Shemitah: Aiding and Abetting Sin 1: Lifnei Iver, Mesayeia, Teliyah - Jun 4, 2021 - Outlining the issues of לפני עור and מסייע. Do they apply to intentional sin? Do they apply to violation of d'rabbanans? And learning the fifth perek of Sheviit with an eye toward seeing how the concept of תלייה is employed.

Shemuel #99 - Chapter 20:12-22 - Covenant and Conspiracy - Jun 3, 2021 - Conclusion of Yehonatan's reciprocal covenant; Was Yehonatan's relationship with David about practicality or love?; Yehonatan lays out a plan to notify David of his father's intentions; Why arrows?

Giants of Sephardic Jewry, Week 1: Shemuel haNagid - Jun 2, 2021 - Introduction to the origins of Sephardic Judaism in Spain, and the political rise of Shemuel haNagid. Geared toward a group including people who lack strong background in Torah text study.

Ruth, Week 10: Naomi's Plan - Jun 1, 2021 - Why didn't Naomi approach Ploni Almoni? And what did Naomi expect to have happen with Boaz in the granary?

Legal Ethics: The Racially Diverse Workplace - May 30, 2021 - Addressing the Law Society of Ontario's regulation of legal professionals to promote Equality, Diversity and Inclusion. What does Judaism say about inclusion and racial diversity? Is Judaism at risk of systemic racism? What does Judaism believe regarding regulation professional licensing and activity for ethical conduct, and regarding symbolic gestures for activism? (If Ontario doesn't interest you, skip the first 25-30 minutes.)

Ketuvot 8b - Wrapping up the shivah discussion - May 30, 2021 - Reish Lakish's last two blessings (and why is Avraham not known for chesed based on his reception for the angels?); Drinking in a shivah house; the legal force of claiming פתח פתוח מצאתי

Behaalotcha: A Grown-Up View of G-d - May 27, 2021 - Within the view that Vayehi BiNsoa is its own sefer, why is it a sefer in its own right? Ideas from the Rama and Rav Shimshon Raphael Hirsch, and a third idea: Here the Jews learn that Hashem has enemies, and we have a role to play vis-a-vis Hashem's relationship with the world. (Also: Alternative views of the 'nun' markings.)

Shemuel #98 - 20:8-17 - A Matter of Trust - May 27, 2021 - King David's test for Yehonatan, Yehonatan's declaration of innocence, and Yehonatan's plea for protection for him and for his family. And how does Yehonatan know that David will be king?

Ruth, Week 9: Chapter 3 - Why did Naomi wait so long? - May 25, 2021 - Introduction to Chapter 3. What is "Geulah", and what is its purpose? And why did Naomi wait so long to send Ruth to Boaz for marriage?

Ketuvot 8b - Three blessings at a mourner's home - May 23, 2021 - The first three statements of Reish Lakish when he visited Rabbi Chiya bar Abba, after the latter lost a child. And a lesson regarding "opening one's mouth to the Satan".