Simply Deep

Shmos 23:7

Shmos 19:8

Shmos 19:4

While Yisro already knew about Hashem, Rashi (Shmos 18:11) says that the midda knegged midda expressed in krias yam suf showed him even more that Hashem was greater than all other gods. What does this mean? Did he previously know this or not? This episode answers this question by developing the idea of degrees of knowledge. It then discusses the value of the Physics to God podcast, even for those who already know that God exists. To listen, check out https://www.physicstogod.com/podcast-episodes

In Shmos 14:15, Hashem questions Moshe as to why he was Davening at that time (when the Mitzrim were chasing the Jews into the sea). This episode analyzes Rashi’s two interpretations as to why Moshe’s tefilla was inappropriate.

We’re all familiar with the description of Shabbos as me’ein olam haba, somehow partaking of the world to come. But what exactly does this mean? The source is a Gemara in Brachos 57b - I’m sure you’ll be quite surprised to hear the other two things that the Gemara says are me’ein olam haba.

The Gemara in Shabbos 28b discusses the Halacha that for tefillin to be kosher, they must be made from a kosher animal. In analyzing this Gemara, this episode develops several ideas involved in the mitzvah of tefilin.

In the middle of telling the story of the Exodus, the Torah (Shmos 6:14) digresses to review the lineage of Reuvein, Shimon, and Levi. This episode uses Rashi to analyze why the Torah does this and what lessons can be learned.

Why did Moshe have to leave the city to Daven to stop the barad and not the other Makos?

In Shmos 8:18, the Torah says that the makah of arov demonstrated that “I am HaShem in the midst of the land.” Rashi explains “even though my Shechina is the heavens, my decree is fulfilled on the earth.” This episode analyzes the meaning of this lesson and ties it to yesodos that are elucidated in the beginning of the Rambam in Yesodei Hatorah and referenced in Shema.