Classes

Monday 23 Tammuz 5713/ July 1, 2013.

Introduction to the Pizmonim of Shabbos. This class introduces the three Pizmonim of the ARiZaL that were composed for the Shabbos meals. In this class we discuss 1) why the ARiZaL included his name in each of the pizmonim, 2) the three stages of rest on Shabbos and how this reflects itself (in part) in…

Monday 12 Kislev 5773/ November 26 2012.

The Six Psalms of Kabbalas Shabbos (Lichu Niranina through Mizmor Lidovid). The first six Perakim of Kabalas Shabbos correspond to the six days of the week (among other things) this is an overview and commentary on a part of Siddur which was first initiated in the last four hundred and fifty years.

Short Thought on Aishes Chayil (5772/2012).

The Friday night praise for the Soul as it returns after a week of work in Clarifying and elevating through spiritual risk and struggle.

Aishes Chayil (5767).

Who is this business lady and why do we sing her praises at the beginning of Shabbos? A beautiful analysis of Aishes Chayil prefaced by several stories. Recorded at a talk given at a Toronto Shabbaton.

Monday 8 Adar, 5773, February 18 2013.

Shma Kolainu (2). Shma Kolainu inside. Two introductions: 1) What is the meaning of the word Tefilla, to connect. 2) Shma in Hashem means that He should pay specific attention. Two levels of this prayer were explained and both were read inside: 1) As a request for things, 2) As a request for a connection…

Monday 1 Adar, 5773, February 11 2013.

Shma Kolainu (1). Shma Kolainu, is about Hashem accepting and helping us connect to Him, spiritually, in Prayer. So many variations in Nusach exist. Beginning with the question of why it says twice “ki” (because), and the question of mentioning that Hashem is our Father, to much else. In this class, this blessing is divided…

Monday 27 MarCheshvan 5773, November 12 2012.

ViLiyerushalayim ViLiyirushalayim, there are so many versions and meanings to this Bracha it is extraordinary. 1) RaSaG, 2) R. Amram gaon, 3) r. Noson Gaon, 4) Machzor Vitri, 5) Ri ben Yakar, 6) Rokeach, 7) Abudraham. First an overview and commentary on what separates the different readings and meanings and then an attempt at unraveling…

Refuainu (the eighth Bracha of the Amida) (5772/2012).

Healing has many levels. This class explores this a little bit.

Monday 4 Teves 5773, December 17 2012. Modim

Kidusha in Chazaras HaShatz (part two). Kidusha (2). This class covers only the weekday Kidusha inside. Three introductions and three kidushos 1) Srafim, Bria, sophisticated and nuanced, 2) Chayos (and Ofnim) Yetzira, simple passion, addresses Hashem Himself more directly, 3) down here Neshamos say Yimloch, expressing the Kidusha through actions.

Vayomer… Tzitzis… Monday 3 Shvat 5773, January 14, 2013.

Vayomer… Tzitzis (inside). The third Parsha of Krias Shma is about two things: 1) Mitzvos 2) Geula. In this class we pursue these ideas on the level of the greatest and most inspired Jews as well as for the ordinary Jew. Tzitzis means that after all the fringe, Action, at the end matters above else,…