R Yitzchak Shifman Torah Classes

Tosfos (Rabbeinu Tam and R"I) challenge the position of Rashi regarding shema in shul and at night, instead offering two alternatives to resolve the issues.

Hashem (as illustrated in the story of the eigel) "sees" and uses the nekuda tova of every Jew to push away the many impurities and judge him favorably.

Although much "blackness" may coat the nekuda tova, the goodness remains beautiful, and, when recognized and activated, can overcome all the negativity. This is illustrated in Moshe's defense of the Jews after the eigel hazahav.

Shemirat HaLashon, Sha'ar HaTevuna Chapter 11- The bitachon that a person develops assists in dealing with situations that may arise in which one is affronted or mistreated.

When seeing the nekuda tova, the G-dly element in oneself, a person can remove himself from "sleep" and "awaken" himself to Hashem's service.

The Jews protect the Giv'onim from the attacking five nations of the south, and then proceed to conquer the southern cities of Eretz Yisrael.

Introduction to the ninth midda of "v'Tashlich bim'tzulot yam kol chatotam", regarding the way Hashem punishes the nations who afflict us.

The person who sees the goodness of the individuals is qualified to be chazzan, the tzaddikim build "mishkanos" with these nekudos tovos empowering the tinokos shel beis Rabban, and the Tzaddik haDor gathers them all, etc.

Mishna states 3 opinions as to times for krias shema of evening.

Importance of seeing the "nekuda tova" in oneself and others, and the impact this has on accomplishing Teshuva.