The Rabbinates of Rav Mordechai Eliyahu and Rav Kook - Oct 31, 2018 - A brief discussion of the Chief Rabbinate of Rabbi Mordechai Eliyahu (Sephardi Chief Rabbi 1983-1993) and a longer discussion of the Chief Rabbinate of Rabbi Avraham Yitzchak Kook (Ashkenazi Chief Rabbi under the British Mandate). Geared toward a group including people without great background in Torah text study.

Mental Health and Halachah: Pikuach Nefesh - Oct 30, 2018 - Three potential ways to view mental illness as a "pikuach nefesh" situation. Definitely not intended as practical halachic guidance.

Yeshayah, Week 4: Perakim 1-2 - Oct 30, 2018 - Is the first chapter an anti-korban polemic? The message of the second chapter, both general and targeted to King Uziahu: The right way to be elevated in the eyes of the world.

From Zionism to Anti-Zionism, Week 1 - Oct 29, 2018 - Biblical roots of different types of Zionism. Geared toward a group including people who lack strong background in Torah text study.

Kiddushin: Mamzerim, Part 2 of 3 - Oct 26, 2018 - Need one look into the lineage of an intended spouse, to see if it includes a mamzer?

Shemuel #10 - 2:22-26: The Sins of Chofni and Pinchas - Oct 25, 2018 - What did Chofni and Pinchas do? If their sins are not as bad as they sound in Shemuel, why does the text make them sound that way? And did Hashem really remove their free will and their possibility of repentance?

The Wine of Lot's Daughters - Oct 25, 2018 - Per a midrash, Hashem provided the wine used by Lot's daughters in seducing him. Why would Hashem help an aveirah? Leads to a discussion of whether mitzvot are inherently good, and whether aveirot are inherently bad, or whether the positives/negatives are found in obedience to Divine command, or rebellion.

The Rabbinate of Rav Ovadia Yosef, Part 2 - Oct 24, 2018 - Part 2 of 2 on Rav Ovadia Yosef - Stances as Chief Rabbi and as leader of Shas. A little at the end on Rav Mordechai Eliyahu. Geared toward a group including people without great background in Torah text study.

Yeshayah, Week 3: Perek 1 - Oct 23, 2018 - The Heavens and the Earth as witnesses; Divine rejection; Why is this message first?; The importance of bein adam lachaveiro (social relations)

Shemuel #9 - 2:11-21: Shemuel's World in the Mishkan - Oct 18, 2018 - Who raised Shemuel? Why are Chofni and Pinchas not named here? What is the significance of Shemuel's clothing?