West Deal Torah Center

Rabbi Moshe Tobal hosts classes Monday through Friday at 6:50 AM at West Deal Shul.This class covers Berachot 20a, focusing on the laws of those carrying a mita (bier) and their exemption from Kriat Shema, Tefilla, and other mitzvot, as well as the distinctions between those actively carrying and those who have already fulfilled their role. Rabbi Tobal then transitions into the Gemara's central question raised by Rav Papal: why did open miracles occur regularly in earlier generations but not in later ones? Through stories of Tekhiyat HaMetim performed by Rav Huna and Rabbi Yochanan, and the dramatic account of Rav Kahana in Rabbi Yochanan's academy, the class illustrates just how accessible miracles once were. Drawing on the Leshem Shevo v'Achlamah, Rabbi Tobal explains that the acceptance of Torah at Purim unlocked a deeper level of Torah understanding for later generations, even surpassing the generation of the Nevi'im in certain respects. The class concludes with Rav Yehuda's famous teaching that despite knowing more Torah tractates than earlier generations, later generations could not bring rain with the ease of a single removed shoe, raising the deeper question — rooted in the Rashbam — that true Torah greatness lies not in quantity of knowledge but in internalization and spiritual refinement.- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -Visit: westdealshul.orgSponsorships: [email protected]

Rabbi Moses Hidary hosts classes Monday nights at West Deal Shul.In this class, Rabbi Hidary continues the Chovot HaLevavot's Shaar HaBitachon, focusing on how bitachon applies to income beyond basic survival needs. He explains that while basic sustenance — food and minimal clothing — is guaranteed by Hashem, everything beyond that requires normal hishtadlut, and over-hustling will not produce more than what is decreed. The class explores the idea that Hashem channels money through individuals who are then responsible for sustaining others, including family, employees, and the poor — each representing a different portion of one's income. Rabbi Hidary outlines three key mistakes a person makes regarding wealth: earning it through dishonest means, believing all income is solely for personal use, and becoming arrogant when giving to others as if the generosity is his own rather than Hashem's. The lesson concludes with the sobering reminder that a person who toils for wealth but acts with arrogance risks losing his eternal reward, while true bitachon brings both material and spiritual peace.- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -(0:00) Introduction: Bitachon & Income(0:49) Basic Needs Are Guaranteed(1:46) Beyond Basic: Work & Livelihood(3:22) What Work Is Right for You?(6:15) Extra Income Comes Without Overworking(7:06) Hourly Wage & the Hustle Question(9:57) Hashem Channels Money Through People(14:46) The Test of Wealth(17:37) Supporting Family & Dependents(21:41) Mistake #1: Earning Dishonestly(24:30) Mistake #2: Thinking It's All for You(24:47) The Three Parts of Your Paycheck(31:26) Mistake #3: Arrogance in Giving(36:01) Closing- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -Visit: westdealshul.orgSponsorships: [email protected]

Mr. Sammy Saka hosts classes on Zoom Tuesday and Thursday at 12:30PM. Contact Jacob Betesh to be added to the chat.In this class, Mr. Sammy Saka explores Mishna 1:15 in Pirkei Avot, in which Shammai presents three teachings: make Torah study a fixed practice, say little and do much, and receive every person with a cheerful face. Saka emphasizes that just as we schedule physical workouts and business meetings, Torah learning must be deliberately placed in our daily schedule, noting that the first question asked of us after 120 years will be whether we set aside time for Torah. He illustrates the principle of saying little and doing much through the contrasting examples of Avraham Avinu, who promised a morsel and delivered a feast, and Ephron, who spoke generously but acted selfishly. On the third teaching, Saka explains that the word seber implies not merely smiling outwardly but meaning it sincerely from the heart, and that kol ha'adam calls us to see the totality of every person, since each individual is created in the image of Hashem and carries inherent goodness. The class concludes with a call for each person to lead by example in all three areas, and a tribute to Elliot Dweck for bringing Rabbi Labaton to the Westdale community.- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -(0:00) Introduction & Mishna 1:15(1:02) Ase Toratecha Keva: Set Torah Time(2:13) Spiritual Energy & Shabbat(4:37) Scheduling Torah Like Work(6:54) Emor Me'at Va'ase Harbe: Say Little(7:01) Avraham Avinu: The Prime Example(9:07) Ephron: The Opposite Example(10:01) The Power of Simple Words(10:26) Story of Mr. Saul Ashkenazy(13:42) Veheveh Mekabel: Cheerful Face(14:43) The Word Seber: Meaning It Sincerely(16:02) Kol Ha'adam: See the Whole Person(18:02) Leading by Example: Conclusion(21:53) Closing Tribute to Elliot Dweck- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -Visit: westdealshul.orgSponsorships: [email protected]

Rabbi Albert Setton hosts classes every Shabbat at West Deal Shul.In this class, Rabbi Albert Setton begins Perek 5 of Pirkei Avot, noting that its opening Mishnayot are structured around the number 10, and asking both what the rabbis are classifying and why. He explores the first three Mishnayot together as a thematic unit: the world's creation through 10 divine utterances establishes humanity's responsibility to either uplift or damage the world; the 10 generations from Adam to Noah illustrate God's patience and set the stage for the Jewish people's role as a corrective force in history; and Avraham Avinu's 10 trials demonstrate that being a righteous, world-sustaining person requires sacrifice and perseverance. Rabbi Setton then moves through Mishnayot 4 and 5, contrasting the 10 miracles God performed for the Jewish people in Egypt and at the Red Sea with the 10 times the Jewish people tested God in the desert, and then offering the 10 daily miracles of the Beit Hamikdash as an affirmation of the enduring relationship between God and Israel. The class concludes with the beginning of Mishnah 6, which lists 10 things created at twilight on the eve of the first Shabbat, including the mouth of the earth that swallowed Korach, Bilam's talking donkey, the manna, Moshe's staff, and the shamir worm.- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -Visit: westdealshul.orgSponsorships: [email protected]

Rabbi Joseph Dana hosts classes Monday through Friday at 6:50 AM at West Deal Shul.This class continues the sugya on Berachot 19b, exploring whether Kavod HaBeriyot — honor and dignity of people — can override Torah prohibitions. The Gemara examines the pasuk of V'Hit'alamta Me'hem to derive cases where one is permitted to ignore a friend's lost object, such as a Kohen near a cemetery, an elderly sage, or a person whose financial loss outweighs the object's value. Each attempted proof that Kavod HaBeriyot can broadly override mitzvot is rejected, either because the exception is sourced directly from a pasuk rather than independent logic, or because monetary law cannot serve as a model for other prohibitions. The class then turns to the Nazir's laws of tumah and the case of Met Mitzvah, raising the sharp question of whether honoring an unattended corpse can override the mitzvah of Korban Pesach. The Gemara resolves that in each case it is the Torah's own pesukim — not an independent ethical principle — that determine when an obligation is overridden, and the class closes with a preview of the distinction between actively violating a mitzvah versus passively refraining.- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -Visit: westdealshul.orgSponsorships: [email protected]

