KMTT - the Torah Podcast

Tehillim 132: קומה ה' למנוחתך, by Rav Yitzchak Etshalom What was the occasion that motivated the composition of Psalm 132? A special shiur as we prepare for Yom Yerushalayim. In this first part of a two-part shiur, we examine the longest of the שירי המעלה - Psalm 132. This psalm, evidently devoted to the city of Yerushalayim and the Divine choice of both the place and the Davidic line, is especially appropriate as we prepare to celebrate the 58th anniversary of the reunification of Yerushalayim under Jewish sovereignty. Noting that the psalm speaks in different voices, we note numerous related texts in Tanakh that may have either been inspired by, or been the inspiration for our psalm. קומה ה' למנוחתך, אתה וארון עוזך. And, indeed, may we soon see a fulfillment of the promise ואויביו אלביש בשת, ועליו יציץ נזרו. Source sheet >>

Ramban on the Torah | 5785 | 26 | Emor, by Rav Eli Weber Why do we bring Chametz to the Mikdash on Shavuot? When is Shavuot? What is Sefirat HaOmer?

Emor | 5785 | Abarbanel on the Holidays by Rav Elyakim Krumbein How does the Torah use disrupted patterns to create meaning?

Unraveling the Mystery of Lag BaOmer, by Rav Yitzchak Etshalom Why is there a celebratory air to the 33rd day of the Omer-count? By far the most mysterious of our festive days is ל"ג בעמר, where the cessation from weddings (etc.) turns the day into a joyous outburst of celebration, replete with bonfires, outings and more. What is the story behind this unexplained day? With the help of an ancient manuscript, a Geniza find, a typesetter's mistake, a letter written by a 4th century Christian Bishop, a rabbi mourning for his son and another rabbi speaking up 14 centuries after his death...we may have the mystery unraveled. This shiur is based on the research of R. Avraham Kosman of Yerushalayim. Source sheet >>

Achari Mot - Kedoshim | 5785 | Why Be Holy? by Rav Elyakim Krumbein Abarbanel solves the riddle of Parashat Kedoshim.

Tazria Metzora | 5785 | The Concept of Tum'a by Rav Elyakim Krumbein Why is ritual purity so central in Sefer Vayikra?

Acharei Mot - Kedoshim | Maaseh Eretz Cenaan, by Rav Yitzchak Etshalom Why is the list of forbidden intimate relations introduced with the broad statement prohibiting us from engaging in the ways of the Egyptians and the Canaanites? Source sheet >>

Ramban on the Torah | 5785 | 25 | Acharei Mot - Kedoshim, by Rav Eli Weber Everyone knows that the Ramban (like all Jews), loves Eretz Yisrael. But why so much. At the end of Acharei Mot the Ramban explains his philosophy. How is sin different in Eretz Israel than outside of it?

Ramban on the Torah | 5785 | 24 | Metzora, by Rav Eli Weber What is tzara'at and its connection to Yom HaAtzmaut? What is the meaning of the promised land? How is tzaraat a miracle?

MiTalmidav shel Aharon | Commemorating the 10th Yahrzeit of Harav Aharon zt"l at Yeshiva University, with two of his talmidim, Rabbi Michael Taubes '77 and Rabbi Mordechai Willig. Divrei peticha: Rabbi Neal Turk. An oved Hashem, of purity of heart.

Yom HaAtzmaut | Psalm 126: BeShuv Hashem et Shivat Tzion, by Rav Yitzchak Etshalom Why are we described as "like dreamers" upon the return to ציון? Since those miraculous days of 1948, there have been several proposals to amend the National Anthem with the recitation of Psalm 126 - בשוב ה' את שיבת ציון; famously, Menachem Begin read the entire Psalm in the Rose Garden before signing the Camp David Accords in 1979. The sense of seeing ancient prophecies fulfilled in our day and before our eyes is a powerful one, and this psalm uniquely captures that feeling of הגדיל ה' לעשות עמנו. We examine the psalm, first discussing the issue of authorship and period of the composition of Tehillim and then the method used to study Biblical poetry, specifically Tehillim. Barukh Hashem, in our day, we are experiencing the רינה of the harvesters, sadly mixed with the דמעה of the sowers. Source sheet >>

Abarbanel on the Parasha | Shemini | 5785 | Why Couldn't David Build the Mikdash? by Rav Elyakim Krumbein The haftara for Shemini is particularly dramatic. A glimpse of the commentary of Abarbanel on Neviim Rishonim.

