Wednesday, December 29, 2021

Daat Tevunot 36-40



Listen to last night's class on Daat Tevunot 36-40 here.

Follow along with the sources here.

Sunday, December 26, 2021

Nefesh HaHayim 4.19

 


Listen to this morning's class on Nefesh HaHayim 4.19 here.


Follow along with the sources here.

Wednesday, December 22, 2021

Living with Body & Soul


Listen to tonight's class, "Living with Body & Soul," here.


Follow along with the sources here.

Sunday, December 19, 2021

Nefesh HaHayim 4.18



Listen to this morning's class on Nefesh HaHayim 4.18 here.

Follow along with the sources here.

Sunday, December 12, 2021

When There's No Candle for Havdalah...

 


Listen to this morning's class, "When There's No Candle for Havdalah," here.


Follow along with the sources here.

Nefesh HaHayim 4.17

 


Listen to this morning's class on Nefesh HaHayim 4.17 here.


Follow along with the sources here.

Tuesday, December 7, 2021

Daat Tevunot 35-36


Listen to tonight's class on Daat Tevunot 35-36 here.

Follow along with the sources here.

Sunday, December 5, 2021

Nefesh HaHayim 4.16



Listen to this morning's class on Nefesh HaHayim 4.16 here.


Follow along with the sources here.

Wednesday, December 1, 2021

How to Give Names


Listen to tonight's class, "How to Give Names," here.

Follow along with the sources here.

Sunday, November 28, 2021

Nefesh HaHayim 4.15 (2)



Listen to this morning's class on Nefesh HaHayim 4.15 (2) here.


Follow along with the sources here.

Tuesday, November 23, 2021

Daat Tevunot 29-34



Listen to tonight's class on Daat Tevunot 29-34 here.

Follow along with the sources here.

Sunday, November 21, 2021

Massages on Shabbat

 


Listen to this morning's class, "Massages on Shabbat," here.


Follow along with the sources here.

Nefesh HaHayim 4.14-15


Listen to this morning's class on Nefesh HaHayim 4.14-15 here.


Follow along with the sources here.

Wednesday, November 17, 2021

Giving Names


Listen to tonight's class, "Giving Names," here.


Follow along with the sources here.

Tuesday, November 16, 2021

Daat Tevunot 25-28

 


Listen to tonight's class on Daat Tevunot 25-28 here.


Follow along with the sources here.

Sunday, November 14, 2021

Nefesh HaHayim 4.14


Listen to this morning's class on Nefesh HaHayim 4.14 here.

Follow along with the sources here.

Wednesday, November 10, 2021

Clothing of Truth


Listen to tonight's class, "Clothing of Truth," here.

Follow along with the sources here.

Sunday, November 7, 2021

Nefesh HaHayim 4.13


Listen to this morning's class on Nefesh HaHayim 4.13 here.


Follow along with the sources here.

Wednesday, November 3, 2021

Living "Outside In"


Listen to tonight's class, "Living Outside In," here.

Follow along with the sources here.

Tuesday, November 2, 2021

Daat Tevunot 19-24


Listen to tonight's class on Daat Tevunot 19-24 here.


Follow along with the sources here.

Sunday, October 31, 2021

Nefesh HaHayim 4.12 (2)


Listen to this morning's class on Nefesh HaHayim 4.12 (2) here.


Follow along with the sources here.

Wednesday, October 27, 2021

The Balancing Act


Listen to tonight's class, "The Balancing Act," here.

Follow along with the sources here

Tuesday, October 26, 2021

Daat Tevunot 1-18


Listen to tonight's class on Daat Tevunot 1-18 here.


Follow along with the sources here.

Sunday, October 24, 2021

Showering on Shabbat


Listen to this morning's class, "Showering on Shabbat," here.


Follow along with the sources here.


For further research:

At the end of the class we briefly mentioned the issue of using bar soap on Shabbat. Listen to our past class on this topic here.

Nefesh HaHayim 4.12 (1)


Listen to this morning's class on Nefesh HaHayim 4.12 (1) here.


Follow along with the sources here.

