KMTT - the Torah Podcast

Bo | Korban Pesach: Personal, Communal, Epochal, by Rav Yitzchak Etshalom

The Korban Pesach is the centerpiece of Chapter 12 in Shemot - but how did Bnei Yisrael understand its significance, the specifics of the ritual and their own role in history in that context? This shiur explores 3 aspects of the Korban Pesach which may have informed the people's awareness at that great time.

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Rabbenu Yonah's Four Kitot 13: The First Five Flatterers, by Rav Gidon Rothstein

Chanifa, when we tell evil it is good, in some way or other.

Vaera | The Surprising Genealogy, by Rav Yitzchak Etshalom

Just as Hashem's magnificent promises and ominous threats are about to be broadcast by Moshe, both to B'nei Yisrael as well as to Pharaoh, the text interrupts with a most unusual mini-genealogical list. We are told, all so briefly, about the families of Reuven and Shimon, after which we are given a somewhat detailed presentation of the Levites - with a curiously selective strategy informing the list. Some of the great-great grandsons of Levi are identified, whereas others are elided. We survey a few of the approaches proposed by the traditional commentators, after which, building on Rashbam and Bekhor Shor, suggest a context-driven solution to the conundrum of this odd and somewhat jarring insert into to Exodus narrative.

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Rabbenu Yonah's Four Kitot 12: Fabricating a Quote and Its Challenges, by Rav Gidon Rothstein

When might we be allowed to fake a quote to bring people to a truth they would not realize otherwise.

Shemot | Elokei Avikha - The God of Your Father, by Rav Yitzchak Etshalom

When God first summons Moshe to his great agency, He introduces Himself to his prophet as "the God of your father" - however, during the course of their testy interaction at Horev, it shifts to "the God of their (the Hebrews') fathers" and the direct association with Moshe is left behind. We explore why this sobriquet was the ideal - and why it was lost, only to be recovered at a later stage in Moshe's career. This shiur was given in honor of Ariella Etshalom and her חתן, Yoni Broth, on the occasion of their week of marital celebration - כן ירבו שמחות בישראל.

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Rabbenu Yonah's Four Kitot 11: Lying for Peace and Quoting a More Accepted Authority, by Rav Gidon Rothstein

Lies for peace and fabricating a quote!

Sheva Berakhot: Six, Five, Three or One? by Rav Yitzchak Etshalom

We are all familiar with "Sheva Berakhot", such that we even refer to the festive meals during the week of celebration as "Sheva Berakhot" A closer look at the sources tests our numbering - and may reveal something more fundamental about these Berakhot and their place at the Chuppa, as well as at the festive meals. Given in honor of the forthcoming wedding of Ariella Etshalom to Yoni Broth. We join in wishing a mazal tov, and eagerly anticipate much nachat from them as they build a trustworthy and beautiful home together.

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Rabbenu Yonah's Four Kitot 10: Bending or Breaking the Truth for Peace, by Rav Gidon Rothstein

Situations when we may say what is not strictly true, and perhaps even untrue; what justifies it and what consequences does it bring.

A Different Type of Gadol: Hesped for Harav Chaim Meir Druckman zt"l

Chanuka | The Evolution of a Berakha, by Rav Yitzchak Etshalom

What is the meaning of the phrase "bayamim hahem bazeman hazeh" - both in birkat hanisim and al hanisim?

The well-known and familiarly sung 2nd Berakha that accompanies the lighting of the Ner Chanuka is praise for God Who has wrought great miracles for our ancestors...בימים ההם בזמן הזה - "in those days at this time". These last four words were not always included in the berakha and in some versions, there was a conjuctive letter "vav" - בימים ההם ובזמן הזה that carries a different meaning. We trace the development of this berakha, propose its genesis and earliest sources and then, following the changes in wording, suggest that the earlier formulation reflected a distinct appreciation for the holiday of Chanuka (and much the same may be said about Purim). This shiur was given in memory of Mrs. Shirley Jungreis - שולמית בת משה העניך ז"ל.

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