May 28, 2026
Beha'alotekha | Sing and rejoice, o daughter of Zion, by Rav Eli Weber
How do we recover from destruction? Zekharia 2:14 - 4:7
May 27, 2026
Naso | Shimson the Nazirite... Indeed? by Rav Yitzchak Etshalom
The annunciation of Shimshon's birth (Shoftim 13) carries several anomalies; indeed, his own life reflects an unusual form of Nezirut, one which is not bound by the most severe violation of Nezirut (contact with the dead) - while his parents are the...
May 20, 2026
Why is there a Mitzva to Learn Torah? by Rav Mordechai Friedman
This shiur tackles a fundamental philosophical question: if the Torah already obligates us to perform its 613 commandments, why is there a separate mitzva to learn Torah? You already need to know the laws to fulfill them — so why add a dedicated mitzva of...
May 20, 2026
Ruth in Stereo: Mikra and Midrash, by Rav Yitzchak Etshalom
After a brief introduction to the literature of Midrash and specifically Midrash Aggada, we analyze four passages in Megilat Ruth, first reading them in their literary context, then perusing several Midrashic comments on them. We analyze the comments with...
May 20, 2026
Geulat haShem: Redemption of a Name in Megilat Ruth, by Rav Yitzchak Etshalom
Who is being "redeemed" in Megilat Rut? The notion of "Geula" is prominent throughout Megilat Ruth, reaching a crescendo in the final chapter. The redemption is not just about land, but about a person's memory - as exemplified by the curious...