This episode analyzes the part of the haggada that says we must view ourselves as if we left Egypt. How so? We derive two answers to this question from a careful reading of this paragraph. We also discuss some nice tidbits from the Rav.

At times, people incorrectly depict Chazal as being petty or small-minded—and they often cite stories from the Gemara that seem to support this perspective. One such Gemara is Brachos 27b which depicts Rabban Gamliel (the Nasi) putting Rabbi Yehoshua in place for arguing with him, the other Rabbanan demoting Rabban Gamliel for this mistreatment, and the ensuing events (like Rabbi Elazar ben Azaria miraculously growing a massive beard overnight). This pair of episodes analyzes this story in light of the fact these were great men.

This episode analyzes these parts of the haggada and their significance.

The Gemara in Gittin 52a discusses a story of the Satan causing two people to fight every Friday night. While Rabbi Meir helped them make peace, he ultimately heard the Satan’s final response. This episode analyzes this story while providing some insight into peacemaking and psychotherapy.

The Ramban (Shemos 31:2) explains how Hashem miraculously “made” Betzalel—one man who had the combination of the practical wisdom to make the Mishkan and philosophical wisdom to understand its ideas. This episode explores the significance of this miracle.

Rashi (Shmos 37:1) explains why the Torah singles out Betzalel’s making the Aron: because he devoted himself more fully than all others. This episode discusses the meaning of this Rashi and the lesson we can learn from it.

Rashi (Esther 1:12, based on the Gemara Megilla 12b) says that Vashti was asked to come out naked on Shabbos because she demanded that the Jewish women would work naked on Shabbos.

What lessons are we supposed to learn from reading the Megilla?

Which of the four tokefs (strengths) much you read about: Achashverosh, Mordechai, Haman, or the nes?

Why not all four? This episode analyzes this machlokes.

This is the first of a three part shiur discussing the machlokes tanaim about how much of the Megilla one must read to be yotzei. This sugya is a mix of Halacha and Hashkafa/megillah.