Rabbi Ike Hanon hosts classes Monday through Friday at 6:10 AM at West Deal Shul.The class covers Pesachim 38a-38b, focusing on the question of why the loaves accompanying a korban todah and korban nazir cannot be used to fulfill the mitzvah of matzah on Pesach. Rabbah derives this from the pasuk 'ushmartem et hamatzot,' requiring that matzah be safeguarded specifically for the mitzvah, while Rav Yosef derives it from 'shivat yamim matzot tochelu,' requiring that the matzah be fit for eating all seven days — making Rav Yosef's opinion the stricter of the two. The Gemara then tests and rejects several alternative derivations based on lechem oni and the requirement that matzah be edible anywhere, with Reish Lakish defending the latter point by noting that in the era of Nov and Givon these breads were in fact accessible beyond a central location. The sugya concludes with a Beraita recording a dispute between Rebi Eliezer and Rebi Yehoshua, with Rabba explaining that loaves made with intent to sell can be used for matzah because the maker had flexible intentions in mind from the outset. The class ends with a brief note that the next topic, hilchot maror, will follow.- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -Visit: westdealshul.orgSponsorships: [email protected]

Mr. Sammy Saka hosts classes on Zoom Tuesday and Thursday at 12:30PM. Contact Jacob Betesh to be added to the chat.In this class on Pirkei Avot Mishna 1:13, Mr. Sammy Saka explores four powerful teachings from Hillel, one of the greatest sages in Jewish history. The first lesson warns that one who chases honor will ultimately lose his good name, as true reputation is built through humble, selfless action rather than self-promotion. The second teaching compares Torah learning to a skill like tennis — without consistent daily practice, one's knowledge and sharpness inevitably decline, making it essential to find a subject or rabbi that keeps you engaged and growing. The third statement, that one who refuses to teach deserves death, is understood not as a literal decree but as a call to recognize and utilize the unique God-given talents each person possesses in service of others. Finally, Hillel's warning against exploiting the crown of Torah is framed as a reminder that Torah leaders must never use their influence for personal gain, while still being deserving of fair compensation for their sacred work.- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -(0:00) Introduction to Mishna 1:13(1:24) Seeking Honor Loses Reputation(3:23) Humility & Deflecting Credit(5:45) Increasing Torah Learning Daily(6:00) Torah Learning Like Tennis(8:06) Daf Yomi & Siyum HaShas(10:00) Torah as Spiritual Fuel(12:26) Refusing to Teach = Escaping Purpose(13:49) Using Your God-Given Talents(16:53) Exploiting the Crown of Torah(19:24) Summary: Always Raise the Bar- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -Visit: westdealshul.orgSponsorships: [email protected]

Rabbi Joseph Dana hosts classes every Friday at 6:45 AM at West Deal Shul.In this class on Parashat Behar/Behukotai, Rabbi Dana focuses on a single pasuk describing a brother who becomes impoverished and must sell his ancestral land, with a family redeemer obligated to buy it back. On the level of pshat, he draws on Rav Soloveitchik's insight that helping someone in poverty means caring for the whole person — their emotional state, confidence, and dignity — not just their finances. Shifting to a Chassidic lens, Rabbi Dana explores the Noam Elimelech's reading of the pasuk as describing spiritual poverty, where a person becomes distracted by the pleasures of this world and drifts from their true mission of serving God. The Noam Elimelech identifies the 'redeemer who is close' as the tzaddik or rabbi, who shares a spiritual root with the person and has the power to pull them back to their connection with Hashem. Rabbi Dana closes with a practical call to action rooted in the Mishna in Pirkei Avot — not only should every person cultivate a real relationship with a rabbi, but friends too carry an obligation to bring one another closer to Torah, meaning we are all participants in the work of kiruv.- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -Visit: westdealshul.orgSponsorships: [email protected]

Rabbi David Semah hosts classes every day at 6:45 AM at West Deal Shul.Rabbi David Semah opens with the pasuk from Parashat Behar, V'chi Yamuch Achicha — if your brother becomes poor, you must strengthen him. He develops a powerful mashal comparing a struggling person to a load on a donkey: it is far easier to steady the load while it is still on the donkey than to lift it off the ground after it has fallen. The Rabbi applies this practically, noting that we often hesitate to help someone in decline, but once a person has fully fallen, the burden of helping becomes overwhelming. He emphasizes the Torah's double language of V'chai Achicha — your brother shall live — teaching that one must also maintain their own livelihood while helping others, not giving away everything to the point of personal ruin. The class closes with a reference to a Midrash on V'chai Achicha and a call to go out of our way to ensure our fellow Jews are truly okay.- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -Visit: westdealshul.orgSponsorships: [email protected]

Rabbi Moshe Tobal hosts classes Monday through Friday at 6:10 AM at West Deal Shul.Rabbi Moshe Tobal opens by addressing a deeply challenging question: the Torah promises three years of blessing to those who keep Shemitah, yet this miraculous outcome does not always visibly occur. He cites the Chafetz Chaim and Chazon Ish, who explain that Torah blessings and rabbinic berachot are not automatic — they depend on the full picture of a person's merits — but Rabbi Tobal notes this answer alone feels incomplete. He adds that the one exception is Maaser, where Hashem uniquely says "test Me," indicating that Tzedakah is the one area where the blessing is guaranteed regardless, giving a person a clear anchor for Emunah. To connect Parashat Behar and Bechukotai, Rabbi Tobal brings the story of Achav visiting Chiel during shiva after Chiel's sons died from Yehoshua's curse, and Achav's challenge to Eliyahu HaNavi questioning why Moshe Rabbeinu's curse of drought had not materialized. The lesson is that just as Hashem delays curses out of patience and mercy, so too are blessings sometimes delayed — both operate within a larger Divine calculation — and Tzedakah remains the one reliable test of Hashem's direct and certain response.- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -Visit: westdealshul.orgSponsorships: [email protected]

Rabbi Ike Hanon hosts classes Monday through Friday at 6:10 AM at West Deal Shul.In this class on Parashat Behar, Rabbi Ike Hanon explores the Sefer HaChinuch's four reasons behind the mitzvah of Shemittah. The first reason is that the cycle of six years of work followed by a seventh year of rest mirrors the six days of creation and Shabbat, reinforcing our belief that Hashem created the world. The second reason is that continuing to be sustained while not working reminds us that our parnasah comes from Hashem and not from the earth itself. The third reason is that being required to declare one's fields Hefker — ownerless — cultivates the midah of vatranut, the ability to let go of possessions and become more charitable. Finally, the fourth reason is that completely refraining from work for an entire year builds true bitachon, a deep and unwavering reliance on Hashem.- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -Visit: westdealshul.orgSponsorships: [email protected]

Rabbi Ike Hanon hosts classes every day at 6:10 AM at West Deal Shul.The class covers Pesachim 38a, focusing on a question posed by Rish Lakish regarding whether a Kohen can fulfill his matzah obligation using challah that was separated from Ma'aser Sheni produce in Jerusalem. The Gemara first establishes that the question is only relevant according to Rebbe Akiva, who permits using Ma'aser Sheni for matzah, while Rebbe Yosi HaGlili is disqualified outright since he already restricts plain Ma'aser Sheni. A second version of the question introduces a more complex case where challah is purchased using Ma'aser Sheni money, raising the issue of whether the redemption leniency (ho'il) still applies when the sanctity was acquired through money rather than directly from produce. The Gemara grapples with whether two separate ho'il arguments can be stacked to permit using such challah for matzah, particularly according to the opinion that food purchased with Ma'aser Sheni money that becomes impure must be buried rather than redeemed. Rava resolves the question by ruling that Ma'aser Sheni is "shem echad" — one unified category — meaning that if the original produce case is permitted, derivative cases reached through multiple ho'il arguments are equally permitted.- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -Visit: westdealshul.orgSponsorships: [email protected]

