KMTT - the Torah Podcast

Aharon HaCohen_Rosh Chodesh Av, by Rav Binyamin Tabory, originally given for Parshat Matot-Masei 5767

Questions of Gittin, Gerut and Mamzerut that Came Up During Corona, special shiur by Rabbi Yona Reiss, Av Beit Din of the Chicago Rabbinical Council, and father of Shana Alef talmid Yosef Thank you Rabbi Reiss for joining us!

Parashat Matot-Masei with Rav Dovid Gottlieb #1 - Classical Commentators - Why Do We Need to Know About Alllll of the Stops in the Midbar? #2 - Contemporary Commentators - The Basis of Jewish Morality: An Amazing Insight from R. Moshe Feinstein #3 - Sparks of Musar - The Importance of Being Inspired: Rav Schwab's Beautiful Insight into Am Yisroel's Journeys #4 - Sparks of Chasidus - "Life is a Journey" - The Lubavitcher Rebbe's Inspiring Interpretation #5 - Machshava / Jewish Thought Is There Room for Personal Autonomy in Judaism: Nedarim as a Case Study

R. Moshe Cordovero_Ramak_23 Tamuz 5330, by Rav Binyamin Tabory, originally given for Parshat Matot 5768

Parashat Pinchas with Rav Dovid Gottlieb #1 - Classical Commentators - Hashem Rewards Pinchas (part 1) - What Is the "Bris Shalom"? #2 Hashem Rewards Pinchas (part 2) - What is the "Bris Kehunah"? #3 - Sparks of Chassidus - Multiple Paths Up the Mountain: Religious Individuality in the Thought of the Sefas Emes #4 - Sparks of Mussar - Surprising Companions: The Extremism and Violence of Pinchas and Aharon's Pursuit of Peace #5 - Halacha from the Parsha - Tadir V'She'eino Tadir - Which Mitzvah Comes First??

R. Shlomo Polachek_21 Tamuz 5688, by Rav Binyamin Tabory, originally given for Parshat Pinchas 5767

R. Yitzchak Isaac HaLevi Herzog_19 Tamuz 5719, by Rav Binyamin Tabory, originally given for Parshat Pinchas 5768

Parashat Balak with Rav Dovid Gottlieb #1 - Classical Commentators - Did Hashem Give Balaam Permission to Go? Yes, No, or Maybe #2 - Sparks of Musar - The Dignity of Man - A Profound Insight from R. Chaim Shmuelevitz #3 - Contemporary Commentators - Bilaam vs Moshe: The Surprising Source of Moshe's Superiority #4 - Machshava / Jewish Thought - Did Bilaam's Donkey Really Speak? Understanding the Torah's Descriptions of Miraculous Events #5 - Sparks of Chasidus - "Am K'Lavi Yakum": The Lubavitcher Rebbe's Amazing Insight Int

Shaagas Aryeh_15-end of Tammuz 5545, by Rav Binyamin Tabory, originally given for Parshat Balak 5767

R. Elchanan Wasserman HYD_11 Tamuz5701, by Rav Binyamin Tabory, originally given for Parshat Chukat 5767

Parashat Chukat with Rav Dovid Gottlieb #1 - Classical Commentators - What Was Moshe's Sin? 3 Approaches in the Rishonim #2 - Contemporary Commentators - "Misas Tzadikim Mechaperes" - Rav Kook's Inspiring Interpretation #3 - Sparks of Musar - Dealing With Life's Challenging Twists and Turns: The Deeper Purpose of Para Adumah #4 - Sparks of Chasidus -Why Use a Copper Snake? A Beautiful Thought from the Sefas Emes #5 - Machshava / Jewish Thought - Do All Mitzvos - Even Chukim - Have Reasons?

R. Yehuda Leib HaCohen Maimon_9 Tammuz 5722, by Rav Binyamin Tabory, originally given for Parshat Balak 5768

R. Shneur Kotler_3 Tammuz 5742, by Rav Binyamin Tabory, originally given for Parshat Korach 5767

R. Yaakov Yosef_8 Tamuz 5662, by Rav Binyamin Tabory, originally given for Parshat Chukat 5768

This shiur, by Rav Ezra Bick was given as part of the Revava Leadership Seminar - Conversations on Life after Yeshiva, with Bnei Chul nearing their end of Shana Alef, June 3, 2021.