Shemini | The Sound of Silence: Vayidom Aharon, by Rav Yitzchak Etshalom How are we to understand Aharon's silence? Aharon's reaction to the death of his sons, Nadav and Avihu, is summarized in two words: וידם אהרן. Translation, meaning and implications of these two words are the fodder for much exegetic and homiletic analysis. A survey of the uses of the word דום and דמם throughout Tanakh allows us a glimpse to a possible holistic meaning that fits Aharon's reaction as well as the sun's stopping for Yehoshua and the קול דממה דקה heard by Eliyahu. Source sheet >>

Pesach | Birkat HaShir (2), by Rav Yitzchak Etshalom Why is "Nishmat Kol Chai" the appropriate hymn with which to finish Leil haSeder? As we discussed in the previous shiur, the liturgical poem "Nishmat Kol Chai" is quite ancient and predates the era of the פייטנים. It is mentioned by R. Yochanan as the "Birkat haShir" which is to accompany the fourth (or fifth?) cup at the Seder. After reviewing some of the Halakhic considerations regarding its recitation - including a quick survey of the main approaches among the ראשונים regarding what is said over the fourth cup and if there is a fifth cup, we turn to the text itself and analyze it, line by line, seeing its development from a hymn about personal thanksgiving to a national-historic song of praise to an eschatological vision of universal acknowledgement of God's glory. I then suggest why this was an appropriate poem to be added to the Seder and, from there, to be instituted as the culmination of Psukei d'Zimra - what Chazal referred to as "the daily Hallel" (הלל שבכל יום). Source sheet >>

Abarbanel on the Parasha | Tzav | 5785 | Fire on the Mizbe'ach, by Rav Elyakim Krumbein What does this mean? Join us for this exciting new series in the commentary of the Abarbanel.

Abarbanel on the Parasha | Vayikra | 5785, by Rav Elyakim Krumbein On the purpose of korbanot. Join us for this exciting new series in the commentary of the Abarbanel.

Ramban on the Torah | 5785 | 23 | Vayikra, by Rav Eli Weber Excited to begin a new sefer, with a distinct theme for each. On the korbanot and our limitations.

Pesach | Birkat HaShir (1), by Rav Yitzchak Etshalom Why do we almost finish the Berakhah after Hallel at the Seder - then abruptly switch to Hallel haGadol and Nishmat? Our common practice is to read the Hallel over the fourth cup of wine, after which we nearly finish the blessing customarily recited after Hallel - but without a "signature" (חתימה). We then recite Psalm 136 and נשמת כל חי which we read to its conclusion - "מלך א-ל חי העולמים". This odd mix of a double-conclusion to Hallel is the result of several confusing sugyot. We assess the sources, including the key rulings of the Geonim and Rishonim and follow them through to today's common practice.

Pekudei-HaChodesh | The Multiple Crowns of Rosh Chodesh Nissan, by Rav Yair Kahn What exactly happened on that day?

Ramban on the Torah | 5785 | 22 | Pekudei, by Rav Eli Weber What is the second half of Sefer Shemot about? Was Moshe wrong about the order of building the Mishkan? Why do we need to devote ourselves to building the Mishkan?