Rabbi Ike Hanon hosts classes Monday through Friday at 6:10 AM at West Deal Shul.The class continues the ongoing debate between Rabbi Yochanan and Reish Lakish over whether food cooked in a pan qualifies halachically as bread, with implications for Hafrashat Challah and the validity of matzah. The Gemara introduces a Beraita discussing two types of boiled dough — meisa and chalita — and examines the seemingly contradictory positions of Beit Shammai and Beit Hillel, ultimately concluding that the Beraita must reflect two different traditions since their opinions cannot be internally consistent. The Gemara then attempts to use the Chachamim's ruling — that only oven-baked items are obligated in Challah — as a challenge to Rabbi Yochanan's position that pan-cooked bread is valid. Rabbi Yochanan tries to defend himself by pointing to the Tanakama in the Beraita, but the Gemara dismantles this defense by showing that both the Tanakama and Rabbi Yehuda agree a pan alone is insufficient — they only argue about whether subsequent oven-baking can redeem it. Rava traces Rabbi Yehuda's opinion to a pasuk in Parashat Bechukotai, and the class closes with a brief discussion of who receives Challah today and the rare opinion that Kohanim in chutz la'aretz may still eat it.- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -Visit: westdealshul.orgSponsorships: [email protected]

Rabbi Joseph Dana hosts classes every day at 6:50 AM at West Deal Shul.This class covers the laws of Kriat Shema as they apply to those involved in a funeral, beginning with the Mishnah's ruling that pallbearers and their replacements are exempt from Shema. The Gemara discusses whether one may schedule a funeral so early that it interferes with the time for Shema, concluding that it is forbidden unless the deceased is a great scholar, in which case the large attendance constitutes Kavod HaTorah. The class then examines what a mourner says during the eulogy, including the Siduk HaDin prayer, and raises the principle of Al Tiftach Peh L'Satan — that one must be careful not to verbally invite further punishment. The Gemara also addresses a contradiction between the Mishnah and a Baraita regarding whether one must complete the entire Shema or whether finishing even one verse or paragraph is sufficient, with the conclusion supporting opinions that the first verse or paragraph carries biblical-level obligation. Finally, the class explores how the rows of consolers at a mourner's house affect the Shema exemption, with the opinion of Yehudah suggesting that personal intent to console — rather than physical proximity — is the determining factor.- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -(0:00) Nosé HaMéta: Carrying the Coffin(1:33) Early Funerals and Shema Timing(5:55) Rav Yosef's Funeral: Adam Hashuv(6:34) Hakham Ovadia vs. Ariel Sharon(9:09) Eulogies and Saying Shema(10:00) The Mourner's Prayer: Siduk HaDin(13:40) Al Tiftach Peh L'Satan(16:00) Proof from Yeshayah(18:47) Returning from Burial: Shema Rules(20:05) Contradiction Between Mishnah and Baraita(23:49) Value of One Pasuk of Shema(24:53) Rows of Consolers and Shema Exemption(26:56) Yehudah: Intent Determines Exemption- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -Visit: westdealshul.orgSponsorships: [email protected]

Rabbi Albert Setton hosts classes every Shabbat morning at 7:00 AM at West Deal Shul.In this class, Rabbi Albert Setton begins Perek Dalet of Pirkei Avot by exploring three foundational Mishnayot that redefine our core human drives. He opens with Ben Zoma's famous fourfold teaching, examining how wisdom, strength, wealth, and honor are each redirected inward — away from comparison with others and toward self-mastery and inner contentment. Rabbi Setton then turns to Ben Azzai, who teaches that every mitzvah pulls another mitzvah in its wake and every sin drags along another, and who warns against dismissing any person or thing as irrelevant since everything and everyone has their moment. The class continues with the Mishnah of Rabbi Levitas of Yavneh, where Rabbi Setton draws on the Rambam at length to distinguish between humility and lowliness, arguing that arrogance is so dangerous — effectively displacing God's presence — that one should lean toward the extreme of Shefal Ruach rather than risk tipping into Gaavah. The session closes by introducing the complementary concept of Kiddush Hashem, framing it as the outward-facing balance to humility, and briefly touching on the imperative to learn Torah not merely to teach but to live it.- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -Visit: westdealshul.orgSponsorships: [email protected]

Rabbi Ike Hanon hosts classes Monday through Friday at 6:10 AM at West Deal Shul.The class begins with a recap of the decorated matzot discussion from 37a, where Rav Yose rules that thin, cracker-like matzot may be decorated without concern for chametz. The Gemara then transitions into a related discussion about hafrashat challah, examining which unusual bread types — including pan-made, sun-baked, and fried varieties — are exempt from the obligation. A major dispute between Resh Lakish and Rabbi Yochanan is explored: Resh Lakish holds that only oven-baked bread requires challah, while Rabbi Yochanan maintains that pan-made bread is also obligated, and the exemptions stem from breads baked in the sun. The Gemara defends Resh Lakish through the concept of a preheated pan making it equivalent to oven baking, and this framework is applied to whether pan-made matzah qualifies for use at the Seder. A brief digression defines matzah hina — underdone matzah — as valid for use as long as it no longer pulls strings when broken, with the same threshold applied to the loaves accompanying a korban todah.- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -Visit: westdealshul.orgSponsorships: [email protected]

Rabbi Joseph Dana hosts classes Monday through Friday at 6:50 AM at West Deal Shul.This class continues the Gemara in Berachot 19a, exploring cases where rabbis faced or deserved excommunication for undermining rabbinic authority. Rabbi Dana examines the story of Todos Ish Romi, who instructed his community to roast whole animals on Pesach night in a way that resembled bringing a korban outside the Beit HaMikdash, leading Shimon ben Shetach to threaten him with excommunication. The class then transitions into the famous story of Tanur Shel Achnai, in which Rabbi Eliezer refused to accept the majority ruling on the purity status of a reconstructed clay oven, invoking miraculous signs to prove his position, only to be overruled by the principle that Torah is no longer in heaven. The discussion highlights the foundational concept that once the Sanhedrin votes, no individual rabbi — and not even a heavenly voice — can override that ruling, illustrating the complete transfer of halachic authority to the sages. The class concludes by explaining the discrepancy between finding only three explicit cases of excommunication in the Mishnah versus the traditionally cited number of twenty-four, noting that some authorities derive the larger count by comparing similar cases rather than requiring explicit mention.- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -(0:00) Introduction: Excommunication(1:18) Honi HaMeagel Recap(3:02) Todos Ish Romi Case(5:07) Roasting Meat on Seder Night(9:58) Tanur Shel Achnai Background(14:05) The Oven of the Snake(16:33) Rabbi Eliezer's Miracles(18:30) Burning Rabbi Eliezer's Rulings(19:09) Zaken Mamreh & Sanhedrin Power(20:55) Torah Is Not in Heaven(27:27) Why Only 3 Cases in Mishnah(28:10) How 24 Cases Are Counted- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -Visit: westdealshul.orgSponsorships: [email protected]

