KMTT - the Torah Podcast

“Am Levadad Yishkon #20 – Messianic Era Part Three: Ramban’s Opinon” by Rav Asher Haber This week, we look at the opinion of the Ramban, who understands the Messianic Era as a time in which human nature and the world itself will become fundamentally altered, to the point of being unrecognizable. This view is in direct contrast to the more commonly known opinion of the Rambam, which we will discuss next week.

The Weekly Mitzva - Shemini, Eating an animal in its entirety, by Rav Yair Kahn The shiur deals with the interesting halakha known as "beria," whereby the standard shiur of k'zayit is not required when eating an animal in its entirety.

Parshat Shemini, Darosh Darash, written by Rav Ezra Bick Moshe's confrontation with Aharon's remaining sons over their neglecting to eat the sin offering following the deaths of Nadav and Avihu can be difficult to understand. By reading between the lines of their interaction, how can we uncover the subtext of this narrative and find out what may have been going on in the mind of Moshe?

Parshat Tzav, Kohanim and Benei Aharon, written by Rav Yair Kahn The inclusion of the miluim in the summary of the korbanot section in Parashat Tzav seems strange and out of place. As we analyze the role of the miluim, how can we arrive at a greater understanding and appreciation of the dual identity of the kohanim

The Weekly Mitzva - Tzav, The Berakha on Eating Shelamim, by Rav Yair Kahn The shiur will deal with the unique opinion of Rashi as well as the discussing how birkhot hanehenim work in general.

“Am Levadad Yishkon #19 – The Messianic Era Part Two,” by Rav Asher Haber What is the world going to look like when the Mashiach comes? In this week’s podcast we begin to answer that question by looking at a few selections from the Prophets and the Rabbis.

Parshat Vayikra, Haktara, written by Rav Ezra Bick What is the meaning of the wordhiktir - traditionally translated as "burn" - in the context of the sacrifices brought in theMishkan, and what deeper insight does the Torah's choice of this word signify?

Topics in Practical Halakha #14, Erev Pesach, by Rav Mordechai Friedman

Topics in Practical Halakha #13, Kitniyot on Pesach Part 2, by Rav Mordechai Friedman

The Weekly Mitzva - Vayikra, The Prohibition of Leaven and Honey, by Rav Yair Kahn The shiur deals with the general parameters of this prohibition as well as the specific case of adding leaven and honey to the ketoret.

Parshat Vayakhel-Pekudei, Mishkan and Shabbat, written by Rav Ezra Bick What is the commandment to observe Shabbat doing at the beginning of a parasha that is all about the construction of the mishkan, and what can this teach us about the character of Shabbat as a holy day?

Am Levadad Yishkon #18 – “Messianic Era Part One,” by Rav Asher Haber What is the “Messianic Era”? How does it connect to everything we’ve been speaking about in this series? We’ll begin to address that question by looking at what the Torah itself tells us about the End of History.

The Weekly Mitzva - Vayakhel-Pekudei, Engraving Letters, by Rav Yair Kahn The shiur distinguishes between writing words directly and causing words to appear indirectly.

Topics in Practical Halakha #11 Benching and Zimmun Part 1

The Weekly Mitzva - Ki Tisa, Pitum Haketoret, by Rav Yair Kahn The shiur deals with the issur of leaving out one of the ingredients of the ketoret

Parshat Ki Tisa, written by Rav Ezra Bick The series of interactions between God and Moshe in the aftermath of the sin of the golden calf can be difficult to follow and understand. By examining these interactions, we arrive at a fascinating insight into Moshe's ability to achieve forgiveness from God on behalf of the people of Israel.

Parshat Tetzaveh - Tamid, written by Rav Ezra Bick Thetamid, the continual, twice-daily burnt offering, is described in two separate sections in the Torah. How can the subtle differences between these two series of verses help us understand two aspects of the relationship between man and God?

Am Levadad Yishkon #17 – “Story of Bilaam Part Four – Pinhas and the War of Midian” The story of Bilaam appears to end with his failure, on all three attempts, to curse the Jewish People. However, a closer reading of the text shows that the narratives that follow, involving the sin of Baal Peor, the act of Pinhas and the war of Midian, are an integral part of the story. These events form a tragic and triumphant conclusion to the showdown with Balak and Bilaam, and give us additional insight into the eternally unique qualities of the Am Levadad Yishkon.

