Apr 29, 2026
Emor | "ממחרת השבת" and the Calendar Controversy, by Rav Yitzchak Etshalom
Who were the "Beitusin" who challenged rabbinic authority about the date of Shavuot?
This shiur, given at the annual Yemei Iyyun beTanakh hosted by SAR High School, analyzes the controversy over the date (and day of the week) of the...
Mar 11, 2026
Vayakhel | Shemot 35:3 and the Karaites, by Rav Yitzchak Etshalom
What is development of the Karaite-Rabbanite dispute about fire on Shabbat?
The opening passage of Parashat Vayakhel includes Moshe's reminder to observe Shabbat and a singular mention of the prohibition of kindling a fire on Shabbat - לא תבערו...
Mar 5, 2026
Ki Tisa | After the Fall: Recovenanting, by Rav Yitzchak Etshalom
Why are the Luchot consistently referenced as "Luchot Even"?
In the aftermath of the חטא העגל - the sin of the golden calf - God commits to a (new?) covenant, one which inheres compassion and forgiveness, predicated on contrition and repentance....
Feb 11, 2026
Mishpatim | The Beloved Wife of the "Nirtza", by Rav Yitzchak Etshalom
Parashat Mishpatim opens up with legislation regarding the "Hebrew slave", who is really more of an indentured servant. In this passage, the master may "assign" a woman to the servant, but when his six-year term of servitude is complete, he leaves...
Feb 5, 2026
Yitro | Reliving Sinai, by Rav Yitzchak Etshalom
In his farewell speech, Moshe continually refers to the day of Matan Torah as יום הקהל, and even recalls Hashem's command הקהל לי את העם - to gather all of the people. This historic experience and the obligation to always remember it and to transmit it...