Wednesday, October 20, 2021

Finding the Path to Ess HaHayim


Listen to tonight's class, "Finding the Path to Ess HaHayim," here.

Follow along with the sources here.

Sunday, October 17, 2021

Nefesh HaHayim 4.11 (2)


Listen to this morning's class on Nefesh HaHayim 4.11 (2) here.

Follow along with the sources here.

Wednesday, October 13, 2021

A Brave New World


Listen to tonight's class, "A Brave New World," here.


Follow along with the sources here.

Sunday, October 10, 2021

Nefesh HaHayim 4.11 (1)

Listen to this morning's class on Nefesh HaHayim 4.11 (1) here.

Follow along with the sources here.

Wednesday, October 6, 2021

The Origin & Nature of Sin



Listen to tonight's class, "The Origin & Nature of Sin," here.


Follow along with the sources here.

Sunday, October 3, 2021

Nefesh HaHayim 4.10 (2)

 


Listen to this morning's class on Nefesh HaHayim 4.10 (2) here.


Follow along with the sources here.

Sukkot: Not Knowing

  "Not Knowing"

Thoughts on Sukkot 2021

Click here to view as PDF

I will forever remember my first day at a post-high school yeshivah in Israel. My rabbi posed a question at the beginning of his shiur on that day. Certain that I knew the answer, I immediately raised my hand. The rabbi was noticeably surprised that I could think of a proper response so quickly. He slowly raised his eye brows as he turned to call on me. I suggested an answer. He refuted it. I defended my approach. He dismissed it again. This went on for a few minutes until the rabbi stopped our discussion in order to teach me an important lesson. “Harari,” he began, “Now is the right time for you to learn an ancient philosophical saying.” I gulped. “A person who doesn’t know that he doesn’t know – doesn’t know,” he said, “Your growth and success in life won’t come from the answers you give, but from the questions you ask.” I bowed my head in shame and kept quiet.

 

I seem to relearn this lesson every year at this time of Sukkot. Even as our sukkot today are built sturdier than ever before and our weather forecasts boast unprecedented accuracy, Sukkot still forces us to contend with the “unknowns” of life. Whether it’s the unexpected rainstorm, the strong winds which sweep away our skhakh, or the uninvited guests – mosquitos, bees or bad smells – which enter the sukkah, our exposure to the elements pushes a wide array of unforeseen circumstances into our focus on Sukkot.

 

As I reflected upon these feelings on one rainy night last week, I realized that those difficult feelings of unpredictability might actually be woven into the very fabric of Sukkot.

 

The predominant rabbinic view is that our sukkot commemorate the clouds of glory (ananei ha-kavod) which accompanied Am Yisrael on their journey through the desert (See Tur O”H, 625). The Torah described how their many travels and encampments were determined by the movement of those clouds (Bemidbar 9:15-23). The clouds provided a sense of safety and security to the people. And yet, the Torah described an unexpected problem at the onset of the journey:

The people took to complaining bitterly before God. God heard and was incensed. A fire of God broke out against them, ravaging the outskirts of the camp. (Bemidbar 11:1)

What were they complaining about? The text is silent. Drawing from the narrow context, Rashbam suggested that the people were frustrated by torah ha-derekh – burdens of travel. Expanding his interpretation, I think that although Am Yisrael had just begun their march through the desert, there was a list of questions which already weighed upon them: Where exactly are we going? When are we travelling? Where will stop along the way? The uncomfortable feelings of “not knowing” plagued them and caused their complaints. Remembering the ananei ha-kavod on Sukkot, then, means remembering that we don’t know.

 

Ironically, our ability to accept the uncertainties of life holds the keys to opening the gates of self-understanding and discovery. Consider, for example, how at the root of the English word “question” is “quest,” and “mada – knowledge” lies at the root of the Hebrew word “madu’a – why?” Convinced that we have all the answers to life’s greatest challenges, we stunt our own potential for growth and progress. Stepping, instead, into the vulnerable realm of “not knowing” sets us on the path of development.

