KMTT - the Torah Podcast

"Mizmor Shir Chanukat haBayit...leDavid?" An analysis of Psalm 30 and its association with Chanuka, by Rav Yitzchak Etshalom

Why is there a psalm titled "Mizmor Shir Hanukkat haBayit leDavid" - if David never saw the Mikdash built?

A custom is recorded in Maskhet Soferim (c. 9th century) to recite Psalm 30 on Hanukkah. We study the psalm, exploring the meaning of the words, structure of the psalm and its powerful message - and then present an innovative explantion as to the propriety of its recitation on Hanukkah. Along the way, several methodological strategies for the study of Tehillim are presented.

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Miketz | Pharoah's Dreams | Chida veChalom, by Rav Yitzchak Etshalom

How are we to understand the amazement with which Pharaoh and his advisors reacted to Yoseph's solutions to the king's dreams?

Pharaoh's Dreams (the cows and the sheaves) reexamined, based on an observation of Dr. Moseh Zeidel z"l. The "Hidah" (riddle) and "Halom" (dream) are associated in Bamidbar 12 and therein begins our inquiry, including an analysis of Shimshon's famous riddle.

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The Overlap Between Chanuka and A Christian Holiday: Perspectives Upon the Impact of Chanuka upon the Non-Jewish World, by Rav Moshe Taragin

Ramban on the Torah | 5785 | 08 | Vayeshev, by Rav Eli Weber

Why did Esav go to Edom and why does Yaakov stay? Did Yaakov believe Yosef's dreams? Was Yosef always a tzadik?

Where Mikra Meets Midrash - The Case of Yosef haTzaddik, by Rav Yitzchak Etshalom

In this shiur, we examine the Midrashic martyrology of the עשרה הרוגי מלכות and how it developed from several Midrashic tropes in a reading of the story of the sale of Yosef. The shiur was given in the context of the SAR-sponsored Yemei Iyyun in Tanakh (June 23, 2024) and was given in memory of Ari Levine. ארי בן מנחם צבי ז"ל.

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Ramban on the Torah | 5785 | 07 | Vayishlach, by Rav Eli Weber

What do we need to do in response to a modern Esav? Were Shimon and Levi right? Why did Yaakov not bury Rachel in Chevron?

Ramban on the Torah | 5785 | 06 | Vayetze, by Rav Eli Weber

Did Yaakov hate Leah? Why does Yaakov get angry at Rachel? Why does Yaakov get angry at Lavan?

Vayetze | Yaakov's Years in Haran, by Rav Yitzchak Etshalom

Parashat Vayetze, from beginning to end, details Yaakov's years "on the run", all of which are in Haran. How long was he there? Yaakov tells us - "I was in your house for 20 years..."; however, limiting Yaakov's years there to 20 raises numerous challenges, both within the text and with "realia". In this shiur, we propose a different chronology which serves to respond to these challenges.

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Ramban on the Torah | 5785 | 05 | Toldot, by Rav Eli Weber

Why did Hashem swear to each of the Avot? Did the Avot keep the Torah before it was given? Why was Yaakov ashamed of what he did?

Toldot | "Do You Have Only One Blessing, Father?" by Rav Yitzchak Etshalom

The central story of Parashat Toldot is Yaakov's successful deception of his father, Yitzchak, to "steal" the blessing intended for Esav. When Esav learns of the ruse, his plaint to his father is "do you have but one blessing, my father"? Indeed, why does Yitzchak have only one blessing for his sons? And why is a blessing, given under false pretenses, valid and irrevocable? A careful read of the text reveals what may be a surprising answer. This shiur was given, at the UCLA Hillel, in memory of "Jabo" Ehrlich, an amazing teacher and friend, lover of Tanakh and Eretz Yisrael, who fell defending our country last week. יהי זכרו ברוך.

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