Finding Faith During Crisis: 5 Lessons from HaRav Amital, by Rav Moshe Taragin Re-recording of a Shiur given during Yeshivat Har Etzion Dinner, March 2025

Pesach | Introduction to Midrash Arami Oved Avi, by Rav Yitzchak Etshalom Why was Devarim 26:5-8 selected to be the base text for the retelling of the Exodus at the Seder? As the Mishna (Pesachim 10:4) codifies, the core text to be used in telling the story of Yetziat Mitzrayim is Devarim 26:5-8 - "Arami Oved Avi" which, in 4 short verses, retells the story of the exile, servitude, pleas for deliverance and miraculous Exodus. We examine the earliest sources of the Midrash and demonstrate how our traditional Haggada-text of this Midrash is a combination of several Midrashic strains - all brought together in a powerful and evocative style to help all participants to (potentially) reexperience Yetziat Mitzrayim, as it occurs בכל דור ודור - in every generation. Source sheet >>

Vayakhel | Teruma and Vayakhel: Repetition or Complement, by Rav Yair Kahn Vayakhel is almost a word for word repetition of parashat Teruma. However, Chazal noted a discrepancy regarding the order. What idea is being expressed by this sequential shift and how can it be reconciled with the order of parashat Teruma?

Ramban on the Torah | 5785 | 21 | Vayakhel, by Rav Eli Weber How did the artisans who built the mishkan know what to do? Why did the women give first for the Mishkan?

Pesach | From Disgrace to Praise: A Reassessment, by Rav Yitzchak Etshalom What is the purpose of the texts between "Avadim Hayyinu" until "Arami Oved Avi"? The "Maggid" section of our Haggada has two central components - the first of which is the Midrash on "Arami Oved Avi" and the other is Rabban Gamliel's explanation of the foods. However, our Haggadot have quite a bit of text between the "quick answer" given in response to "Mah Nishtanah" - and these passages don't seem to conform to the aims of the evening. We reassess the rabbinic dictum מתחיל בגנות ומסיים בשבח - "begin with disgrace and end with praise" and propose an understanding of these four words and their location within the Mishna to offer a reassessment of these opening sections of Maggid. Source sheet >>

Ramban on the Torah | 5785 | 20 | Ki Tisa, by Rav Eli Weber What did the Egel come to replace?

Ki Tisa- Purim | Kabbalat HaTorah: From Sinai to Shushan, by Rav Yair Kahn The journey of Kabbalat haTorah: from Sinai to Shushan

Purim | Mordekhai Would Not Bow...Why Not? by Rav Yitzchak Etshalom The critical catalyst for the story of Purim is Mordekhai's refusal, as a member of Ahashverosh's court, to show obeisance to Haman. The text never explicates the rationale behind this decision, in spite of its centrality to the plot. We survey some common answers given and suggest possible challenges to each - and then propose a new answer which impacts on our reading of the entire story, up to and including the climactic war that takes place 11 months after Haman's decree is formulated. Source sheet >>

Tetzaveh - Likrat Purim | The Garments of the High Priest and Queen Esther, by Rav Yair Kahn

Ramban on the Torah | 5785 | 19 | Tetzaveh, by Rav Eli Weber What is the meaning of the clothes of the Cohanim? What are the Urim and Tumim? Why does HaShem want to be among us?

Teruma | From the Mishkan, by Rav Yair Kahn To the Beit HaMikdash

Ramban on the Torah | 5785 | 18 | Teruma, by Rav Eli Weber Is there an order to the Torah? What would me the meaning of the Mishkan without the Egel? Why is the order of building the Mishkan the way it is?

Conflicted and Confused, Horrified and Happy: Reflecting on the Return of Living and Murdered Hostages, by Rav Dovid Gottlieb The height of strength or the expression of weakness, courage or desperation?

Mishpatim | Rejoice While Trembling, by Rav Yair Kahn The complexity of the divine encounter

Yitro | Yitro and Moshe, by Rav Yair Kahn Before the burning bush and after

Ramban on the Torah | 5785 | 17 | Mishpatim, by Rav Eli Weber Why is Eved Ivri the first law? Why does HaShem help the poor? Why did Benei Israel celebrate?