 

It’s not easy to appreciate the unexpected situations that arise on Sukkot. They’re physically uncomfortable and emotionally disturbing. But just try. Try to heed the ancient call of “not knowing” and admit that you don’t – and won’t – have all the answers. Courageously embrace the unpredictable. I’ve learned from the past that despite its discomforts, it’s an enriching experience. By realizing that you “don’t know,” your mind and soul will become attuned to a world of growth as they’re exposed to unforeseen vistas of thought and emotion.

Sunday, September 26, 2021

Sukkot: Raising the Clouds


Listen to tonight's class, "Sukkot: Raising the Clouds," here

Follow along with the sources here.

Monday, September 6, 2021

Rosh HaShanah: "With the Shofar"

 "With the Shofar"

Thoughts on Rosh HaShanah 2021

Click here to view as PDF

The Gemara (Rosh HaShanah 34b) describes the structure of Musaf on Rosh HaShanah. The Amidah includes three unique berakhotMalkhuyot (Kingship), Zikhronot (Remembrances) and Shofarot, and each part concludes with the sounds of the shofar. Rabbah explained:

 

The Holy One, Blessed be He, said: “Recite before Me on Rosh HaShanah Malkhuyot, Zikhronot, and Shofarot. Malkhiyot – so that you will crown me as King over you; Zikhronot – so that your remembrances will rise before Me for good. And with what? With the shofar.

 

The shofar isn’t blown as a “standalone” trumpet on Rosh HaShanah, but rather as an “accompaniment” to the words that we speak. The sounds of the shofar complement our statements of honor to God as our King and requests that He remember us favorably.

 

The shofar, then, is a rare opportunity to introduce a unique “musical accompaniment” to the tefilot on the holidays. Why?

 

The late neurologist Oliver Sacks once wrote about his meetings with patients who were struggling with expressive aphasia, unable to speak their thoughts or feelings. He would sing to them “Happy Birthday,” and then marvel as they joined in, singing the tune and sometimes even the words of the song. Sacks explained that the language capacities of these patients were never lost, but rather buried “inside” them, and it was the tempo, rhythm and melody of music which brought them out.[1] He cited, as well, the case of an elderly man who struggled to put together simple sentences, but could still play the piano, read and write music, take part in a weekly singing group, and – most surprisingly – read a passage chosen at random from the Torah with use of the music cantillation notes (ta’amim).[2]

 

R. Shimon b. Semah Duran z”l, a great 15th Century Sephardic authority, explained that just as the vowels (nikud) define the precise meaning of a Hebrew word, the ta’amim bring out the underlying messages of the laws and narratives of the Torah.[3] And although it is generally accepted that (in unideal situations) one may read from the Torah without ta’amim, R. Hayim Soloveitchik z”l was adamant that each of the ta’amim be read properly, at times even forcing the Torah reader to repeat a word or verse to correct a mistaken ta’am.[4] He seemingly reasoned that the rhythmic flow of the reading is inseparable from text itself.

 

“R. Yohanan said: Concerning anyone who reads from the Torah without melody or studies the Mishnah without a song, the verse states: ‘So too I gave them statutes that were not good’ (Yehezkel 20:25” (Megilah 32a). Tosafot (s.v. ve-hashoneh) referred to the ancient practice of reciting Mishnayot to a particular tune as an aide for memory. The text couldn’t stand alone. It had to be blended together with the melody of song.

 

The music which accompanies words, then, is like the soul which fills the body. It is a force which instills life, elevating the words from sound to meaning. Neither the body nor soul is complete on its own in this world. Instead, they must come together to sustain the miraculous entity of life.

 

…And with what? With the shofar.

 

Carefully chosen words of praise and request represent the “body” of Rosh HaShanah. The shofar is its “soul.” The prayers focus on the significant aspects of our relationship with God – our acknowledgement of Him (Malkhuyot) and His remembrance of us (Zikhronot). They fashion the “body” of the day. But what is a body without its soul? Therein lies the secret of the shofar. The majestic sound of the tekiah, the broken sigh of the shevarim and the whimpering cry of the teruah form the unique musical accompaniment of Rosh HaShanah. They are the soul.