R. Yisrael Zeev Gustman_28 Sivan 5751, by Rav Binyamin Tabory, originally given for Parshat Shelach 5767

Yossele Rosenblatt_25 Sivan 5693, by Rav Binyamin Tabory, originally given for Parshat Korach 5768

R. Shmuel Mohilever_20-24 Sivan 5658, by Rav Binyamin Tabory, originally given for Parshat Shelach 5768

R. Shmuel Chaim Landau-Shachal_15 Sivan 5688, by Rav Binyamin Tabory, originally given for Parshat Behaalotekha 5768

R. Yerucham Leibovitz_18 Sivan1936, by Rav Binyamin Tabory, originally given for Parshat Behaalotekha 5767

R. Chaim of Volozin_14 Sivan 5581, by Rav Binyamin Tabory, originally given for Parshat Naso 5767

R. Zelig Reuven Bengis_7 Sivan5713, by Rav Binyamin Tabory, originally given for Parshat Naso 5767

The Ger Tzedek of Vilna_7 Sivan 5509, by Rav Binyamin Tabory, originally given for Parshat Bemidbar 5767

Megilat haHessed - Ruth, Avraham and the Meaning of Hessed, by Rav Yitzchak Etshalom The Midrash identifies the purpose of the publication of Megilat Rut as "publicizing the reward for those who repay Hessed." Ruth, who is presented as a latter-day Avraham (in Boaz's words of praise for her), has her Hessed lauded by both Naomi and Boaz - but what is the meaning of "Hessed" in this context? Indeed, we would have to search high and low to find acts that we would typically consider "Hessed" in the Biblical record of Avraham's life. By examining a remarkable but often overlooked consistent marker in Avraham's biography, we discover a new meaning of the word חסד, bolstered by the way it is used in several passages in Tanakh, notably Psalm 89. We then reexamine Hessed in Avraham's life, as well as Ruth's. This shiur was given in memory of our dear friend, R. Hayyim Abba b. Natan Aryeh zt"l, Prof. Herbert Davidson of blessed memory. Source sheet available here.

Thank you Rav Willig for sharing your memories as a bachur in yeshiva (KBY) back in 1967.

R. Yitzchak of Corbeil_28 Iyar 5040, by Rav Binyamin Tabory, originally given for Parshat Behar-Bechukotai 5767

In Light of the Meron Tragedy, Harav Mosheh Lichtenstein addressed the overseas students on Monday May 3, the day following Donny Morris's levaya, yehi zikhro barukh. Please note: Unlike the sicha in hebrew in the beit midrash on Sunday, that was prepared as a general public statement with comments planned and presented accordingly, this sicha on Monday was an opportunity to listen to students' distress. Things were presented appropriately to appeal to students who were in the room and not directed outward. We thank Harav Mosheh for his willingness to share the recording with the general public.

A compilation of seven short divrei Torah, by Rav Moshe Taragin, given in various venues a year ago, in preparation for Yom Yerushalayim: Seeing Through the Wall and the Awakening of the Chicken Three "Yerushalayim" Letters From History A City With Two Very Different "Names" Yerushalayim and Non-Religious Jews Settling Yerushalayim Just Takes More Time Comfortable in the "Shade" The Religious Meaning of an Israeli Flag

In the Wake of the Meron Tragedy, personal reflections by Rav Moshe Taragin, on Friday, April 30th, 2021. Two practical recommendations to connect with Am Yisrael's suffering.

Divrei Chizuk by Rav Dovid Gottlieb, in the wake of the Meron Tragedy As part of the National Day of Mourning for the victims of the Meron tragedy the yeshiva held a special program in the Beit Midrash at 2:30 followed by Tehillim and Mincha. The recording will be available on the yeshiva's youtube channel. Rav Mordechai Friedman and Rav Dovid Gottlieb spoke briefly in English to the bnei chul. This was followed by private discussion groups headed by the Ramim. We join all of Am Yisrael in mourning the victims of the tragedy in Meron and in wishing refua sheleima to the injured.

R. Moshe Isserles_18 Iyar 5332, by Rav Binyamin Tabory, originally given for Parshat Bechukotai 5768

Maharam Meir of Rothenburg_24 Iyar 5053, by Rav Binyamin Tabory, originally given for Parshat Emor 5767

Avelut during Sefira (2), by Rav Yitzchak Etshalom The various customs regarding mourning-type practices during all or part of the weeks between Pesach and Shavuot are well-known. Yet, the source for these practices is the subject of much speculation among the Rishonim - as we discover in this three-part shiur. Along the way, we also look at the story of the death of R. Akiva's students, including the various versions of the story in Midrashic literature and suggest an explanation for the differences. Source sheet available here.

