In Hilchos Teshuva 10:1-2, Rambam discusses why one shouldn’t serve Hashem out of fear but out of love. This episode analyzes these types of service of Hashem.

The Rambam 2:6 says Teshuva during the ten days of Teshuva is better than other times. Why? Furthermore, the Rambam describes the difference between Teshuva gemura and regular Teshuva. If they both give you Mechila, what is better about Teshuva gemura? Also why does the Rambam discuss Teshuva gemura before regular Teshuva? This episode discusses these questions and more.

This episode discusses the Rambam in Hilchos Teshuva 2:9-11 regarding the need to ask Mechila from someone you sinned against.

This episode discusses various questions about the relationship between teshuva and kappara.

The Gemara (RH 32a) suggests that we must say at least three pesukim supporting each theme in musaf on Rosh Hashana. One reason given for this number is because it corresponds to Kohen, Levi, and Yisrael. This episode explores this strange connection and discusses some central ideas regarding the tefillos on Rosh Hashana.

When the Torah (Devarim 30:3) describes Hashem bringing us back from exile, the word choice implies that Hashem Himself is returning. This episode discusses Rashi’s two explanations for this description.

Rashi (Devarim 27:24) quotes Rav Moshe Hadarshan who explains that Moshe only said 11 curses because he didn’t want to curse Shimon because he wasn’t going to bless him (due to his sins) in Zos Habracha. We raised a few serious problems: (1) There are actually 12 curses, not 11? (2) Not wanting to bless him is a reason to curse him, not to omit his curse? (3) The curses aren’t addressing any shevatim but people who sin?

In this episode, we address these questions and discuss the role of Drash.

In Parshas Ki Savo, the Torah teaches us about vidui maaser, a farmer’s declaration that he’s given all of the terumos and maasros properly. At the end of this declaration, Rashi explains that we say to God, “We did what You decreed upon us, now You do that which is upon You to do (i.e. give us rain).” This episode analyzes the purpose of vidui maaser and the appropriateness of this apparent bargaining with God.

Why don’t we allow converts from Amon and Moav to ever marry into our nation while we do allow third generation converts from Mitzrayim and Edom to marry in? The Torah gives one answer; Rashi (seemingly) gives an entirely different answer. This episode seeks to resolve Rashi’s apparent contradiction with the pesukim.