02. Second Bracha of Birchas HaTorah, Viha’arev Nu 1) ViHa’arev means sweet but also from the word integrate (Arvus). We are interconnected when it comes to Torah; this is why it says ‘Kol’ Amcha twice. 2) Mishna is what this Bracha is about. This is a meeting of the Godliness (Neshama) and intellect (Torah SheBa’al…

01. First Bracha of the Birchas HaTorah, Al Divrei Torah 1) LiHisasek BiDivrei Torah vs. al Divrei Torah, 2) Why do we say Al Divrei Torah rather than LiHisasek Bi… 3) Torah and Mitzvos are included in this language, The words are bringing Torah down to the lowest levels. 4) and more.

Introduction to Birchas HaTorah; Wednesday 14 Iyar 5714/ May 14 2014 (Class One, Machon Chana).1) Where is it said in the davening? 2) Two or Three Brachos? 3) On Torah SheBa’al Peh, Mishna (or Midrash) and the third on Mikra!! 4) Reasons for these Brachos and more.

Hanosein Lasechvi Vina… Class One. Wednesday 24 Kislev 5774/ Nov. 27 2013. The idea that we open these blessings by thanking Hashem for the rooster’s wisdom seems odd. What is the big deal? 1) This is about being in control of time even as we sleep which God created the rooster to help with. 2)…

100 Brachos This long class explores the idea of 100 Brachos as one of the oldest ‘customs’ Jews have. What it means, why it started, and what is the secret behind it. The class concludes with a wonderful explanation according to Chassidus.

04. Asher Yatzar (Part One). Wednesday 5 MarCheshvan 5774/ October 9 2013. (Machon Chana). 1) The blessing for nature and (specifically) for life and human life. 2) Different versions. 3) five ideas: A. Life, B. The moment of birth, C. In the service of God, D. The correlation between man and Atzilus, E. The struggles…

Netilas Yadayim and the Bracha, Al Netilas Yadayim. This class on the Bracha of Netilas yadayim focused on the reasons for washing (both negative ones, going out of what is negative) and positive ones (going into K’dusha). It is for the latter reason that we make a Bracha. Why negel vasser is intermittent and other…

A clarification.

1) Sacrifice, 2) Bring closer, 3) Already close.

A thought that can be debated (I don’t really have a source for this). Disparate parts of the Liturgy, (Amida, Shma and its blessings, Pesukei Dizimra and its blessings etc.) to create the ladder of Tefilla.