Legends of the Talmud

The Talmud describes several decrees made for the benefit of peace, and then finished the fifth chapter of Gittin with yet another story of the argumentative but brilliant Sage Geneiva. We explore the deeper Kabbalistic dimension behind Geneiva's central claims, and provide more background on his story.

Is the majority of Torah in writing or oral tradition? Also: Brief halachic discussion of writing individual verses, and a Chassidic approach to decrees that overturn Torah law.

The debate over whether the Torah was given as a single sealed document or as a series of scrolls, explained with Chassidus

Ein Yakov on the Talmudic section in Gittin (Daf 56-58) that deals with the Destruction of the Temple.

Ein Yakov on the Talmudic section in Gittin (Daf 56-58) that deals with the Destruction of the Temple.

Ein Yakov on the Talmudic section in Gittin (Daf 56-58) that deals with the Destruction of the Temple.

Ein Yakov on the Talmudic section in Gittin (Daf 56-58) that deals with the Destruction of the Temple.

A discussion of the rights and privileges afforded a Kohen; The Chassidic depth behind the notion that the entire Torah was given because of peace and is synonymous with peace

Moshe, Rebi, and Rav Ashi are highlighted as the only individuals who had "Torah and Greatness in one place". Today's class discusses why others between these luminaries were disqualified, and how the Rebbe uses this to teach us all a lesson about consulting with others.

Our discussion of the Destruction concludes with an assessment of what caused our exile, and a celebration of the redemption that awaits us.

Two tales of Jewish people kidnapped by Rome around the time of the Destruction of the Second Temple; A mystical perspective on G-d mourning the loss of Yom Tov in the Bes HaMikdash

Estimates of those massacred at Beitar; the beautiful sons of Jerusalem; the schoolchildren's uprising; the importance of holy images; finding blessings in the Torah's Admonition

400 children sanctify G-d's name, 7 sons and their mother die defending the truth, as our story of the Destruction continues. Plus, Chassidus on the verse "we are as if sheep to the slaughter", with insights into Torah learning that lasts.

We continue the narrative of the Destruction with a reflection on "the voice is the voice of Jacob but the hands are the hands of Esau", a verse that indicates tragedy in the Talmud, but salvation in the Midrash and in Chassidus.

Our tale of woe continues with the tale of more than the 3 million murdered by Nevuzardan during the Destruction of the First Temple. We also encounter the bubbling blood of Zechariah the priest and prophet, and meet a number of unlikely converts descended from our greatest enemies.

The massacre of Beitar, with Hasidic insights into the annual celebration on 15 Av that marks the day that we finally were permitted to bury the victims.

Three stories extolling the virtue of the holy residents of Kfar Sechanya--and a chilling explanation for their destruction.

The story of Har HaMelech, a mountain range that contained 600,000 cities each with 600,000 citizens during the reign of King Yannai.

The tragic story of how the metropolis of Tur Malka fell over the simple matter of a rooster and a hen, with Kabbalistic commentary from the Tzemach Tzedek and the Rebbe's father.

Onkelos the Convert, in his search for truth, uses necromancy to raise and interview three deceased enemies of the Jewish people: Titus, Bilaam, and Jesus.

Titus' triumphant return to Rome, and his painful demise.

Curing R. Tzadok; Titus destroys Jerusalem and the Holy Temple

R. Yochanan is smuggled out of a beseiged Jerusalem, where he first impresses, and then negotiates with, the wicked Titus

The life and demise of one of the richest women in Jerusalem

The three wealthiest families in Jerusalem launch a plan to save the city (plus: the crime of wasted talent)

Bar Kamtza betrays the Jewish people, Zecharya Ben Avkulus makes a fatal error, and Nero converts to Judaism

Bar Kamtza is humiliated, the Rabbis do not protest, and he hatches a plan to get revenge.

How R. Meir defeated Satan. Plus the mystical significance of peace, Shabbos, and clearing the way for repentance.

R. Meir saw in a dream that property he had saved was meant to be destroyed. Here's how he responded

The incredible story of Resh Lakish's confrontation with cannibals (or gladiators), with lessons for our own confrontations with the evil inclination.

Gibeon joined the Jewish people under false pretenses in the times of Joshua. Why did they feel the need to lie, and what can we learn from their unique role?

The strange story of R. Nachman's daughters, and Chassidus on the verse that motivates the story: "one man in one thousand I have found; one woman I have not found"

"One does not understand the words of Torah until one stumbles in them": making humilitating mistakes in public can solidify our Torah knowledge and make us better.

A deep dive into the spiritual causes of poverty, featuring a lively discussion about stepping out of Shul to eat during the Rav's speech on Shabbos.

Among the most celebrated qualities: one who is insulted and does not retort, one who is disgraced and does not answer, one who acts out of love and is joyful while suffering

A survey of the dangers of taking an oath, even truthfully, in our tractate and elsewhere in the Talmud.

A discussion of the eastern wind, a blistering breeze that warps wood and harms fertility in the Talmud and in Chassidus.

A discussion of the southern wind, a hot breeze that silences all other winds, in the Talmud and in Chassidus.

The Rabbis protest a Persian holiday; Writing G-d's name with intent; Why the Persian exile was worse than the Roman exile.

Lips in Kabbalah; How one rabbi survived a transaction that went south.

Whether islands like Cyprus are considered part of Biblical Israel; Israel's geography; A Kabbalistic discussion of Mt. Amnon, a Messianic part of our northern border.

The reward for poor people who give charity in spite of their hardships; Kabbalah on the names of Talmudic rabbis; The Rebbe's answer to people facing financial hardship

Outlawing bridal outfits; R. Chisda, Kohanim, and kindness; a survey of hyperbole regarding idols in the Temple

Outlawing music; Responding to those who harm you or take away your livelihood; the power of self-control

How Mar Ukva defeated his enemies by waking up earlier and going to bed later; The Rebbe's message to Hasidim who were engaging directly with those who opposed them

The Talmud lists the dire consequences of instilling "excessive fear" within one's family.

Trusting R. Evyatar; The Concubine in Giva; the inner meaning of "Eilu ViEilu"

Mazal Tov! The final Shiur on Ein Yaakov Sotah

How a Hasmonean Civil War led to the banning of Greek wisdom, and an explanation in Chassidus

The Talmud describes the state of decline of the world in the days leading up to the coming of Moshiach