Yisro Shiur from the Mayaan Chai Series

This class on Parshas Yisro discusses the meaning of Mattan Torah and the difference between the experience of Mattan Torah that we have at Parshas Yisro versus on Shavuos.

Yisro 18-01, Yisro’s seven namesAccording to the Midrashim (many are included in the PDF included here) Yisro had either 5, 6, 7 or 8 names.The meaning of these numbers. 5 and 6 represent Yechida and higher. 7 is order and 8 is its transcendence.The meaning of each of the seven (eight) names and what they...

18-01. Parshas Yisro, (Yeshiva 5780) without Yisro there is no Torah!The Zohar says Yisro’s coming and conceding, needed to happen before Sinai. What makes this outstanding is the fact that Mattan Torah at Sinai is considered a unilateral event, yet Yisro’s concession is a pre-requisite to the giving of Torah.Pharoah, Bila’am and Yisro.So smart, from...

18-21. Yisro 2006 – Moshe Needed Advice From Yisro?This class delves into the question of why Moshe needed advice from Yisro on how to structure his interaction with the Jewish people. The analysis draws on three different Sichos of the Lubavitcher Rebbe.When it seems that Moshe has bad judgement, he’s actually giving what is correct...

Yisro 18:21 Yisro’s Seven criteria to be a judge.Yisro’s seven criteria for being a judge, aren’t all listed explicitly here (in our Parsha); we need the help of the Sifri in Devarim and the commentaries there to complete the list (and it gets complicated). This class includes various difficulties (and opinions) in identifying the seven...

This is a beginners Class.

This entire Posuk is problematic. Besides for the question that it may be entirely unnecessary, it has various anomalies 1) Elokim is mentioned- why? 2) To whom is the Lamor a reference if all Jews and all future generations were actually present at that event? Rashi, Chizkuni,Rambam, Rabbeinu Becahyey, Etz HaDaas Tov, (Kli Yakar, Rikanti),...

This class includes Rambam, Even Ezra, Ramban, Rabbeinu bechayey, Chinuch, Ralbag, Chassidus.

If Hashem punishes only till 4 generations; why are we still paying of the original sin?Given in Beis Rivkah Seminary (5784/ 2024)Correction vs vengeance is explored here. The idea of Divine ‘punishment’ always being cleansing. If Hashem punishes only till 4 generations; why are we still paying of the original sin?

The total experience that was at the giving of the Torah.

The Mizbeach (Altar) had to be built directly on the ground. It could be made of either stone or sand. What does it all mean?