Nechemiah Mini-Shiur Part 7: 2:11-15 - Clandestine Reconnaissance - Jun 3, 2024 - A daily mini-shiur on the book of Ezra, in the merit of the soldiers of the IDF, as well as the hostages and the wounded. Nechemiah tries to tour the walls of Jerusalem, apparently to evaluate their state - while keeping his mission a secret.

Fourteen Centuries #20: Rav Shemuel bar Chofni #2, and the Four Captives - Jun 2, 2024 - Wrapping up our study of Rav Shemuel bar Chofni, and a quick presentation of the four captive sages who were ransomed in different communities. Note: The history is more overview than granular, and certainly not academic.

Nechemiah Mini-Shiur Part 6: 2:7-10 - Success and Opposition - Jun 2, 2024 - A daily mini-shiur on the book of Ezra, in the merit of the soldiers of the IDF, as well as the hostages and the wounded. King Artachshasta sends Nechemiah, with soldiers! But trouble is looming with Sanballat and Toviah.

The Future of Wolves and Snakes - May 31, 2024 - Derashah for Parshat Bechukotai 5784. When Hashem promises to "destroy" dangerous animals, does that mean eliminating them or rehabilitating them? And what does that teach us about teshuvah?

Nechemiah Mini-Shiur Part 5: 2:2-6 - The King Agrees - May 31, 2024 - A daily mini-shiur on the book of Ezra, in the merit of the soldiers of the IDF, as well as the hostages and the wounded. Nechemiah makes the ask - and King Artachshasta agrees!

Nechemiah Mini-Shiur Part 4: 1:11-2:1 - Facing the King - May 30, 2024 - A daily mini-shiur on the book of Ezra, in the merit of the soldiers of the IDF, as well as the hostages and the wounded. What was Nechemiah's role in the Persian court? And why did he wait five months to appeal to the king?

Nechemiah Mini-Shiur Part 3: 1:5-11 - Nechemiah's Prayer - May 29, 2024 - A daily mini-shiur on the book of Ezra, in the merit of the soldiers of the IDF, as well as the hostages and the wounded. Nechemiah appeals to Hashem to help him succeed in his appeal to King Artachshasta.

Makkot 7a - May 28, 2024 - Execution of a defendant who was found guilty and then fled to/from Israel; expected frequency of executions; what defines an "accident" to go to a city of refuge?

Nechemiah Mini-Shiur Part 2: 1:1-4 - Word comes from Jerusalem - May 28, 2024 - A daily mini-shiur on the book of Ezra, in the merit of the soldiers of the IDF, as well as the hostages and the wounded. Nechemiah, in the Persian court, hears from the exiled Jews. How did that meeting happen?

Halachah in Healthcare Settings 18b: Kiddush in the Hospital, Part 1 - May 27, 2024 - A chabura on practical medical halachah, building from the sources toward the conclusions of the Nishmat Avraham. Making kiddush but having others drink.