KMTT - the Torah Podcast

Parshat Balak - I Will Bless Those Who Bless You, written by Rav Yair Kahn What is the deeper meaning of Bil'am's narrative arc, and how is this connected to the role of blessings and curses in the Torah?

Parshat Chukat - Benei Yisrael: The New Generation, written by Rav Amnon Bazak What is the meaning of Moshe and Aharon's silent reaction to the nation's complaint at Mei Meriva, and what does this tell us about the nation's evolving relationship with God at the time?

Parshat Korach - The Entire Nation is Holy, written by Rav Yair Kahn Despite Korach's rebellious intentions, he had a legitimate complaint. How can we answer Korach's charge that "the entire nation is holy"?

Parshat Shelach, The Mission of the Spies, written by Harav Yaakov Medan The details of the story of the spies in Parashat Shelach are notoriously difficult to understand. How can we make sense of the episode's various incongruities and shed light on Moshe's role in this historic disaster?

Parshat Beha'alotekha - The Episode of the Cushite Woman, written by Rav Amnon Bazak. What is the true nature of the complaint of Miriam and Aharon about Moshe, and how can we understand Moshe's reaction to this complaint?

Parshat Naso - Bridging Vision and Reality, written by Rav Yair Kahn How do the three prominent halakhic passages of Parashat Naso fit in with the overall narrative structure of Sefer Bamidbar?

Parshat Bamidbar - Not Just Numbers, written by Rav Yair Kahn Why does Sefer Bamidbar open with the census of the people of Israel, and why do Chazal seem to view the census as reflective of the very essence of the book?

Parshat Bechukotai, The Harmony of Shemitta, written by Rav Avraham Walfish How does the seemingly anti-climactic final chapter of Parashat Bechukotai fit into the larger context of Sefer Vayikra, and how does this connect to the relationship between the different types of sanctity discussed throughout the book?

Parshat Behar - The Unique Perspective of Parashat Behar, written by Rav Amnon Bazak Why are the laws of shemita and yovel repeated in Parashat Behar, when those laws are described elsewhere in the Torah, and what can this repetition teach us about multiple ways of looking at the same Torah laws?

The Legacy of Harav Aharon Lichtenstein zt"l, by Rav Ezra Bick. A memorial evening was held on May 15th 2016 at the Alei Tzion Synagogue in London. Opening remarks by Chief Rabbi and Har Etzion alumnus Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis. Additional remarks by alumni Rabbi Chaim Kanterovitz, Rabbi Daniel Roselaar, and Rav Yosef Zvi Rimon. 00:00 to 13:55 Chief Rabbi Mirvis 13:55 to 20:20 Rabbi Chaim Kanterovitz 20:20 to 64:30 Rav Ezra Bick 64:30 to end Rabbi Daniel Roselaar and Rav Yosef Zvi Rimon

Special Shiur: Selling Land in Eretz Yisrael in Perpetuity, by alumnus Rabbi Michael Taubes Shiurim in memory of Harav Aharon Lichtenstein given on Sunday morning, May 8, 2016 at Cong. Netivot Shalom based on the Torah legacy of Rav Lichtenstein zt"l

Special Shiur: Insights in the Nature of Birkat Hagomel, by alumnus Rabbi Nati Helfgot. Shiurim in memory of Harav Aharon Lichtenstein given on Sunday morning, May 8, 2016 at Cong. Netivot Shalom based on the Torah legacy of Rav Lichtenstein zt"l

Parshat Emor, The Law of the Blasphemer, by Rav Amnon Bazak Why does the story of the blasphemer appear at this seemingly inexplicable juncture in Sefer Vayikra, and what is the connection to the concept of nationality in the Torah?

Hesped for Harav Aharon Lichtenstein zt"l on his First Yahrzeit, by his talmid Rav Moshe Taragin, given at the Young Israel of Lawrence-Cedarhurst, Sunday May 8th, 2016

Parshat Kedoshim - The Repeated List of Forbidden Sexual Relations, written by Rav Amnon Bazak Why does the Torah devote two separate chapters to repeating a virtually identical list of prohibited sexual relations, and what is the fundamental connection between these laws and the land of Israel?

Parshat Metzora - The Purification Process, written by Rav Yair Kahn What is the thematic connection between Tazria and Metzora, and how does this connection manifest itself in the specific types of tum'a discussed in these parshiyot?