Rabbi Joseph Dana hosts classes every Friday morning at 6:45 AM at West Deal Shul.In this class on Parashat Emor, Rabbi Dana surveys the parasha's broad topics — laws of the kohanim, korbanot, and the Jewish holidays — before focusing on a striking question raised by Rabbi Moshe Feinstein in Darash Moshe: why are the laws of leket and peah, gifts for the poor, inserted in the middle of the Torah's listing of the holidays? Rabbi Feinstein establishes that Shabbat and the holidays represent two intertwined pillars of Jewish faith — Shabbat testifies that Hashem created the world, while the holidays testify that Hashem actively runs and guides the world — and that these beliefs are inseparable, each incomplete without the other. From this foundation, Rabbi Dana explains that tzedakah is placed among the holidays because giving charity is the direct expression of the belief that Hashem is the true provider of all parnasah, making charity not a sacrifice of one's own wealth but a return of what God has already given. Rashi and Chazal further connect this theme by teaching that one who properly gives matanot aniyim is credited as though he built the Beit HaMikdash and offered korbanot, rooted in Yeshaya's prophecy that the Jewish people will return to Zion through tzedakah. The class concludes with the practical message that internalizing Hashem's role as provider — expressed through joyful and faithful giving — is both an act of deep emunah and a step toward the ultimate redemption.- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -(0:00) Parashat Emor Overview(1:14) Rav Moshe Feinstein: Darash Moshe(2:46) Why Is Tzedakah Mid-Holidays?(3:28) Shabbat Listed Among Holidays(4:44) Shabbat = Belief in Creation(5:33) Holidays = Hashem Runs the World(6:52) Half-Belief Is No Belief(8:38) Tzedakah and Emunah Are Linked(10:58) The Store Rental Analogy(13:13) Bitachon and Parnasah(17:44) Rashi: Leket Among the Holidays(20:16) Tzedakah = Building the Mikdash(21:53) Veshavehah Besedakah(23:18) Tzedakah as a Korban(24:00) Summary and Conclusion- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -Visit: westdealshul.orgSponsorships: [email protected]

Rabbi Moshe Tobal hosts classes Monday through Friday at 6:30 AM at West Deal Shul.In this class on Parashat Emor, Rabbi Moshe Tobal explores the two main themes of the parasha: the special laws of the Kohanim and the Jewish holidays, including Sefirat HaOmer and the Four Species of Sukkot. He raises the central question of what connects these two seemingly unrelated topics. The Rabbi develops the idea that closeness to Hashem demands greater holiness and more mitzvot, drawing a hierarchy from non-Jews with 7 mitzvot, to Jews with 613, to Kohanim with additional restrictions. He illustrates this principle with an insight about the prophetess Esther, noting that the Chazal teach she was always mentally focused on Hashem, demonstrating the total devotion required of those closest to Him. The class concludes by tying this theme back to the commandment of Kedoshim Tihyu, explaining that the connection between the Kohanim and the holidays is the shared call to actively pursue and embody kedushah.- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -(0:00) Introduction to Parashat Emor(0:29) Holidays and Korbanot in the Parasha(1:00) Connection Between Kehuna and Holidays(1:41) Why Kohanim Have More Chumrot(2:08) Jews vs. Non-Jews: Levels of Mitzvot(2:28) Kohanim, Jews, and Bnei Noach Compared(3:44) Story of Esther and the Prophet's Focus(4:48) Closeness to Hashem Requires More Mitzvot(5:40) Kedoshim Tihyu and the Parasha's Theme- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -Visit: westdealshul.orgSponsorships: [email protected]

Rabbi Ike Hanon hosts classes Monday through Friday at 6:10 AM at West Deal Shul.In this class, Rabbi Ike Hanon explores an episode from Parshat Emor involving the Megadef, the person who blasphemed Hashem, and the legal uncertainty Moshe faced in determining his punishment. The Chachamim note that this case ran parallel to that of the Mikoshesh Etzim, the wood gatherer who violated Shabbat, and that both men were placed in holding cells while Moshe consulted Hashem. A key distinction emerges: the Mikoshesh knew he would be executed but not how, while the Megadef did not yet know his fate at all. Rabbi Hanon shares an insight from Rabbi Frand explaining why the Torah required two separate cells — placing the Megadef with someone already condemned to death would have caused him unnecessary anguish and fear before his judgment was rendered. From this, Rabbi Hanon draws a powerful lesson about the Torah's sensitivity to human feelings, noting that if even a blasphemer's emotional state was protected, how much more so must we be careful about the feelings of others.- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -Visit: westdealshul.orgSponsorships: [email protected]

Rabbi David Semah hosts classes Monday through Friday at 6:45 AM at West Deal Shul.Rabbi Semah opens by connecting Parashat Emor's commandment of the Four Species on Sukkot to a famous Midrash in which each species represents a different type of Jew, from the learned and righteous Etrog to the spiritually empty Aravah. He then shares a powerful Zohar that reframes the Aravah entirely, teaching that the ignorant Jew who sincerely tries to learn Torah — even with mistakes — brings God the greatest joy, and that those broken words rise up and become mighty trees in Gan Eden called Arve Nachal. Shifting to the occasion of Pesach Sheni, Rabbi Semah traces the historical moment when the Jewish people left the oasis of Alush, exhausted their miraculous supply of matzah, and fell into despair in the desert — only to receive the manna the very next morning. He draws a timeless lesson from this sequence: when life suddenly drops from a high point to an apparent low, it is not abandonment but preparation, as God is plowing the field for something far greater ahead. The class closes with an impassioned message of emunah, urging the community never to lose confidence in Hashem's deep and unwavering love for the Jewish people.- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -(0:00) Intro: Parashat Emor & Pesach Sheni(0:14) The Four Species & Their Symbolism(0:52) Midrash: Four Species as Four Types of Jews(1:54) Zohar: The Ignorant Jew Who Tries to Learn(3:40) The Aravah & Torah L'Shma(5:06) Pesach Sheni & the Desert Journey(6:36) The Miracle of the Manna(7:54) Lesson: Obstacles Prepare Us for Blessing- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -Visit: westdealshul.orgSponsorships: [email protected]

Rabbi Ike Hanon hosts classes Monday through Friday at 6:10 AM at West Deal Shul.The class begins on Pesachim 37a by revisiting the dispute between Bet Shammai and Bet Hillel over pat ava, and introducing a new interpretation that pat ava means a large quantity of bread rather than thick bread. Rav Minyami bar Rava quotes a tradition in which a rabbi privately asks his own rabbi about this term, and the answer reframes the entire halachic discussion. The class then explores the concern of chametz in thick dough, explaining how heat accelerates fermentation and why modern matza is rolled paper-thin, touching on the minhag of gebrakhts along the way. The discussion moves to why Bet Shammai's ban on pat ava applies to all holidays, not just Pesach, ultimately concluding that the issue is tirha — excessive labor on Yom Tov — rather than a chametz concern. The class closes with the Talmudic account of Baitos ben Zonin's question about shaped matza molds, and Rabbi Elazar bar Tzadok's childhood memory of seeing shaped matza in Rabban Gamliel's home.- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -(0:00) Pat Ava: Thick or a Lot of Bread?(1:08) Rav Minyami's Question to His Rabbi(2:01) Pat Ava Means a Lot of Bread(3:28) No Upper Limit on Matza Thickness(5:08) Why Thick Dough Risks Becoming Chametz(6:05) Sourdough Starters and Se'or Explained(9:06) The Streitz Matza Factory Story(12:29) Gebrakhts: A Minhag Explained(14:19) Back to the Bet Shammai/Hillel Dispute(16:58) Why Does Bet Shammai Ban Pat Ava?(18:56) Tirha: The Real Reason for the Ban(20:06) Fulfilling Matza with Different Bread Types(21:14) Why Shaped Matza Is Banned on Pesach(22:47) Baitos Ben Zonin's Question to the Sages(24:49) Rabbi Elazar Bar Tzadok's Childhood Memory- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -Visit: westdealshul.orgSponsorships: [email protected]

