education system and an army. In each of these areas, the Torah’s vision is revolutionary.

The Weekly Mitzva - Bo, Exemption of Tefillin at Night, by Rav Yair Kahn

Both night and Shabbat are times that the mitzva of tefillin doesn't apply. The shiur will explore the basic difference between these two exemptions.

Topics in Practical Halakha #7, Ma'aseh Akum, by Rav Mordechai Friedman