Parshat Tazria, The Lessons of Tum'a, written by Rav Yair Kahn The laws of tum'a detailed in Parashat Tazria and Metzora are strategically placed in the book of Vayikra between the episode of Nadav and Avihu and the commandment of the Yom Kippur service. What can this unusual placement teach us about the proper balance of emotions that a person must display when approaching God?

Parshat Shemini - For On This Day Hashem Will Appear Before You, written by Rav Yair Kahn What is the connection between Aharon's pivotal role in the sin of the golden calf and his appointment by God to the position of Kohen Gadol?

Parshat Tzav, The Law of Piggul, The Plain Meaning and the Halakhic Midrash, written by Rav Amnon Bazak

Parshat Vayikra, Not Leviticus, written by Rav Yair Kahn It is difficult to understand how the book of Vayikra, known as Torat Kohanim, fits into the broader context of the Torah's narrative. What purpose does Vayikra serve at this juncture in the Torah, and how do its lessons apply to Kohanim and non-Kohanim alike?

Parashat Pekudei - Let Us Sanctify His Name in the World, written by Rav Yair Kahn In light of this year's division of Vayakhel-Pekudei, read together as a double parasha on non-leap years, what is the relationship between the Mishkan and the priestly garments?

Parshat Vayakhel, More Than Repetition, written by Rav Yair Kahn Aside from a few subtle distinctions, much of the Torah's description of the Mishkan's construction in Parashat Vayakhel seems to constitute an exact repetition of Parashat Teruma. What is the reason for this apparent repetition, and what can the two parallel accounts tell us about different ways of relating to religious life?

Parshat Ki Tisa - From the Egel to the Second Luchot, written by Rav Yair Kahn Unlike the sin of the spies, the sin of the golden calf was largely forgiven. What was the reason for this change in God's approach to our sins, and how can we apply this dichotomy to other points in the history of the people of Israel?

Parshat Tetzaveh - The Korban Tamid: A Continuous Beginning, shiur written by Rav Yair Kahn What is the dual symbolism of the korban tamid, and what can this teach us about man's continuous daily encounter with God?

Parshat Teruma - The Mishkan and the Tent, written by Harav Yaakov Medan What can examining the respective roles of the Mishkan and the tent covering it teach us about the dual nature of the people of Israel's relationship with God?.

Parshat Mishpatim - Murdering with Guile, written by Harav Yaakov Medan What is the meaning of the unique fate the Torah assigns to the person who murders with guile, and how does the Tanakh's account of Yoav and his punishment fit this model?

Mizrachi UK in conjunction with British Friends of Yeshivat Har Etzion and The Midrasha held a discussion with two of the leading thinkers of our time, Harav Mosheh Lichtenstein and Rav David Stav. The discussion, on ‘The Emerging Role of Women in Orthodox Judaism’, was led by Rebbetzon Lauren Levin and took place on Motzei Shabbat Yitro 30 January at a NW London venue. A video of the event can be seen at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JghbQxF5kBk&feature=youtu.be The event begins approx. 54 minutes into the video recording.

Parshat Yitro, written by Harav Yaakov Medan What was the precise nature of Yitro's involvement with the people of Israel's nascent legal system, and what role did his advice actually play in guiding Moshe's judicial policy?

Modern Orthodox Education in 21st Century Israel & America, by Rabbanit Esti Rosenberg. A panel discussion held on January 15th 2016 at Heichal Shlomo, together with YU Pres. Richard Joel and Rav Dr. Meir Soloveitchik; Moderated by Rav Assaf Bednarsh To listen to the entire discussion, click here. To see in video, click here.

Parshat Beshalach - The Wanderings of Benei Yisrael in the Desert, written by Harav Yaakov Medan

Parshat Bo - This Month Shall Be for You, written by Harav Yaakov Medan The Jewish dating system in common use today bears little resemblance to the system used in the Tanakh, whose roots can be found in this week's parasha. What is the history behind this discrepancy, and how should this inform our choice of dating system today?

Parshat Va'era - I Shall Harden Pharaoh's Heart, written by Harav Yaakov Medan What does it mean when God "hardens the heart" of a sinner in the Tanakh - as He did to Pharaoh in Egypt - and how can a person be held accountable for his sins in such a case?