Topics in Practical Halakha #10 Shabbat Zachor and Purim, by Rav Mordechai Friedman

The Weekly Mitzva - Tetzaveh, The Ner Tamid of the Mikdash, by Rav Yair Kahn To what extent can the menora be described as a 'ner tamid'? After all, the mitzva is to light it only till the morning.

The Weekly Mitzva - Teruma, The Halakha of "Nediv Lev", by Rav Yair Kahn Under what conditions can one create a binding obligation through unverbalized thought.

Parshat Teruma - The Kaporet, written by Rav Ezra Bick The kaporet is described in the Torah not only as the golden cover for the aron, but in many ways as an independent vessel with its own unique identity. What can the kaporet's dual role tell us about the confluence between the physical and the spiritual in the Holy of Holies?

Topics in Practical Halakha #9 Tu Bishvat, by Rav Mordechai Friedman We apologize for the late posting.

Am Levadad Yishkon #16 –“Story of Bilaam Part Three – Curses Turned to Blessings,” by Rav Asher Haber Three times Bilaam attempted to curse the Jewish People, and instead pronounced blessings instead of curses. These short poetic passages contain some of the most eloquent praises of Am Yisrael ever uttered. We can learn a lot about ourselves by listening to them.

Am Levadad Yishkon #15 –“Story of Bilaam Part Two – Bilaam’s Stubborn Insistence,” by Rav Asher Haber Why does Hashem seemingly change His mind – after telling Bilaam the first time not to go, the second time, He tells him to go. And once He allowed him to go, why does He then get angry at Bilaam for going? And what’s the whole incident with the talking donkey about?

The Weekly Mitzva - Mishpatim, The Source of Judicial Authority, by Rav Yair Kahn An analysis of contradictory sugyot regarding the requirement that judges have semikha.

Parshat Mishpatim - God, the Angel and the Jews, written by Rav Ezra Bick Throughout the Torah, angels serve as agents of God, carrying out His will in a variety of ways. But why would God choose to act through the agency of an angel, and what can this teach us about the relationship between God and man in general?

Parshat Yitro, Epilogue, written by Rav Ezra Bick The revelation at Sinai is immediately followed by a series of commandments that seem to bear little connection to this momentous event. But is there truly no connection between the Ten Commandments and their epilogue?

Am Levadad Yishkon #14 – “Story of Bilaam Part One – Balak’s Unnecessary Fear,” by Rav Asher Haber We begin an analysis of the parsha containing the verse “Am Levadad Yishkon.” Balak, King of Moav, was terrified of Am Yisrael, even though a careful reading of the Biblical text makes clear he had nothing to worry about. Why was he led to believe he was in danger?

The Weekly Mitzva - Yitro, The Mechanics of Kriat Hatorah, by Rav Yair Kahn The shiur will analyze the relationship between the role of the person who gets an aliya and that of the ba'al koreh.

Am Levadad Yishkon #13 – “A Roadmap for Jewish History,” by Rav Asher Haber The Jewish People are required to follow the Torah; nothing less than the destiny of the entire world depends on it. But what if they don’t? The Torah answers that question with a descriptive narrative that predicts the entire course of Jewish history in advance.

Parshat Beshalach - What is it? written by Rav Ezra Bick The very meaning of the word "man" implies curiosity and bemusement. What is it about the manna that makes it so fascinating - in some ways the focal point of the people of Israel's experience in the wilderness?

The Weekly Mitzva - Beshalach, The Mitzva of Hallel, by Rav Yair Kahn The shiur begins with the argument between the Rambam and Ramban, whether hallel is a Torah obligation or a rabbinic one. In the course of the discussion, there is an attempt to clarify the criterion that generate the obligation to recite hallel and to define the precise definition of that obligation

Topics in Practical Halakha #8 Gezeirot Akum, by Rav Mordechai Friedman

Parshat Bo - Confrontation of Moshe and Paro, written by Rav Ezra Bick The first seven plagues occur in Parashat Va'era, while the last three occur this week in Parashat Bo. What is the reason for this division, and what does it tell us about the nature of Moshe's series of dramatic meetings with Par'o?

