Only G-d is Unblemished - May 16, 2019 - The disqualification of kohanim who have visible physical defects from serving in the Mishkan and Beit haMikdash, as seen in Parshat Emor. Highlighting the conflict between this law and other laws/principles in the Torah, and offering four approaches.

Shemuel #30 - 9:21-10:1 - Dinner, a Sleepless Night, and Fateful Oil - May 16, 2019 - The message of the portion Shaul received at Shemuel's feast, and of Shemuel's act of anointing Shaul in private.

Leading Anti-Semites: Martin Luther, Part 1 - May 15, 2019 - Background on the Reformation, and the state of Jews in 16th century Germanic lands. Geared toward a group including people without strong background in Torah text study.

Leading Anti-Semites: Caliph Abd al-Mu'min and the Almohads, Part 2 - May 15, 2019 - The Almohad attitude to the Jews, and Rambam's guidance for Jews living under Almohad demands for conversion. Geared toward a group including people without strong background in Torah text study.

The Orthodox Accountant: Providing Service on the Sabbath? - May 15, 2019 - Dealing with Jewish and non-Jewish assistants and partners, in completing work for clients on Shabbat and Yom Tov. An overview of issues and solutions.

Yeshayah, Week 25: Chapter 17 - Aram and Ephraim in Ruins - May 14, 2019 - The fall of Aram (Damascus) and the Northern Kingdom of Yisrael, for their political alliance against the Southern Kingdom of Yehudah. And ghosts, and a reversion to Canaan.

Racism, and Racial Diversity in the Workplace - May 13, 2019 - Addressing the Law Society of Ontario's diversity initiatives: Does Judaism accept or tolerate racism? What is Judaism's approach to racial diversity? Can a community compel members of a profession to promote racial diversity in their businesses?

Is there a Mitzvah of Living in Eretz Yisrael? - May 9, 2019 - Basic review of sources in favour and against, and counter reads of those sources. Note: not a discussion of statehood. (As stated in the shiur, I believe that in general this is the wrong debate - but please note my caveat added at the end of the shiur.)

Shemuel #29 - 9:10-20 - Shaul, Meet Shemuel - May 9, 2019 - Young women direct Shaul to the "ro'eh", and he encounters Shemuel for the first time. Themes: Public perception of prophets; Divine control of events; Shemuel's agenda for the meeting

Leading Anti-Semites: Caliph Abd al-Mu'min and the Almohads, Part 1 - May 8, 2019 - Background on the rise of the Almohads, and their attitude to the Jews. Geared toward a group including people without strong background in Torah text study.