Kinot: Shavat Suru Meni - Jul 22, 2018 - Brief introduction to the kinah, looking at what Rabbi Elazar haKallir did here to the last eight pesukim of Eichah, in his role as a mekonein: Embellishment, and Drawing out the voice of the mourner

Muktzeh: Basis, Part 2 - Jul 18, 2018 - Part two of two on בסיס: Does an item become a basis l'davar ha'assur it the muktzeh item was placed on top of it without intent for that particular spot, or with intent for it to be removed after the start of Shabbat? And some material on basis l'davar ha'assur v'hamutar.

Muktzeh: Basis, Part 1 - Jul 13, 2018 - Part one of בסיס: Basic cases of basis l'davar ha'assur from Masechet Shabbat. Discussion of the theory behind basis. Is the relationship between the basis and the muktzeh item one of space, value, or purpose? Can an item become a basis during Shabbat? What may one do with a basis?

Shemuel #7 - 1:19-28: Naming and Dedication - Jul 12, 2018 - The origin of Shemuel's name; Why do we emphasize Chanah's delay?; The dedication of Shemuel as a korban

Parshat Matot: The First Galut - Jul 12, 2018 - Why were Reuven, Gad and Menasheh the first Jews to be exiled (per Divrei haYamim)? Might it be rooted in the events of Parshat Matot, and the decision to live east of the Yarden?

Ezra and Nechemiah: Summary - Jul 10, 2018 - A summary/outline of two years of shiurim on Ezra and Nechemiah, highlighting elements of each chapter. May be useless for those who have not already studied these books. See the associated outline sheet as well.

Yekele: S. Y. Agnon's Eglah Arufah - Jul 9, 2018 - The message of three version of the same narrative, told by S. Y. Agnon under the title, "Yekele". A wild orphan treats a community leader disrespectfully, and is executed for a theft he did not commit; can the town wash its hands of their guilt?

Shemuel #6 - 1:9-23: Chanah & Eli; Success! - Jul 5, 2018 - Looking at the dynamic between Chanah and Eli, and what it is meant to teach us. Here Eli demonstrates the flaws of the Shofeit system, and Chanah will be the one to trigger the movement which will bring the Shofeit system to an end. And a baby is born!

The Rabbinate of Rabbi Avraham Shapira - Jul 4, 2018 - The life and ideals of Rabbi Avraham Elkanah Kahana Shapira, and the challenge of a government-based Chief Rabbinate which is meant to represent the ideals of Judaism. What happens when government policy runs counter to the Chief Rabbinate's Jewish ideals? Case study: Disengagement. Geared toward group including many people without strong background in Torah text study.

Nechemiah, Week 29: Perek 13 - Jul 3, 2018 - Nechemiah routs Toviah the Ammonite, and restores his Constitution from Perek 10 by reinstating collection of tithes at the Beit haMikdash, protecting Shabbat, and battling intermarriage.