Abarbanel on the Parasha | Vayikra | 5785, by Rav Elyakim Krumbein

On the purpose of korbanot. Join us for this exciting new series in the commentary of the Abarbanel.

Ramban on the Torah | 5785 | 23 | Vayikra, by Rav Eli Weber

Excited to begin a new sefer, with a distinct theme for each. On the korbanot and our limitations.

Pesach | Birkat HaShir (1), by Rav Yitzchak Etshalom

Why do we almost finish the Berakhah after Hallel at the Seder - then abruptly switch to Hallel haGadol and Nishmat?

Our common practice is to read the Hallel over the fourth cup of wine, after which we nearly finish the blessing customarily recited after Hallel - but without a "signature" (חתימה). We then recite Psalm 136 and נשמת כל חי which we read to its conclusion - "מלך א-ל חי העולמים". This odd mix of a double-conclusion to Hallel is the result of several confusing sugyot. We assess the sources, including the key rulings of the Geonim and Rishonim and follow them through to today's common practice.

Pekudei-HaChodesh | The Multiple Crowns of Rosh Chodesh Nissan, by Rav Yair Kahn

What exactly happened on that day?

Ramban on the Torah | 5785 | 22 | Pekudei, by Rav Eli Weber

What is the second half of Sefer Shemot about? Was Moshe wrong about the order of building the Mishkan? Why do we need to devote ourselves to building the Mishkan?

Finding Faith During Crisis: 5 Lessons from HaRav Amital, by Rav Moshe Taragin

Re-recording of a Shiur given during Yeshivat Har Etzion Dinner, March 2025

Pesach | Introduction to Midrash Arami Oved Avi, by Rav Yitzchak Etshalom

Why was Devarim 26:5-8 selected to be the base text for the retelling of the Exodus at the Seder? 

As the Mishna (Pesachim 10:4) codifies, the core text to be used in telling the story of Yetziat Mitzrayim is Devarim 26:5-8 - "Arami Oved Avi" which, in 4 short verses, retells the story of the exile, servitude, pleas for deliverance and miraculous Exodus. We examine the earliest sources of the Midrash and demonstrate how our traditional Haggada-text of this Midrash is a combination of several Midrashic strains - all brought together in a powerful and evocative style to help all participants to (potentially) reexperience Yetziat Mitzrayim, as it occurs בכל דור ודור - in every generation.

Source sheet >>

Vayakhel | Teruma and Vayakhel: Repetition or Complement, by Rav Yair Kahn

Vayakhel is almost a word for word repetition of parashat Teruma. However, Chazal noted a discrepancy regarding the order. What idea is being expressed by this sequential shift and how can it be reconciled with the order of parashat Teruma?

Ramban on the Torah | 5785 | 21 | Vayakhel, by Rav Eli Weber

How did the artisans who built the mishkan know what to do? Why did the women give first for the Mishkan?

Pesach |  From Disgrace to Praise: A Reassessment, by Rav Yitzchak Etshalom

What is the purpose of the texts between "Avadim Hayyinu" until "Arami Oved Avi"? 

The "Maggid" section of our Haggada has two central components - the first of which is the Midrash on "Arami Oved Avi" and the other is Rabban Gamliel's explanation of the foods. However, our Haggadot have quite a bit of text between the "quick answer" given in response to "Mah Nishtanah" - and these passages don't seem to conform to the aims of the evening. We reassess the rabbinic dictum מתחיל בגנות ומסיים בשבח - "begin with disgrace and end with praise" and propose an understanding of these four words and their location within the Mishna to offer a reassessment of these opening sections of Maggid.

Source sheet >>