Ezra Mini-Shiur Part 1: Introduction - Mar 25, 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. Introduction to the content and era of Sefer Ezra.

50 Amot: Haman's Gallows and Our Geulah - Mar 24, 2024 - A daily mini-shiur on the book of Esther, in the merit of the soldiers of the IDF, as well as the hostages, wounded and everyone in the line of fire. Today's installment examines a midrash which suggests that Haman's gallows for Mordechai used wood from the Beit haMikdash. What is the message of this midrash?

Why Invite Haman? And Haman's Arc - Mar 22, 2024 - A daily mini-shiur on the book of Esther, in the merit of the soldiers of the IDF, as well as the hostages, wounded and everyone in the line of fire. Today's installment asks why Esther invited Haman to the party, and explores Haman's rise and fall.

Zachor: The Virtues of a Forever War? - Mar 21, 2024 - Derashah for Parshat Vayikra/Zachor 5784. If Tanach and Chazal frequently denigrate war as a bedieved, why does Zachor demand that we remember Amalek's villainy, and why does the Rambam say this is meant to ensure that we fight forever?

What does Shoshanat Yaakov think of Charvonah? - Mar 21, 2024 - In the Shoshanat Yaakov poem we say after Megillat Esther, Charvonah is "remembered for the good." We have two views of Charvonah in Chazal; which side is Shoshanat Yaakov on?

Esther's Danger, and her Unique Role - Mar 21, 2024 - A daily mini-shiur on the book of Esther, in the merit of the soldiers of the IDF, as well as the hostages, wounded and everyone in the line of fire. Today's installment asks two questions:

1. Why was Esther in any danger - wouldn't Achashverosh's guards keep her out?

2. Did Esther and Mordechai appeal to the same constituencies?

Vashti's Downfall: Politics or Religion? - Mar 20, 2024 - Two layers in the Megillah, and in Vashti's story in particular: A lesson in politics, or a lesson in religion.

Medical Treatment on Shabbat II #18: Concern for Health Beyond Shabbat, Part 2 - Mar 20, 2024 - What happens when medical intervention is needed on Shabbat to forestall danger that will only come about after Shabbat? What if that danger is unpredictable? Examples include: Infection, Sleep Apnea, and Mental Health

Esther's Empowering Uncertainty - Mar 20, 2024 - A daily mini-shiur on the book of Esther, in the merit of the soldiers of the IDF, as well as the hostages, wounded and everyone in the line of fire. Today's installment asks why Mordechai expresses himself to Esther with such uncertainty, "Who knows whether you are in this position for a time like this?" Three approaches.

Makkot 5a-b - Mar 19, 2024 - Edim zomimin who targeted a murderer, but were caught as zomimin because of the date. And a woman who brings a series of false witnesses. And Rabbi Yochanan, Reish Lakish and Rabbi Elazar ben Pedat.