Rabbi Ike Hanon hosts classes Monday through Friday at 6:10 AM at West Deal Shul.This class covers the final lines of Pesachim 36b and the opening of 37a, continuing the discussion of what types of dough and bread qualify as lechem oni for the mitzvah of matzah on Pesach. The sugya explores whether an onen may eat bikurim, tracing the debate among Rabbi Eliezer, Rabbi Akiva, and Rabbi Shimon, and connects this to the concept of simcha required when bringing bikurim between Shavuot and Sukkot. The Gemara then defines lechem oni by ruling out luxurious preparations such as chalut (boiled/scalded bread) and ashisha, while permitting even highly refined white flour as long as no enhancement to the dough itself has been made, drawing a proof from David HaMelech's celebratory feast. The class concludes with the machloket between Beit Shammai and Beit Hillel over patava — thick matzah — and Rav Yosef's rejection of the lechem hapanim as a valid source for determining thickness, noting that the conditions of the Beit HaMikdash cannot be replicated in private homes. Rabbi Hanon observes that while the Gemara clearly allowed much thicker and more elaborate matzah than we use today, contemporary practice has gravitated toward thin cracker-style matzah as the safest and most practical approach.- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -(0:00) Intro: Matzah from Bikurim/Maaser(1:33) Aninus and eating Bikurim(3:42) Bikurim debate: Rabbanan vs. R' Shimon(5:15) Bikurim season: Shavuot to Hanukkah(6:51) Lechem Oni defined: Pat Hadra'ah(8:08) Matzot Matzot — multiple types allowed(10:08) Matzot of Shlomo HaMelech(12:01) Defining Ashisha — luxury bread(13:20) David HaMelech's party menu(14:35) Rav Hanan bar Rava on Eshpad(16:13) Shmuel: Ashisha means wine pitcher(19:20) Patava — thick matzah debate(20:29) Lechem HaPanim as thickness proof(21:05) Rav Yosef rejects Beit HaMikdash proof(23:30) Conclusion: cracker matzah today- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -Visit: westdealshul.orgSponsorships: [email protected]

Rabbi Ike Hanon hosts classes Monday through Friday at 6:10 AM at West Deal Shul.The class covers Pesachim 36a-36b, focusing on whether one can fulfill the mitzva of matzah using produce that has the status of Bikurim or Maaser Sheni. Rabbi Yosei HaGalili and Rabbi Akiva both agree that Bikurim cannot be used for matzah, though they initially derive this from different sources — Rabbi Yosei HaGalili from the pasuk requiring matzah to be edible in all settlements, and Rabbi Akiva from a comparison between matzah and maror. Rabbi Akiva ultimately retracts his own source after running into a logical contradiction, and adopts Rabbi Yosei HaGalili's pasuk for excluding Bikurim. The two Tannaim disagree about Maaser Sheni — Rabbi Yosei HaGalili excludes it based on the requirement of Lechem Oni, while Rabbi Akiva includes it via the principle of Matzot Matzot Riba, supported by Rabbi Eliezer's ruling that Tamei Maaser Sheni can be redeemed and taken outside Jerusalem. The class concludes by noting that Rabbi Yosei HaGalili apparently holds like Rabbi Shimon, who permits eating Bikurim while in a state of aninut, which explains why he needs a separate pasuk to exclude Bikurim rather than relying on the Lechem Oni requirement.- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -(0:00) Intro: Bikurim & Matzah(0:57) R' Yosei Galili's Source(2:16) R' Akiva's Source(3:41) R' Akiva's Logical Problem(4:35) Matzot Matzot Riba(6:04) R' Akiva Retracts(8:14) Maaser Sheni vs. Bikurim(11:01) R' Eliezer: Tamei Maaser Sheni(14:17) Gemara Confirms R' Akiva Retracted(15:42) Lechem Oni & R' Yosei Galili(16:39) R' Shimon on Bikurim & Onen- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -Visit: westdealshul.orgSponsorships: [email protected]

Rabbi Moses Hidary hosts classes every Monday night at West Deal Shul.In this class, Rabbi Hidary continues through Shaar HaBitachon, focusing on Perek 4 and the topic of relying on Hashem in matters of health and livelihood. The Chovos HaLevavos teaches that while a person must take proper hishtadlut to maintain their health and seek medical treatment when ill, they must not place their trust in the medicine or doctors themselves, recognizing that Hashem alone is the true healer. The class draws on examples from Tanakh — including Elisha and the waters of Yericho, the bitter wood at Mara, and King Hezkiah's fig remedy — to illustrate that Hashem can heal through any means, even those that seem counterproductive. The class then transitions into the topic of bitachon regarding additional income and luxuries, with the Chovos HaLevavos teaching that one should pursue a fitting vocation and trust that Hashem will provide extras without the need for excessive overexertion. A key practical question is raised about whether someone in debt should take on extra work, acknowledging that the balance between hishtadlut and genuine bitachon is among the most challenging aspects of avodas Hashem.- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -(0:00) Intro: Basics vs. Extras(0:41) Hashem Guarantees Basic Needs(3:35) Bitachon and Preserving Health(5:01) The Mitzva to Seek Medical Care(6:26) Don't Rely on the Medicine Itself(13:58) Hashem Heals in Unexpected Ways(15:31) Mara: Bitter Wood in Bitter Water(16:28) King Hezkiah and the Fig Remedy(17:41) Hishtadlut and Trusting Hashem(25:45) The Case Against Avoiding Medicine(29:55) King Asa: Boxing Out Hashem(31:33) Hashem Inflicts and Heals(31:52) Intro: Bitachon for Extra Income(34:25) Choosing the Right Vocation(37:47) Don't Overwork for Luxuries(39:18) Extras Come Without Extra Effort(40:06) Peace of Mind Through Bitachon(40:50) What About Debt and Crisis Mode?(41:55) Desiring Luxuries Is Not Forbidden- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -Visit: westdealshul.orgSponsorships: [email protected]

Mr. Sammy Saka hosts classes on Zoom Tuesday and Thursday at 12:30PM. Contact Jacob Betesh to be added to the chat.In this class on Pirkei Avot 1:11, Mr. Sammy Saka explores the teaching of Avtalyon, who warns sages and leaders to be exceedingly careful with their words, lest those words lead others to sin and cause a desecration of Hashem's name. Mr. Saka illustrates this principle through vivid personal stories, including a rabbi whose rebuke was misheard by the very people it addressed, and the profound difference between responding to a request with "my pleasure" versus "no problem." He shares deeply personal memories of mentors — Mr. Saul Eskenazi, Mr. Franco, Jack DeFranco, and Morris Bailey — whose few but carefully chosen words shaped his leadership at Hillel for decades. The class also touches on the power of parental encouragement, drawing on the legacy of coach Jim Valvano, and warns against the misinterpretations that arise from the digital age's over-reliance on texts and emails. The overarching lesson is that words carry immense weight in every role — as rabbi, teacher, parent, or leader — and that slowing down, consulting others, and choosing words with empathy are essential Torah values.- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -Visit: westdealshul.orgSponsorships: [email protected]