Parshat Shemot - They Were Fruitful and Multiplied, written by Harav Yaakov Medan The number of years that the people of Israel were enslaved in Egypt is subject to debate among the commentators. What can the answer to this question tell us about the incredible growth of the nation in Egypt from seventy souls to a vast multitude?

Parshat Vayechi - Rachel's Death and Burial, by Harav Yaakov Medan What is the reason for Rachel's unique, eternal role in our tradition, and how does this connect to the perennial dispute over the location of her burial site?

Asara BeTevet, by Rav Binyamin Tabory

Parshat Vayigash - Yosef and Yehuda, written by Harav Yaakov Medan The respective narratives of Yehuda and Yosef contain several clear parallels. What does the Torah's attitude toward these two brothers teach us about the quality of leadership throughout the history of the nation of Israel?

Parashat Miketz - The Meaning of Yosef's Estrangement, written by Harav Yaakov Medan The Torah's description of Yosef's evolving relationship with his family contains many unusual and inexplicable elements. How can understanding Yosef's mindset and mentality throughout his harrowing narrative help explain many of these incongruences?

Special Chanuka Shiur, Using the Chanuka Oil, by Rav Ezra Bick Given to Bnei Chul during Mifgash Chanuka 5776 (Dec 8, 2015)

Parshat Vayeshev - From the Valley of Chevron to the Valley of Dotan: In the Footsteps of Yosef and the Midrash, written by Harav Yaakov Medan What can Yosef's journey to find his brothers - and Chazal's commentary on this journey - teach us about the intricate interpersonal relationships at play in this episode?

Parshat Vayishlach - Anyone Who Says Reuven Sinned, written by Harav Yaakov Medan Our Sages were torn over whether the incident between Reuven and Bilha was a terrible sin or a minor misdemeanor. What can our analysis of the incident teach us about Reuven's role in his interactions with his various family members and about his legacy as a would-be leader of the nation of Israel?

Parshat Vayetze - Beit El, written by Harav Yaakov Medan Beit El plays a critical role in Parashat Vayetze, and indeed, in several places throughout the Tanakh. What can Beit El's location and its relationship with Jerusalem tell us about its sanctity and its significance for the people of Israel?

Recollections of Harav Aharon Lichtenstein zt"l, by Rav Hershel Schachter R. Schachter explains why he could not speak about R. Aharon immediately after he passed away, and spends 41 minutes describing his rebbe, R. Aharon. "R. Aharon had such a tremendous influence on all of us." He cries, and laughs, and at times both.

Parshat Toldot - Esav's Merit, written by Harav Yaakov Medan Chazal's portrayal of Esav as a wicked murderer does not quite match the relatively mild description of Esav in the actual text of the Torah. How can we explain this discrepancy, and what does it mean for us today?

Parshat Chayei Sara, Ketura, written by Harav Yaakov Medan What is the connection between the rabbinic dispute over the identity of Ketura and the people of Israel's covenantal claim to the Greater Land of Israel, between the Nile and the Euphrates?

Parshat Vayera - The Way of God and the Way of Righteousness and Justice, written by Harav Yaakov Medan How can examining the events of Sedom help us understand Avraham's complicated relationship with God's will on the one hand and the values of righteousness and justice on the other?

Parshat Lekh Lekha - Berit Bein HaBetarim: The Covenant between the Parts, shiur written by Harav Yaakov Medan While the Covenant between the Parts is mostly remembered for God's promise that Avraham's descendants will become a great nation, it also promises that they will endure slavery and suffering in Egypt. What is behind Chazal's varied approaches to the reason Avraham deserved such a harsh punishment?

Parshat Noach, Then I Shall Bring Upon the Nations a Clear Language, written by Harav Yaakov Medan What is the connection between the colorful midrashim about the Tower of Bavel and various stories from other place in the Tanakh?

The Weekly Mitzva - VeZot HaBeracha, Torah Tziva Lanu Moshe, by Rav Yair Kahn The shiur deals with the obligation to instill the significance and importance of Torah to young children

Parshat Haazinu, Shira, shiur written by Rav Ezra Bick The song of Ha'azinu is unique for a variety of reasons - both in the context of the narrative of Sefer Devarim and compared to other examples of shira in the Torah. By analyzing the content and character of Ha'azinu, how can we come to understand the true purpose of this memorable song?

Gedola Teshuva #4, by Rav Ezra Bick Conclusion: Redemption