R Yitzchak Shifman Torah Classes

Bamidbar Rabba (Matot) 22:7,8- within the storyline of b'nei Reuven v'Gad there is an issue of perspective about money, and a great lesson in usage of our "gifts".

While the word is used in association with the gentle Aharon, it is also used with the "aggressive" Pinchas. What is it's true definition and reality?

Bamidbar Rabba (Pinchas) 21:1- like his grandfather Aharon, albeit with a different approach, Pinchas promoted peace.

Based on Rambam it is difficult to understand how a wicked person like Bilam could receive prophecy, let alone akin to that of Moshe Rabbeinu. Kli Yakar explains a wonderful approach to clarify this, but we do leave off with a remaining question.

The Torah's warning to not follow in the destructive ways of Korach and his assembly is a practical lesson in productive and destructive behaviors, and the approach to appropriate and inappropriate conflicts.

Bamidbar Rabba (Chukat) 19:25- a hidden storyline about a great miracle akin to kriat yam suf, that occured in year 40 of the sojourn.

The basis for the upheaval of Korach and his assembly is quite unclear, and this is further complicated with Chazal's definition as an argument of "Korach and his assembly".

Bamidbar Rabba (Korach) 18:4- Korach incited a rebellion against Moshe, resulting in total destruction.

The changing perspectives of the Jews in the desert requires some explanation.

The message to Aharon regarding the menorah and the inauguration of the nesi'im highlights the proper intent in serving Hashem.

Midrash Tanchuma, Parshat Beha'alotecha Siman 5- The service given to Aharon highlights a second step in the proper intent necessary in Hashem's service, following the event of the korbanot of the nesi'im.

The Torah teaches a story that gave way to a mitzva, and highlights it's importance as well.

Backstory for the unique law of pesach sheini

Bamidbar Rabba (Baha'alotecha) 15:20- the mark of leadership is the acceptance of suffering on behalf of the people

The sotah is rewarded if she is indeed innocent from infidelity, and this theme is repeated elsewhere. The question is why reward the sinner for their suffering?

Various explanations clarifying the reason a sotah would receive a blessing upon being proven innocent.

Bamidbar Rabba (Nasso) 9:1- Hashem will publicize the sins of those who think that He does not know.

Lessons derived from the fact that the Torah arranges the sections of Nazir and Sotah next to each other.

Bamidbar Rabba (Nasso) 7:1, Vayikra Rabba (Metzora) 18:4- parallel of the sending out of the impure from the camp and the healing that occured at Mt Sinai

A history book, a book of mitzvot... not exactly.

The prohibition of ona'as devarim and the related laws

Rabbi Janowski Shlita

Rabbi Janowski Shlita

Chinuch Mitzva 338, Gemara Shabbat 88b- the terrible sin of "ona'at devarim" and the ways to react to being insulted

Two types of prohibitions of abuse of a fellow Jew: financial and verbal.

Gemara Ketuvot 67b-68a, Vayikra Rabba (Behar) 34:10- eight levels of ways to give charity and the appreciation we should have for the fakers who ask for money despite not needing it.

Discussion of redemption of the peter chamor with its equivalent value and not sheep

The backstory of this figure makes the story all the more tragic.

An analysis of the events leading up to this serious aveira begs further explanation.

Vayikra Rabba (Emor) 26:9, Gemara Taanit 16a- the Torah values the physicality of a person, and directs it's usage in the appropriate ways.

Debate between Rambam and Ramban regarding potential reasons for the prohibitions of relations with the arayot

Analysis of the debate between Rambam and Ramban regarding the potential reasons for the prohibitions of the forbidden relationships

Debate between Rashi and Ramban in the way of becoming "holy"

The mitzva of brit mila teaches an important lesson about self-developement

2 sections- basis for swearing and paying for lost machatzis hashekel (messenger/giver), when have 2 sets of coins (lost, repaid, then found) the usage of each

2 sections- basis for swearing and paying for lost machatzit hashekel (messenger/giver), when have 2 sets of coins (lost, repaid, then found) the usage of each

1 section- when transporting the half-shekels from cities to Mikdash the monies were converted into larger currency for ease of carrying, there were "shofros" for paying the half shekel, distinction if delivery person claimed it was stolen/lost before or after the drawing from the lishka (1 Nissan)

1 section- when transporting the half-shekels from cities to Mikdash the monies were converted into larger currency for ease of carrying, there were "shofrot" for paying the half shekel, distinction if delivery person claimed it was stolen/lost before or after the drawing from the lishka (1 Nissan)

2 sections- interdependency of divisions of estates regarding laws of maaser beheima and kolbon, debate regarding usages of the kolbon

2 sections- discussion of potential realities of laws of estate regarding interdependency of paying kolbon/giving maaser beheima, debate regarding usages of the kolbon

Why are months dated from the Exodus and why did we subsequently absorb the names of the months of the Persians? Why is New Year celebrated in Tishrei if the world was created in Nissan?

2 sections- clarification in debate between R'Meir and Chachamim as relates to giving kolbon (or multiple), when division of estate results in obligations of kolbon or maaser beheima and debate of "yesh breira"/"ein breira"

2 sections- clarification in debate between R'Meir and Chachamim as relates to giving kolbon (or multiple), when division of estate results in obligations of kolbon or maaser beheima and debate of "yesh breira"/"ein breira"

2 sections- not accepting machatzis hashekel, korbanos and donations from nochrim/kusim, adding a kolbon when giving machatzis hashekel

2 sections- if/what allowed to accept from nochrim/kutim, adding kolbon to machatzit hashekel

3 answers explaining the extent of the restriction of doing melacha on Purim and the allowance for Rebbi to plant a tree

Two ideas relating to the ways we refer to the months of the year and the beginning of the year

Bereishit Rabba (Vayera) 48:9, Ramban on Shemot 12:2- significance of the names of the months in the Torah and the later names of Persian origin

3 sections- discussion of people who are obligated in giving the machatzis hashekel and on whom we apply pressure, debate regarding obligation of Kohanim and if ideal for them to give, distinction between individuals who we can accept from and those we cannot

3 sections- discussion of people who are obligated in giving the machatzit hashekel and on whom we apply pressure, debate regarding obligation of Kohanim and if ideal for them to give, distinction between individuals who we can accept from and those we cannot