Avelut during Sefira (1), by Rav Yitzchak Etshalom The various customs regarding mourning-type practices during all or part of the weeks between Pesach and Shavuot are well-known. Yet, the source for these practices is the subject of much speculation among the Rishonim - as we discover in this three-part shiur. Along the way, we also look at the story of the death of R. Akiva's students, including the various versions of the story in Midrashic literature and suggest an explanation for the differences.

R. Yechezkel Landau_Noda BeYehuda_17 Iyar 5553, by Rav Binyamin Tabory, originally given for Parshat Behar 5768

R. Naftali of Ropshitz_11 Iyar 5587, by Rav Binyamin Tabory, originally given for Parshat Emor 5768

Memories of Moreinu Harav Aharon zt"l, by Rav Danny Rhein and Rav Ezra Bick, given on Rosh Chodesh Iyar 5781, Harav Lichtenstein's 6th yahrzeit.

Yom HaZikaron: How the Mighty have Fallen, by Rav Yitzchak Etshalom It is a long-standing tradition in some communities to read David's elegy for Shaul and Yonatan (Shmuel II 1:17-27) on Yom haZikkaron. In this shiur, we review the dirge and point out several nuances which inform the subtextual message of this beautiful plaint for David's best friend - Yonatan - and the fallen king, Shaul. The spirit which animates this soaring passage resonates for all of us today, as we raise the memories of our fallen brothers and sisters who gave their lives that we may have a secure and prosperous Medinah. יהי זכרם ברוך

Reciting Birkat Shehecheyanu on Mitzvot Part 2, by Rav Yitzchak Etshalom Shiur given during daf yomi siyum of Massekhet Pesachim 5781, and released here in advance of Yom HaAtzmaut. Click here for source sheet. Chag ha'atzmaut sameach!

Reciting Birkat Shehecheyanu on Mitzvot, by Rav Yitzchak Etshalom Shiur given during daf yomi siyum of Massekhet Pesachim 5781, and released here in advance of Yom HaAtzmaut. We are accustomed to reciting the ברכה of "שהחיינו", known as ברכת הזמן, when we perform certain מצוות, such as תקיעת שופר, lighting נר חנוכה and so forth. We examine the development of this practice - which is not mentioned anywhere in the משנה - and the background of the ברכה itself, including the formation of its wording. Click here for source sheet. Chag ha'atzmaut sameach!

Harav Aharon Lichtenstein and the Concept of Bitachon, by Rav Moshe Taragin. Shiur given over zoom, April 26, 2020, in commemoration of Harav Aharon's 5th Yahrzeit. Yehi zikhro barukh.

The Impact of the Holocaust upon Harav Amital's Torah, by Rav Moshe Taragin. Shiur given over zoom in April 2020.

Kadesh, UrChatz, Karpas - The First 3 Innings of the Seder, shiur by Rav Mosheh Lichtenstein, March 22nd, 2021, given over zoom The shiur is in memory of Mr. Joshua (Yehoshua Moshe ben Chaya Rachel) Mermelstein z"l. Source sheet available here: http://gush.net/pdf/Likrat_Pesach5781-RML_Kadesh_UrChatz_Karpas.pdf

Reb Aryeh Levine_9 Nisan5729, by Rav Binyamin Tabory, originally given for Parshat Metzora 5768

R. Meir Dan Plotzki_6 Nisan 5688, by Rav Binyamin Tabory, originally given for Parshat Tazria 5768

R. Yechiel Michel Epstein_Aruch HaShulchan_22 Adar I 5668, by Rav Binyamin Tabory, originally given for Parshat Shemini 5768

Haman_14 Adar, by Rav Binyamin Tabory, originally given for Parshat Tzav 5768

R. Moshe Feinstein_13 Adar II 5746, by Rav Binyamin Tabory, originally given for Parshat Vayikra 5768

R. Shabtai HaKohen – The Shach_Rosh Chodesh Adar Bet 5423, by Rav Binyamin Tabory, originally given for Parshat Pekudei 5768

R. Yaakov Kaminetzky - 29 Adar I 5746, by Rav Binyamin Tabory, originally given for Parshat Vayakhel 5768