Rabbi Ike Hanon hosts classes every day at 6:10 AM at West Deal Shul.This class covers Pesachim 36a, revisiting the machloket between Rabbi Yosei HaGlili and Rabbi Akiva over the meaning of lechem oni and what types of dough are valid for matzah. Rabbi Yosei HaGlili derives from the word oni that matzah must be something permissible to an onen, thereby excluding Maaser Sheni, while Rabbi Akiva reads the word as ani, poor man's bread, excluding enriched matzah made with wine, oil, or honey. A contradiction in Rabbi Akiva's position is resolved by distinguishing between the first day of Pesach, when only plain matzah is required, and the remaining days of the holiday. The class also explores the prohibition against kneading dough with warm water, the rabbinic ban on dairy bread, and a comparison between the rules for Pesach matzah and the flour offerings in the Beit HaMikdash, explaining why Kohanim were permitted to knead Minahot with warm water due to their diligence as zirizim. The class concludes by introducing the next topic of whether bikurim produce may be used for matzah.- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -(0:00) Intro & Recap: Lechem Oni(0:30) Maaser Sheni & Matzah(2:00) R' Yosei Galilee vs. R' Akiva(3:57) Ktiv vs. Kri: Ani vs. Oni(5:11) Shmuel: Speaking Over Matzah(6:03) Contradiction in R' Akiva(7:01) Rabban Gamliel: Burn It(9:03) Coating Dough with Wine/Oil(10:25) All Agree: No Warm Water(12:18) First Day vs. Rest of Pesach(13:15) No Dairy Bread(15:39) Small Quantity Exception(17:57) Minahot & Warm Water(20:00) Kohanim Are Zirizim(21:48) Why Not Soak the Grain?(23:23) Kneading in the Mikdash(24:10) Minchat HaOmer Exception(25:22) Next Topic: Bikurim- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -Visit: westdealshul.orgSponsorships: [email protected]

Rabbi Joseph Dana hosts classes every day at 6:50 AM at West Deal Shul.This class covers Berachot 18b, continuing a multi-session discussion about whether the dead are aware of events in this world, a question rooted in the halachic concept of loeg larash — the prohibition against mocking the dead by performing mitzvot in a graveyard. Rabbi Dana walks through three interconnected stories: a man who sleeps in a cemetery on Rosh Hashanah and overhears spirits forecasting agricultural conditions, Ze'iri who retrieves lost money by communicating with his deceased landlady, and Shmuel who visits the spiritual realm to locate orphan funds hidden by his late father. Each story is examined as a potential proof that the dead have knowledge of this world, but the Gemara deflects each proof — suggesting that information may reach the dead through newly deceased souls or through the angel Duma rather than through direct awareness. The class concludes with a sharp dispute between Rashi and Tosfot over one key line, with Rashi reading it as proof the dead know events in this world and Tosfot interpreting it as referring entirely to the next world.- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -Visit: westdealshul.orgSponsorships: [email protected]

Rabbi Albert Setton hosts classes every Saturday at 7:00 AM at West Deal Shul.In this class, Rabbi Albert Setton begins Perek 4 of Pirkei Avot by exploring three celebrated Mishnayot that redefine wisdom, strength, wealth, and honor — all attributed to Ben Zoma — emphasizing that true greatness is measured internally and in relation to oneself, not in comparison to others. He then examines Ben Azzai's teachings on pursuing mitzvot and avoiding sin, highlighting the principle that each mitzvah draws another in its wake, and the importance of never dismissing the value of any person or thing. The class transitions to Rabbi Levitas of Yavneh's call for profound humility, with Rabbi Setton drawing on the Rambam's extensive commentary to distinguish between balanced humility and the more extreme Shefal Ruach, explaining why arrogance is treated as uniquely dangerous among character flaws. A meaningful point is raised about how authentic religious life demands moving beyond self-centered thinking and orienting oneself toward the presence of God rather than personal gain. The class concludes by introducing Rabbi Yochanan Ben Beruka's teaching on Chillul Hashem and a brief look at Mishnah 5's message that Torah learning must ultimately translate into action.- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -Visit: westdealshul.orgSponsorships: [email protected]

Rabbi Ike Hanon hosts classes every day at 6:10 AM at West Deal Shul.This class covers the final sugya of Masechet Pesachim, beginning with the Rabbinic decree that pigul and notar cause tumah to the hands. The Gemara presents two opinions explaining these separate enactments: one to deter dishonest kohanim from intentionally invalidating korbanot and claiming accident, and the other to prevent laziness in consuming korbanot before they become leftover. A dispute is also examined regarding the minimum quantity that triggers this tumah, whether it follows the eating standard of a kazayit or the tumah standard of a kabetza. The class then turns to the final Mishnah, which addresses whether the beracha on the Korban Pesach exempts the Korban Chagigah and vice versa, with Rabbi Ishmael and Rabbi Akiva disagreeing based on whether the pouring and sprinkling of blood are halachically inclusive of one another. The masechet concludes with a related story about the berachot at a pidyon haben, where the ruling is that the father of the son recites both blessings.- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -(0:00) Intro: Pigul & Notar overview(1:22) Why Chachamim enacted tumah(2:02) Two separate gezeirot explained(7:01) Kazayit vs. Kabetza dispute(9:41) Final Mishnah: Korban blessings(13:01) Rabbi Ishmael vs. Rabbi Akiva(16:43) Pidyon Haben: who says Shehecheyanu(19:41) Halachic conclusion & closing- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -Visit: westdealshul.orgSponsorships: [email protected]

Mr. Morris Sutton hosts classes featuring a guest speaker at West Deal Shul.In this Yom Ha'atzmaut address, the speaker reflects on the profound gift that the State of Israel represents for the Jewish people today. Drawing on his own family's story across generations, he contrasts his father's inability to have a bar mitzvah in Israel with his own experience celebrating at the Kotel, highlighting how much has changed in a single generation. A central theme of the talk is dor l'dor — the responsibility of each generation to receive the blessings of the past and faithfully transmit them to the future. The speaker emphasizes that Israel is not merely a political cause or travel destination, but a spiritual and emotional inheritance that demands active commitment, connection, and education of our children and grandchildren. He concludes with a call to turn gratitude into action, urging the community to cherish the miracle of Israel and strengthen their bond with the land.- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -(0:00) Opening: Israel's personal meaning(0:49) A gift prayed for generations(1:09) Dor l'dor: generational responsibility(1:44) What do we do with this gift?(1:54) A gap year and lasting bond(2:40) Israel's deeper connections(2:50) Yom Ha'atzmaut and responsibility(3:22) Passing the love of Israel forward- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -Visit: westdealshul.orgSponsorships: [email protected]

Rabbi Ike Hanon hosts classes every day at 6:10 AM at West Deal Shul.In this class on Parashat Kedoshim, Rabbi Ike Hanon explores the famous verse "Love your fellow like yourself" and Rabbi Akiva's declaration that it is the great rule of the Torah. He examines the story in the Gemara where Hillel tells a prospective convert that the entire Torah is summarized in the principle of not doing to others what you would not want done to yourself. Drawing on the Ibn Ezra, Rabbi Hanon explains that the verse concludes with "Ani Hashem" to remind us that God is the one Father of all humanity, and just as a parent wants his children to get along, God desires that we treat one another with love. He then brings a beautiful idea from the Kedushat Levi, who teaches that every violation of the Torah's 613 commandments is ultimately an act of ingratitude toward God, who created us and gave us the world — and since we hate when others repay our kindness with disregard, we must not do the same to Hashem.- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -(0:00) V'ahavta L'reiacha Kamocha(0:14) Hillel & the Convert Story(1:03) Ibn Ezra: Ani Hashem Explained(2:50) Kedushat Levi: Gratitude & Torah- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -Visit: westdealshul.orgSponsorships: [email protected]

