We have found considerable lack of clarity in describing the functions of the king. It may very well be that the Torah was intentionally unclear on the subject and avoided detailed explanations so as not to lay down the law definitively. The ro

Parashat Shoftim - A Case for Rabbinic Authority

Aug 24th, 2017 25m 44s

If a case is too baffling for you to decide … you shall appear before the levitical priests, or the magistrate in charge at the time, … You shall act in accordance with the instructions given you and the ruling handed down to you; you must not

Parashat Re'eh - The Battle Against Mediocrity

Aug 24th, 2017 26m 14s

This lecture examines the contrast between Rabbi Ovadiah Sforno and Maimonides on the issue of mediocrity and balance in Torah living. Discover the inspiration in your personal yearning.

Parashat Re'eh - The Allurement of False Prophets and Idols

Aug 24th, 2017 35m 23s

One of the warnings in this week's reading is not to listen to a false prophet who seeks to lure his listeners into partaking in pagan practices. The Torah stresses that he should not be heeded, even if he supports his words with signs or porte

Parashat Eikev - The Secret to a Divine Connection

Aug 24th, 2017 20m

In the book of Deuteronomy Moses presents the Israelites (and us) with a commandment which was not found in the previous books of the Torah-- the commandment to love the Lord: “And thou shalt love the Lord thy G-d with all thy heart, and with a

Parashat Eikev - The Difference Between Haughtiness and Pride

Aug 24th, 2017 33m 50s

It this week study of Parashat Eikev the Blessed One said; "Beware, Lest Your Heart Grow Haughty". In today's class, we will discuss the difference between haughtiness and pride. Can one be proud of his or her accomplishments without violating

Parashat Va'etchanan - How Do We Know The Torah is Divine

Aug 24th, 2017 28m 41s

Moses' request of the people at this historic moment is understandable, for only that same generation can attest to later generations about the three important events in the life of the people from which they are to draw their strength. Only th

Parshah Universal Torah - Tisha B'Av Stop Mourning, and Start Growing

Aug 24th, 2017 13m 35s

Tisha B'Av (lit. "the ninth of Av") (Hebrew: תשעה באב‎ or ט׳ באב‎) is an annual fast day in Judaism which commemorates the anniversary of a number of disasters in Jewish history, primarily the destruction of both the First Temple by the Babylon

Parshah Universal Torah - Parashat Devarim - Of War and Peace

Aug 24th, 2017 25m 7s

In this weeks portion, we see Moshe offer peace to King Sihon after G-D commanded for Israel to make war and subjugate them. What was Moshe doing? Was he ignoring G-D's command? We will explore the paradox of War and Peace and the futility of m

Parshah The Consequences of Desire and Free Choice

Aug 24th, 2017 18m 19s

On the face of it, the request of the Gadites and the Reubenites to settle east of the Jordan River appears quite decent and worthy. But Moses raised two arguments against them: 1. How can you not participate in the battle for the western bank

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