 

I hope and pray that this Rosh HaShanah will be for you and your family an experience which is enriched by the lively union of body and soul – tefilah and shofar.



[1] Oliver Sacks, Musicophilia: Tales of Music and the Brain (New York, NY, 2007), pg. 234.

[2] Sacks, pg. 236.

[3] R. Shimon b. Semah, Magen Avot, pg. 55.

[4] As related by R. Herschel Schachter, Nefesh HaRav (Brooklyn, NY, 1994), pg. 139.

Sunday, September 5, 2021

Heating the Water in the Mikveh

 


Listen to this morning's class, "Heating the Water in the Mikveh," here.


Follow along with the sources here.


For further research:

Read Evyatar Marienberg's article, upon which the class was built, here.

Sunday, August 29, 2021

The Truths of Halakhah (5)

 


Listen to this morning's class, "The Truths of Halakhah (5)," here.


Follow along with the sources here.

Tuesday, August 24, 2021

Yom Kippur: Contending with Reality

 


Listen to this morning's class, "Yom Kippur: Contending with Reality," here.


Follow along with the sources here.

Sunday, August 22, 2021

Continuing the Oral Torah (5)

 


Listen to this morning's class, "Continuing the Oral Torah (5)," here.


Follow along with the sources here.

Wednesday, August 18, 2021

Key Cards on Shabbat

 


Listen to tonight's class, "Key Cards on Shabbat," here.


Follow along with the sources here.

Tuesday, August 17, 2021

Rosh HaShanah: Returning to Potential

 


Listen to tonight's class, "Rosh HaShanah: Returning to Potential," here.


Follow along with the sources here.

Sunday, August 15, 2021

The "Written Words" of Halakhah (5)

 


Listen to this morning's class, "The 'Written Words' of Halakhah (5)," here.


Follow along with the sources here.



For further research: 

Listen to our class on "Reading Secular Books or Newspapers on Shabbat" here.

Wednesday, August 4, 2021

Elevators on Shabbat

 


Listen to tonight's class, "Elevators on Shabbat," here.


Follow along with the sources here.

Tuesday, August 3, 2021

The Mystery of The Three Keys

 

Listen to tonight's class, "The Mystery of The Three Keys," here.


Follow along with the sources here.

Sunday, August 1, 2021

Continuing the Oral Torah (4)

 


Listen to this morning's class, "Continuing the Oral Torah (4)," here.


Follow along with the sources here.

Nefesh HaHayim 4.10 (1)

 


Listen to this morning's class on Nefesh HaHayim 4.10 (1) here.


Follow along with the sources here.

Tuesday, July 27, 2021

The Torah of Humans

 


Listen to tonight's class, "The Torah of Humans," here.


Follow along with the sources here.

Sunday, July 25, 2021

בריך שמיה: A Brief History

 


Listen to this morning's class, "בריך שמיה: A Brief History," here.


Follow along with the sources here.


The sources for this class were culled from R. Haim Talbi's Vezot HaTorah, pg. 97-111.

Nefesh HaHayim 4.7

 


Listen to this morning's class on Nefesh HaHayim 4.7 here.


Follow along with the sources here.

Wednesday, July 21, 2021

Security Cameras & Motion Sensors on Shabbat

 


Listen to tonight's class, "Security Cameras & Motion Sensors on Shabbat," here.


Follow along with the sources here.

Tuesday, July 20, 2021

Forget About It!


Listen to tonight's class, "Forget About it!" here.


Follow along with the sources here.


Read a related devar Torah, from Mishpatim 2020, here.

Lost & Found: Finding Yourself in Exile

 


Watch yesterday's class, "Lost & Found: Finding Yourself in Exile," here.


Follow along with the sources here.

Sunday, July 11, 2021

Can Midrash Determine Halakhah?

 


Listen to this morning's class, "Can Midrash Determine Halakhah? (4)" here


Follow along with the sources here.


For further research:

Listen to Part 1,  Part 2  and Part 3  of "Can Midrash Determine Halakhah?"