An introduction to Kabbalas Shabbos. What is it? Who created it? and when? The evolution of a part of Davening that is not at all from the Anshei Knesses HaGedola. The oldest part of it is Mizmor Shir LiYom HaShabbos.

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

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.

(5776/2016) London discussion that included a thought on יודו להוי’ חסדו ונפלאותיו לבני אדם and שלום עליכם all leading up to explaining אשת חיל. The Neshama comes home (and is welcomed) Friday night.

The Tefilla of Hodu LaHashem Ki Tov …. Hodu LaHashem Chasdo…. is said Erev Shabbos but not when it is Yom Tov or Chol HaMoed because you’re not going out from danger.

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…

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…

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…

V’Al HaTzadikim is about Bitachon: our trust in Him and His trustworthiness.

Bareich Aleinu Class One. The ninth Bracha of Shmona Esrei. It seems that the Brachos after this one are collective (for the Klal Yisroel) and this is the last of the requests that are for us as individuals. The Bracha (on Parnassa) focuses on the blessing in the time, how certain times are blessed and…