R. Moshe Isserles_18 Iyar 5332, by Rav Binyamin Tabory, originally given for Parshat Bechukotai 5768

Maharam Meir of Rothenburg_24 Iyar 5053, by Rav Binyamin Tabory, originally given for Parshat Emor 5767

Avelut during Sefira (2), by Rav Yitzchak Etshalom

The various customs regarding mourning-type practices during all or part of the weeks between Pesach and Shavuot are well-known. Yet, the source for these practices is the subject of much speculation among the Rishonim - as we discover in this three-part shiur. Along the way, we also look at the story of the death of R. Akiva's students, including the various versions of the story in Midrashic literature and suggest an explanation for the differences.

Source sheet available here.

Avelut during Sefira (1), by Rav Yitzchak Etshalom

The various customs regarding mourning-type practices during all or part of the weeks between Pesach and Shavuot are well-known. Yet, the source for these practices is the subject of much speculation among the Rishonim - as we discover in this three-part shiur. Along the way, we also look at the story of the death of R. Akiva's students, including the various versions of the story in Midrashic literature and suggest an explanation for the differences.

R. Yechezkel Landau_Noda BeYehuda_17 Iyar 5553, by Rav Binyamin Tabory, originally given for Parshat Behar 5768

R. Naftali of Ropshitz_11 Iyar 5587, by Rav Binyamin Tabory, originally given for Parshat Emor 5768

Memories of Moreinu Harav Aharon zt"l, by Rav Danny Rhein and Rav Ezra Bick, given on Rosh Chodesh Iyar 5781, Harav Lichtenstein's 6th yahrzeit.

Yom HaZikaron: How the Mighty have Fallen, by Rav Yitzchak Etshalom

It is a long-standing tradition in some communities to read David's elegy for Shaul and Yonatan (Shmuel II 1:17-27) on Yom haZikkaron. In this shiur, we review the dirge and point out several nuances which inform the subtextual message of this beautiful plaint for David's best friend - Yonatan - and the fallen king, Shaul. The spirit which animates this soaring passage resonates for all of us today, as we raise the memories of our fallen brothers and sisters who gave their lives that we may have a secure and prosperous Medinah. יהי זכרם ברוך

Reciting Birkat Shehecheyanu on Mitzvot Part 2, by Rav Yitzchak Etshalom

Shiur given during daf yomi siyum of Massekhet Pesachim 5781, and released here in advance of Yom HaAtzmaut.

Click here for source sheet. Chag ha'atzmaut sameach!

Reciting Birkat Shehecheyanu on Mitzvot, by Rav Yitzchak Etshalom

Shiur given during daf yomi siyum of Massekhet Pesachim 5781, and released here in advance of Yom HaAtzmaut.

We are accustomed to reciting the ברכה of "שהחיינו", known as ברכת הזמן, when we perform certain מצוות, such as תקיעת שופר, lighting נר חנוכה and so forth. We examine the development of this practice - which is not mentioned anywhere in the משנה - and the background of the ברכה itself, including the formation of its wording.

Click here for source sheet. Chag ha'atzmaut sameach!