Rabbi Joseph Dana hosts classes every Friday at 6:45 AM at West Deal Shul.Rabbi Dana explores the double parasha of Acharei Mot and Kedoshim, focusing on the central mitzvah of Kedoshim Tihiyu — the command to be holy. He contrasts Rashi's view, which ties kedushah to restraint from inappropriate relationships, with the Ramban's broader teaching that one must avoid becoming a Naval Birshu HaTorah — a person who indulges excessively in permitted pleasures, losing sight of a higher spiritual purpose. A key theme is that mitzvot are a means to an end, not a checklist, and that true kedushah requires living a values-driven life rather than merely fulfilling technical obligations. The Chatam Sofer and Shmesh Moel both emphasize that this parasha was deliberately delivered to the entire nation together, teaching that kedushah is achieved within community — not through isolation — and that family life, kindness to others, and interpersonal relationships are themselves expressions of holiness. The class concludes with a Gemara from Ketubot about Rabbi Rehomi, powerfully illustrating that neglecting one's family obligations, even for Torah study, falls short of the holistic vision of Kedoshim Tihiyu.- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -(0:00) Intro: Acharei Mot & Kedoshim(0:44) Kedoshim Tihiyu: Be Holy(1:23) Rashi: Kedushah Through Restraint(4:44) Ramban: Naval Birshu HaTorah(8:43) Mitzvot as Means, Not End(10:20) Kashrut & Indulgence in Excess(15:08) Kedushah Within Community(16:00) Chovot HaLevavot: Don't Isolate(18:56) Shmesh Moel: Kedushah in the Klal(21:12) Kotzker Rebbe: Anshei Kodesh(22:48) Gemara Ketubot: Rabbi Rehomi(25:11) Treating Family as Kedushah(26:44) Summary & Shabbat Shalom- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -Visit: westdealshul.orgSponsorships: [email protected]

Rabbi Ike Hanon hosts classes every day at 6:10 AM at West Deal Shul.This class covers Pesahim 120a-120b, beginning with the Mishnah's discussion of falling asleep during the Seder and its effect on eating the Korban Pesach. Rabbi Yosef's distinction between dozing and fully sleeping is explored, with a famous story of Abaye waking Rabah mid-Seder used to illustrate the halacha and its application to the Afikoman today. The class then examines why the Korban Pesach after midnight causes Tumat Yadayim, rooted in a Rabbinic penalty related to pigul and notar. A major dispute between Rabbi Elazar ben Azaryah and Rabbi Akiva is analyzed regarding whether the deadline for eating the Korban Pesach is midnight or dawn, with supporting biblical proofs from each side. The class concludes with Rava's ruling that the Afikoman follows the same deadline as the Korban Pesach, and the Shulchan Aruch's practical guidance to finish the Afikoman by halachic midnight.- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -Visit: westdealshul.orgSponsorships: [email protected]

Rabbi Ike Hanon hosts classes every day at 6:10 AM at West Deal Shul.The class covers Pesachim 120a, focusing on whether one may eat after the afikoman matzah, just as the Korban Pesach was required to be the last thing eaten at the Seder. The Gemara examines two opposing traditions in the name of Shmuel and attempts to bring proofs from the mishnah and from the laws of snack matzot, ultimately rejecting both proofs via the lami bayah device. The class also explores the concept of achila gasa and its halachic implications for fulfilling the mitzvah of matzah. A significant discussion follows regarding Rava's ruling that matzah nowadays retains its d'orayta status while maror is only rabbinic, contrasted with Rav Acha bar Yaakov's view that both are rabbinic, with a Berayta ultimately supporting Rava. The class closes with an explanation of why eating matzah during the remaining days of Pesach is optional, while the first night remains an absolute Torah obligation.- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -Visit: westdealshul.orgSponsorships: [email protected]

Rabbi Ike Hanon hosts classes Monday through Friday at 6:10 AM at West Deal Shul.This class covers the Mishnah at the end of Maseches Pesachim — En Maftirin Achar HaPesach Afikoman — which famously appears in the Haggadah as the teaching given to the Chacham. The Gemara debates what 'afikoman' means: Rav understands it as a prohibition against leaving one's chabura to eat elsewhere after the Korban Pesach, while Shmuel and Rabbi Yochanan understand it as a prohibition against eating dessert after the Korban Pesach. The Gemara then addresses how this halacha applies today without a Beit HaMikdash, concluding that just as dessert is forbidden after the Korban Pesach (whose taste is strong and lasting), it is certainly forbidden after the afikoman matzah — which is the origin of our modern seder practice of eating the afikoman as the final food of the night. A supporting Mishnah about flavored snack matzot reinforces Shmuel's position, showing that indulgent eating must precede the final matzah, not follow it.- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -(0:00) Intro: Mishnah En Maftirin(0:29) Afikoman in the Haggadah(0:55) Rav: Don't Switch Chaburot(1:57) Rashbam on Rav's Opinion(2:59) Shmuel: No Dessert After Pesach(4:16) Origins of Modern Afikoman(6:03) R' Yochanan: Dates & Nuts(6:49) Beraita Supports R' Yochanan(7:33) Rav vs. Shmuel: Do They Agree?(9:18) Halakha Today: No Post-Matzah Dessert(10:21) Gemara's Question: Why Matzah?(11:50) Answer: Kal Vachomer from Pesach(13:28) Proof from Snack Matzot Mishnah- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -Visit: westdealshul.orgSponsorships: [email protected]

Rabbi Ike Hanon hosts classes Monday through Friday at 6:10 AM at West Deal Shul.On Yom Ha'atzmaut, Rabbi Ike Hanon delivers a special Torah thought celebrating the miraculous nature of the modern State of Israel, noting that Israel's thousands of airstrikes against Iran represent wonders no less significant than the miracles of the Tanakh. He presents an insight from the Maharal of Prague on the Hebrew words Galut and Geulah, showing how the two words share most of the same letters but differ in one key letter — the Heh of exile versus the Aleph of redemption. The Heh, representing the number five, symbolizes a center point scattered to four corners, capturing the reality of Jewish dispersion throughout history, while the Aleph, representing unity and oneness, symbolizes the Jewish people gathered together in Eretz Yisrael under Mashiach. Rabbi Hanon emphasizes that even within Galut the center point remains, meaning the Jewish people were always tied to Eretz Yisrael and could always return. He concludes by noting that our generation is uniquely privileged to witness the ingathering of exiles, the flourishing of Torah in Israel, and the fulfillment of prophetic promises, all signs that we are living through the early stages of the ultimate Geulah.- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -Visit: westdealshul.orgSponsorships: [email protected]

