The Sicha Rabbi Dov Herman

An in-depth exploration of how the Rebbe defines the Jewish people as both workers and partners with Hashem, resolving when and why the reward for mitzvos is received.

The command “you shall not eat anything abhorrent” according to Rashi,

Siyum on tractate Tanis. Discussion of the statement that one who increases Torah study at night beginning from Tu B’Av will have his life extended:Isn’t a person always obligated to use every available moment for Torah study? If he now studies more at night, does that simply mean that he was previously studying more during the day?Also, what exactly is the “Crown of Torah,” and why does the Rambam say that a person merits it specifically through studying Torah at night?

A Rashi sicha exploring Rashi’s comment that a person will TAKE his reward tomorrow in the world to come, and explaining the unique spiritual reward that one can earn through personal effort beyond the ordinary reward for mitzvah observance that one RECEIVES in this world.

How could Korach’s sons be swallowed with the rebels yet remain alive beneath the earth? The sicha explores the halachic and spiritual power of unexpressed teshuvah: an inner reversal that was real enough to save them, but incomplete because it never emerged into open action.

In honor of Yud-Beis–Yud-Gimmel Tammuz, this sicha explores the difference between the blessing over a miracle and Birkat HaGomel. Why does HaGomel describe the saved person as “liable,” and how can that apply to a tzaddik? A deeper look at danger, salvation, and spiritual elevation.

In Parshas Korach, the verses differentiates between Kohanim and Levi’im — one receives directly from Hashem, while the other receives through serving the people. This episode explores a deeper question: are the Levi’im mainly serving the Kohanim, or do they have their own independent Temple mission alongside the Kohanim? Through the contrast between Rashi and Rambam, we uncover two ways to understand the role, service, and reward of the Levi’im.

When did the spies turn wicked according to Rashi.

The Geder of the positive commandment of rejoicing on Yom Tov. We will review the options of Rambam,Ritva,Ran and Alter Rebbe.

How can the tashlumin of the sacrifices of Shevous be done on weekdays?

Yom Tevoach.

Three levels of effect neighbours have on each other.

The Geder of Tzedekah and Erchin according to the Rambam. Comparison to Alter Rebbe in Tanya. Siyum on Sefer Halfaeh.

The Geder of Mitvos which are dependent on time according to the Rambam.

Rashi Sicha. Whats is the issue of Lifnei Iver according to peshuto shel Mikrah.

Argument Rambam/Ranban vs Rashi about the number of categories of leprosy.

What was the geder of Kehunas Moshe?

The two parables said regarding the Par Helem Davar.

The fundamental difference between the first 7 days of inauguration of kohanim and the 8th day according to Rashi.

Why did Moshe break the lunches instead of just hiding them? Why was Moshe praised by hashem for breaking them?

The significance of Amalek being written in Torah, Nevim. Kesuvim.

Which decorations on the Menorah had almond design on them according to the Rambam.

The process of conversion according to the Rambam.

The obligation to teach the 7 mitzvos to the children of Noah.

The deeper significant behind 3 matzos and 4 cups of wine on the night of Peasch.

Why doesn’t the Rambam include the name Eheye as one of the holy names of Hashem that can’t be erased?

A fast that marks the beginning of exile also carries the seed of its cure.This episode explores Asara B’Teves as a powerful reminder that unity and baseless love are the key to ending exile and bringing redemption.

The reason the Jewish people are called by the name Yosef.

Rashi Sicha. How did Yosef preserve the grain of Egypt.

The inner meaning of the medrash that Yakov took a pen and wrote down the day, second and time when Yosef’s dreams took place.

Yaakov arrives in Shechem “complete” — but what does shalem really mean?We explore Rashi’s interpretation and uncover the deeper layers of this pasuk

A deep dive into the lomdus behind an employee’s obligations to an employer:the obligation of the work itself and the obligation to work with full effort.We also explore the nuanced differences between the Rambam and the Alter Rebbe on this topic.

What was Eisev’s question “how do I tithe salt and straw?”

The city of Chevron and the geder of the Levite ownership of it. Part 2

The city of Chevron and the geder of the Levite ownership of it. Part 1

In this episode, we explore the two parts of Avraham’s covenant — the divine promise of destiny at the Bris Bein HaBetarim (Genesis 15) and the command to fulfill it through circumcision in Bris Milah (Genesis 17).Together, they reveal the central message of the covenant: God’s eternal bond with Avraham’s descendants, sealed by a human act of faith.

Before it destroyed, the rain of the Mabul was a blessing if the generation repented. We’ll uncover how Chazal and the pesukim themselves hint to this hidden shift — from divine compassion to divine judgment.

We dive into whether the Aravah is merely part of the Lulav mitzvah or an independent one, and then look beyond the halacha to the spiritual essence of the Hoshanah — what it reveals about our connection to Hashem.

The gender of Teshuva on Yom Kippur.

The sicha explains why Moshe said “I can no longer go and come” even though he continued teaching afterward. Rashi explains that Moshe lost access only to the deepest channels of Torah analysis and transmission, and Moshe’s total commitment to uncompromising truth made him feel unfit to lead once even a small aspect was diminished.

The meaning of Hashem circumcising the heart according to Rashi, Ramban, and Targum Onkelos

The opinion of the Ramabm regarding the status of the basket with which the Bikkurim are brought.

Four Ways to See the Basket of BikkurimToday we’re exploring a striking halachic question: Why is the basket itself—used to bring the first fruits—given to the kohen?Chazal outline four different gedarim, four conceptual layers, to explain the deep connection between the bikkurim and their basket.

Haores on the sicha. In depth discussion on Nedarim.

Making a neder is like building a Bomah. The view of the Rambam regarding Nedarim.

Why doesn’t Rambam count rabbinic mitzvot in the 613?Because new rabbinic laws could always be added, the list would never be closed.Instead, he keeps the 613 fixed to Torah commandments, while rabbinic ones stand in their own category.

The Mishkan had only temporary kedushah, not tied to its place, and therefore it stood only on flat ground. The Beis HaMikdash has eternal kedushah, bound to its site forever, and for this reason it was built into the incline of the mountain.

Rambam on Teacher Accompanying Student to ExileThe Rambam explains that a teacher must accompany a student exiled for accidental murder because “life without Torah is like death”—learning Torah is essential to the student’s life. However, this seems to contradict the Gemara, which applies the halacha even to an unworthy student (תלמיד שאינו הגון). If so, the reason can’t be solely that Torah is essential to his life, since such a student may not be a true learner. This challenges the Rambam’s explanation.

Why did the Torah emphasize the conquest of kiriyot—fortified cities—when describing the wars of Israel?We’ll discuss the concept of tzibbur (congregation) in the Torah of the Rogatchover Gaon.This will also help us understand why the arei miklat had to be kiriyot—comprised of Yisraelim, Levi’im, and Kohanim.

A chakirah exploring two approaches to why a 12-year-old can make a binding neder: is it due to a gezeiras hakasuv that grants this ability upon reaching age 12, or because at that age, a lesser degree of daas is sufficient for a neder to take effect?