Peshischa on Parsha: Hashem ‘will be’ with you - Jan 17, 2020 - The Kotzker asks why did bas-Paroh even try to get the teivah if she clearly couldn’t reach it? The Yid Hakadosh asks- what is the meaning of Hashem’s name- ‘I will be that I will be’. In each the message is the same: if someone commits to do better and says ‘I will be better’, or I will try my best, then Hashem similarly says ‘I will be with you’. “I will be with (those who say) I will be’.

Brachos 14a - Jan 17, 2020 -

Halacha from Gemara: Bava Metzia 30a - Jan 16, 2020 - We discussed the last clause of the Mishna- that something could be ‘beneath ones dignity’ to be obligated in returning it. We analyzed the three categories with which the Gemara define this concept.

Shmos: Exercising Empathy Over Complacency - Jan 16, 2020 - In a peculiar twist from what the Torah originally told us, the Midrash explains that Paroh kept one aspect of what Yosef instituted- that at least the tribe of Levi did not work as slaves. In explaining this edict we understood the nature of overcoming difficulty- that to want to overcome it one has to feel first that it’s an obstacle. Counterintuitively, however, we learned how the plan backfired, and it was specifically someone from Levi that could serve as Hashem’s messenger for the Geulah.

Brachos 13b - Jan 16, 2020 -

Brachos 13a - Jan 16, 2020 -

Brachos 12b - Jan 15, 2020 -

Brachos 12a+ - Jan 15, 2020 -

Mishlei & Modern Psychology 4:13-19 - Jan 14, 2020 - Shlomo HaMelech describes, according to the Gra, the purpose of life: to break our bad character traits we are yet to break. If not- ‘why is one living’? The ensuing pesukim explain how one breaks ones passions or desires and decries the wicked persons satiation through desire. We spoke about modern suggestions of breaking habits and the nature of addiction in the brain. We also discussed the paradox of how having more choice leads to making less choices.

Brachos 11b - Jan 14, 2020 -