Am Levadad Yishkon #12 – “Mamlechet Kohanim V’Goy Kadosh – Part Two,” by Rav Asher Haber With its mitzvot, Torah addresses every single aspect of human life – not only for the individual but also for the nation as a whole. Among other things, the Torah tells us how to run a political system and government, an economy, a system of legal and criminal law with a judiciary and a police force, an education system and an army. In each of these areas, the Torah’s vision is revolutionary.

The Weekly Mitzva - Bo, Exemption of Tefillin at Night, by Rav Yair Kahn Both night and Shabbat are times that the mitzva of tefillin doesn't apply. The shiur will explore the basic difference between these two exemptions.

Topics in Practical Halakha #7, Ma'aseh Akum, by Rav Mordechai Friedman

Parshat Vaera - Liberating the Spirit of the Israelites, written by Rav Ezra Bick Moshe, the man of "impeded speech," was not your typical inspirational leader. What, then, is the key to Moshe's success in liberating the people of Israel, both from the land of Egypt and from their own slave mentality?

Am Levadad Yishkon #11 – “Mamlechet Kohanim v’Goy Kadosh – Part One” by Rav Asher Haber What does it mean that we are meant to be a “Kingdom of Kohanim”? What’s a Kohen, and how are we to fill this role? And what does it mean specifically to be a “Kingdom”? The answer involves new insights into the role of Am Yisrael in the world, and a new understanding of what the Torah is.

The Weekly Mitzva - Vaera, The Four Cups of the Seder Night, by Rav Yair Kahn The shiur discusses the specific halakha of the four cups as well as the laws of the seder night in general.

Parshat Shemot - From Egyptian Prince to Israelite Redeemer, written by Rav Ezra Bick In the early part of his life, Moshe undergoes a series of dramatic personal transformations. By examining the incidents recounted in this week's parasha, and with a special focus on the language the Torah uses, we will see how these transformations turn a member of Paro's household into the leader of the Jewish people.

Am Levadad Yishkon #10, “Sinai: The Foundational Moment,” by Rav Asher Haber After a lengthy period of slavery and suffering in Egypt, the moment had finally arrived: Am Yisrael was redeemed from bondage, and headed for the Promised Land. However, even before the process began, Moshe Rabbeinu was informed that there was a more immediate destination, something they would need to do before entering the Land. First, they need to “serve God” on Mount Sinai. What was to happen there, and why was it necessary?

The Weekly Mitzva - Shemot, The Laws of Adoption, by Rav Yair Kahn The shiur will deal with various laws connected with adoption and consider the extent to which an adopted child is compared to a biological one.

Parshat Vayechi, From Egypt to Canaan Ya'akov's extreme distaste for the land of Egypt expresses itself in his insistence that Yosef not bury him there. But what is at the root of this attitude, and how is this reflected in his choice of words to Yosef?

Am Levadad Yishkon #9 – “A Pre-ordained Exile” by Rav Asher Haber Having been charged with the mission – and the promise – of founding the Chosen People, Avraham Avinu and his descendants Yitzchak and Yaakov faced many obstacles. Ultimately, Yaakov Avinu found himself on the way down to Egypt for what would be several generations of exile, slavery and suffering. Why was this necessary?

The Weekly Mitzva - Vayechi, Reciting Baruch Shem Kvod Malchuto Quietly, by Rav Yair Kahn The shiur will discuss various aspects related to reciting Baruch Shem Kvod Malchuto, and show how this relates to the mitzva of Kriat Shema.

The Weekly Mitzva - Vayigash, Greetings in the Midst of Kriat Shema, by Rav Yair Kahn This shiur will discuss the halakhic parameters regarding the issue of greeting a friend in the middle of kriat shema and analyze the core idea at the root of this halakha.

Parshat Vayigash, The Twilight Years, written by Rav Ezra Bick Surprisingly, Ya'akov is still frequently referred to by his old name even after he becomes Yisrael. What is the significance of the Torah's choice of one name over the other, particularly during the final years of Ya'akov's life?

Parshat Miketz, Yaakov and Yehuda, written by Rav Ezra Bick