Overview of the Brachos of Shmone’ Esrei. (short), (5772/2012). The order of the Brachos. Ata Gibor (short thought).(5772/2011). Gevuros, a thought on the second Bracha of the Shmone’ Esrei. Another version (5772/2012). Gevura is a kindness with a focus. There is no waste, even the dead are “recycled” in Techiyas HaMasim.

Ata Gibor. Long Version. (5773/2012). The Gevura of Hashem is His containing Himself in His world. Even where there is fault and flaw, rather than destroy and recreate, He works within the confines (gevuros) of His creation, to renew it, and even to bring it back from the dead.

Kidusha in Chazars Hashatz (part one). Kidusha (1). An introduction to Kidusha. The Zohar says that Kidusha is Biblical and is learned from the same Possuk from which we learn Mesiras Nefesh Al Kidush Hashem. Kidusha is about creating a Merkava (seat) for Hashem’s manifestation as the various levels of malachim do. The different Nuschaos,...

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.

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

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...

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

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...

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...

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...

Modim, the eighteenth Bracha of Shmone Esrei. Class One. Modim (the 18th Bracha of Shmone Esrei). The essence of this Bracha is submission, [as opposed to Tefilla (Prayer) and Avoda (worship, Korbanos)]. It is the Golus prayer, pure submission. The Seder HaYom reveals this essence. Monday 26 Iyar 5773/ May 6 2013. Class Two. This...

Ve’al HanissimThe prayer said in Shemona Esrei and benching (in “Hoda’a”) its meaning (in part) and where we recite it and why. This class is based on source material. Some of the thoughts however are (semi)original and each person will judge for himself. First Version. (5668). Second Version. (5669).

Two points: 1) Chanuka- the war or the oil? 2) HaNeiros Halulu (Yeshiva Achei Temimim, 5782/ 2021)The RaMbaM learns Chanuka from the ViAl HaNissim, and therefore includes the miracle of the war in his Yom Tov.The question of it having a connection to DeOraisa because it’s from the Siddur.As apposed to those who follow the...