A series of mini-shiurim on Neviim and Ketuvim, consisting of original insights into selected portoins of the Prophets and Biblical Writings. We will begin with insights into Sefer Yehoshua, exploring fascinating and surprising aspects of this unusual prophetic personality (how many Gedolei HaDor are also top generals, and visa versa?), and continue from there through the Tanach.

The analysis will focus on omek ha-peshat - a careful literary reading of the text in light of the entire book and parallels throughout Tanach. Additionally, many of the insights into the deeper meaning of the plain sense of the Biblical text will lead us to an understanding of seemingly strange and difficult statements of Chazal.

These shiurim will be available 3 times a week, each shiur will be approximately 20 minutes long and will be available via audio podcast.

According to some Poskim and Rishonim we are obligated to recite Bircat HaTorah Min HaTorah. This has certain Halachic ramifications as Rabbi Brovender notes in today’s Halacha Yomit

My friend has unjustified resentment towards me. What should I do?

Question: A friend is bearing a silly grudge from a supposed wrong. What recourse do I have?

Answer: It’s too bad your friend is bearing a grudge. The Torah warns us (Leviticus 19:18), “Don’t take vengeance and don’t bear a grudge against the children of your nation; love your neighbor as yourself, I am the Lord.”

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What do you do if you forget to say Bircat HaTorah? The Shulchan Aruch notes that in such a case, the bracha of ‘Ahavat Olam’ (or Ahava Raba’) can serve as a sort of substitute for Birchat HaTorah. Why that is and how exactly this works is the subject of today’s Halacha Yomit.

Before we learn Torah we are required to say Bircat HaTorah. This obligation falls upon both men and women. Today’s Halacha Yomit explores the details of this halacha.