Amos | On the Development of Prophecy, by Rav Yitzchak Etshalom In this brief introduction, I discuss the development of prophecy in Israel, the evolving definition of "Navi" and the development of "literary prophets". We then study the first set of prophecies found in the book of Amos, with an ear towards the oratorial genius of Amos and the many tools he harnesses to effect a suasive presentation to his Samarian audience. This shiur was given at the YU Seforim Sale to introduce my new volume "Amos: The Genius of Prophetic Rhetoric". The book is available at https://theseforimsale.com/collections/english-tanach-1/products/koren_0199 Source sheet >>

Ramban on the Torah | 5785 | 16 | Yitro, by Rav Eli Weber What's the point of Ma'amad Har Sinai? Who did Benei Israel hear the commandments from? What is the relationship between Zachor and Shamor?

Beshalach | Shirat HaYam, by Rav Yair Kahn A great moment or a momentary greatness?

Bo | The Dual Symbolism of Matza, by Rav Yair Kahn

Ramban on the Torah | 5785 | 15 | Beshalach, by Rav Eli Weber How did Bnei Israel leave Egypt? What did HaShem give them in Mara? What is the meaning of the rules of the Manna?

Ramban on the Torah | 5785 | 14 | Bo, by Rav Eli Weber What is the purpose of miracles? What is the purpose of creation? The Ramban at the end of this week's Parasha deals with both.

Vaera | Pharoah and the Problem of Free Choice, by Rav Yair Kahn

New series on Sefer Shemot! Shemot | The Roots of Egyptian Antisemitism, by Rav Yair Kahn

Ramban on the Torah | 5785 | 13 | Vaera, by Rav Eli Weber What is the difference between Hashem's names? How can Hashem harden Pharaoh's heart? Why does the Torah reintroduce Moshe and Aharon again in the middle of the parasha?

Vaera | Pharaoh's Wizards (and the Parenthetic Phrase), by Rav Yitzchak Etshalom Why did the חרטומים imitate the first two plagues - and why were they stymied at the third? חרטומי מצרים - the wizards of Egypt - make 5 appearances in the Exodus narrative; the first and last are easily understood but the 2nd (in the context of the plague of blood) the 3rd (frogs) and the 4th (lice) are difficult to decipher. By reading some of these passages as parenthetic texts (מאמר המוסגר), a solution is suggested. Source sheet >>

Ramban on the Torah | 5785 | 12 | Shemot, by Rav Eli Weber On the Ramban's idea that every sefer in the Torah is a separate entity: on the one hand, a stand-alone sefer, but of course, also the continuation of Bereishit and the introduction to Vayikra.

The Education of Pharoah, by Rav Yitzchak Etshalom As we begin our reading of Sefer Shemot, the grand story of Yetziat Mitzrayim unfolds before our eyes. We are all aware of the "Ten Plagues" with which Hashem punished the Egyptians - but why was there a need for plagues at all? If the goal was to redeem His "firstborn son" to be free to worship Him - there are many ways that God could have rescued them without afflicting their oppressors. We examine the sequence and presentation of the "plagues" and note a curious pattern which helps us to decipher a broader educational goal with which God addressed Pharaoh and his people. Source sheet >>

Ramban on the Torah | 5785 | 11 | Vayechi, by Rav Eli Weber Why did Yaakov make Yosef swear to bury him? Where does a miracle come into play? Why does Yaakov curse Shimon and Levi? We apologize for the missing minutes at the end of this episode. The recording has been replaced.

Vayechi | Ad Ki Yavo Shilo: Solving A Biblical Riddle, by Rav Yitzchak Etshalom Yaakov's deathbed blessing to Yehuda, at which point he appoints/designates or foretells his fourth son's ascendancy to leadership of the nascent nation, is replete with philological and exegetical difficulties. The central verse of his blessing, verse 10, is not only opaque and subject to a wide range of interpretations, it also became a cause celebre in medieval Jewish-Christian polemics due to the possible Messianic allusions contained therein. We survey some of the history of interpretation and then propose a novel approach which takes into account the classic challenges raised to the text. Source sheet >>