KMTT - the Torah Podcast

Parshat Vaera - Liberating the Spirit of the Israelites, written by Rav Ezra Bick

Moshe, the man of "impeded speech," was not your typical inspirational leader. What, then, is the key to Moshe's success in liberating the people of Israel, both from the land of Egypt and from their own slave mentality?

Am Levadad Yishkon #11 – “Mamlechet Kohanim v’Goy Kadosh – Part One” by Rav Asher Haber

What does it mean that we are meant to be a “Kingdom of Kohanim”? What’s a Kohen, and how are we to fill this role? And what does it mean specifically to be a “Kingdom”? The answer involves new insights into the role of Am Yisrael in the world, and a new understanding of what the Torah is.

The Weekly Mitzva - Vaera, The Four Cups of the Seder Night, by Rav Yair Kahn

The shiur discusses the specific halakha of the four cups as well as the laws of the seder night in general.

Parshat Shemot - From Egyptian Prince to Israelite Redeemer, written by Rav Ezra Bick

In the early part of his life, Moshe undergoes a series of dramatic personal transformations. By examining the incidents recounted in this week's parasha, and with a special focus on the language the Torah uses, we will see how these transformations turn a member of Paro's household into the leader of the Jewish people.

Am Levadad Yishkon #10, “Sinai: The Foundational Moment,” by Rav Asher Haber

After a lengthy period of slavery and suffering in Egypt, the moment had finally arrived: Am Yisrael was redeemed from bondage, and headed for the Promised Land. However, even before the process began, Moshe Rabbeinu was informed that there was a more immediate destination, something they would need to do before entering the Land. First, they need to “serve God” on Mount Sinai. What was to happen there, and why was it necessary?

The Weekly Mitzva - Shemot, The Laws of Adoption, by Rav Yair Kahn

The shiur will deal with various laws connected with adoption and consider the extent to which an adopted child is compared to a biological one.

Parshat Vayechi, From Egypt to Canaan

Ya'akov's extreme distaste for the land of Egypt expresses itself in his insistence that Yosef not bury him there. But what is at the root of this attitude, and how is this reflected in his choice of words to Yosef?

Am Levadad Yishkon #9 – “A Pre-ordained Exile” by Rav Asher Haber

Having been charged with the mission – and the promise – of founding the Chosen People, Avraham Avinu and his descendants Yitzchak and Yaakov faced many obstacles. Ultimately, Yaakov Avinu found himself on the way down to Egypt for what would be several generations of exile, slavery and suffering. Why was this necessary?

The Weekly Mitzva - Vayechi, Reciting Baruch Shem Kvod Malchuto Quietly, by Rav Yair Kahn

The shiur will discuss various aspects related to reciting Baruch Shem Kvod Malchuto, and show how this relates to the mitzva of Kriat Shema.

The Weekly Mitzva - Vayigash, Greetings in the Midst of Kriat Shema, by Rav Yair Kahn

This shiur will discuss the halakhic parameters regarding the issue of greeting a friend in the middle of kriat shema and analyze the core idea at the root of this halakha.