Rabbi Moses Hidary hosts classes every Monday night at 8:00 PM, temporarily on Tuesday nights for the next 3 weeks at West Deal Shul.This class continues Shaar HaBitachon Perek 4 in the Chovot HaLevavot, focusing on where bitachon and hishtadlut intersect in the context of earning a livelihood. Rabbi Hidary reviews last week's teaching on physical safety, explaining that one may not put oneself in danger under the pretense of trusting God, both because the act itself is forbidden and because surviving recklessness costs one heavily in heavenly merit. The class then moves into the obligation to pursue basic parnassah through appropriate effort, using the analogy of a farmer who must plow, plant, and water before trusting God to bring the harvest, illustrating that one's actions are the condition for receiving blessing, not the cause of it. A key theme is the proper mindset during and after success: one must not become overconfident in a particular avenue of income or attribute results to one's own skill, but rather thank Hashem who determines how much any person will receive regardless of the means. The class closes with the Chovot HaLevavot's teaching on gratitude versus flattery, warning that excessive deference to human benefactors reveals a misunderstanding of who truly provides, and concludes with encouragement to keep working diligently in a spiritually and personally fitting vocation while trusting that Hashem will never abandon those who rely on Him.- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -(0:00) Introduction & recap of last week(0:51) Two reasons to avoid recklessness(1:20) Egypt & Pharaoh: who gets punished?(4:20) Bitachon & parnassah: the balance(7:06) Effort doesn't cause the result(8:37) The Slurpee analogy explained(11:45) The farmer analogy: plow and trust(16:35) Craftsmen & merchants: work + faith(20:36) Don't be overconfident in your method(23:33) Thank Hashem, not your own skill(28:53) Astonishment: A gives B, then boasts(32:15) Gratitude vs. flattery & idolizing donors(35:15) What if basics aren't coming in?(36:10) Keep working in a fitting vocation(37:27) Closing pasuk: Hashem is a stronghold- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -Visit: westdealshul.orgSponsorships: [email protected]

Rabbi Joseph Dana hosts classes every day at 6:50 AM sharp at West Deal Shul.This class covers Berachot 18a, focusing on who is exempt from mitzvot when dealing with a deceased person. The Gemara establishes that both the shomer, the person guarding the body, and the avel, the relative responsible for burial, are exempt from mitzvot like Shema, prayer, and tefillin, regardless of whether they are actively watching the body. The class explores the four-amot rule for reciting Shema near a corpse, the halacha of taking shifts so both individuals can fulfill their obligations, and a dispute between Tana Kama and Ben Azai about whether two people may simultaneously leave a body unguarded on a boat. The Gemara then discusses the prohibition of treating bones or a Sefer Torah disrespectfully during transport, with an exception made when there is fear of robbery or ransom, illustrated by a deeply moving story from the Holocaust. The class concludes with the concept of lo'eg la'rash, the prohibition of mocking the dead by ignoring a funeral procession, and the reward of accompanying the deceased as an act of pure, selfless chesed.- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -(0:00) Intro: Who is exempt from mitzvot(0:37) Shomer vs. relative: who is patur(1:42) Both shomer and relative are exempt(2:43) Taking shifts to fulfill mitzvot(3:34) Tefillin in a cemetery: lo'eg la'rash(5:28) Covering bread: lo'eg analogy(7:10) Four amot rule near a body(9:01) Two people guarding: taking turns(10:08) Hidush: partial-day exemption(11:34) Ben Azai: praying on a boat(12:00) Tanah Kama vs. Ben Azai: rats(13:31) Transporting a body by plane / El Al(15:06) El Al, Shabbat, and Israeli law(18:40) Transporting bones: rules of kavod(21:03) Same law applies to a Sefer Torah(23:09) Warsaw Ghetto: Torah parchment story(24:50) Sapir Cohen: Tehillim in captivity(25:28) Lo'eg la'rash: accompanying a funeral(28:08) Reward for accompanying the dead- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -Visit: westdealshul.orgSponsorships: [email protected]

Rabbi Joseph Dana hosts classes every day at 6:50 AM at West Deal Shul.This class covers Berachot 17b, beginning with the Mishnah's rule that an onen — one whose deceased relative awaits burial — is exempt from mitzvot when the body is in front of him. The Gemara raises a contradiction from a Braita discussing eating near a dead body, which implies the exemption applies even when the mourner is not physically beside the body. Rav Papa and Rav Ashi offer two approaches to resolve this: Rav Papa limits the exemption to the case where the mourner is still in the room, while Rav Ashi reinterprets 'in front of him' to mean the responsibility of burial rests upon him, drawing a proof from Avraham Avinu's words at Sarah's burial. The class concludes by distinguishing between two independent exemptions — that of the onen (relative) and that of the shomer (one guarding the body) — establishing that each carries its own exemption from mitzvot regardless of whether the other condition is met.- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -(0:00) Intro: Mito Mutal Lefanav(1:04) Gemara: Body Must Be Present?(1:55) Braita: Eating Near the Dead(5:46) Onen: Prohibitions & Berachot(6:38) Machlokes: Rashi vs. Rishonim(15:48) Onen on Shabbat(16:56) Rashbag's Opinion(20:00) Tishmish HaMitah: The Difference(21:29) Contradiction: Braita vs. Mishnah(24:29) Rav Papa's Answer(26:04) Rav Ashi's Answer(27:59) Proof from Avraham & Sarah(30:52) Shomer: Exempt from Mitzvot?(32:22) Two Separate Exemptions- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -Visit: westdealshul.orgSponsorships: [email protected]

Rabbi Ike Hanon hosts classes every day at 6:10 AM at West Deal Shul.The class begins with a Mishnah from Masechet Sukkah discussing the customs of doubling Hallel, concluding that both practices are valid based on local minhag, while the opening beracha for Hallel is obligatory as a halacha. The Gemara then explores the principle of ober l'asiyatan, that blessings must precede the performance of a mitzvah, citing three biblical sources to explain why the word ober, meaning to pass, is used to connote before. A practical application is discussed regarding Shabbat candle lighting, where Ashkenazim light before blessing while Sephardim generally bless first per Shulchan Aruch. The class then returns to the topic of Hallel doubling, identifying that the prevalent custom follows Rabbi Elazar ben Berata, who doubled from the words Odecha onward, and Rabbi Hanon notes this reflects the community's current practice. The class concludes with a rich Midrash describing a future feast in the time of Mashiach, where Avraham, Yitzchak, and Yaakov each humbly decline to lead Birkat HaMazon due to flaws among their descendants, leaving the question open of who ultimately leads.- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -Visit: westdealshul.orgSponsorships: [email protected]

Rabbi Ike Hanon hosts classes every day at 6:10 AM at West Deal Shul.In this class, Rabbi Ike Hanon examines Pirkei Avot 2:9, where Rabban Yochanan ben Zakkai asks his five students to identify the best and worst paths a person can follow. Each student offers a different answer centered on interpersonal character traits — a good eye, a good friend, a good neighbor, and a good heart — except for Rabbi Shimon, who says the best path is anticipating the future and the worst is borrowing without repaying, which seems out of place. Rabbi Hanon explores two commentaries to resolve this: Rabbeinu Ovadia explains it in terms of spiritual cost-benefit analysis, while the Maharal offers a more satisfying reading — that Rabbi Shimon is also speaking about interpersonal relationships, teaching that a person who looks ahead understands that kindness and integrity pay long-term dividends in how others relate to him. Ultimately, Rabban Yochanan ben Zakkai crowns Lev Tov, a good heart, as the most encompassing answer, since it includes all the others. Rabbi Hanon closes by connecting these lessons to Sefirat HaOmer and the importance of working on our Ben Adam L'Chaveiro relationships during this period.- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -(0:00) Introduction to the Mishnah(0:09) Rabban Yochanan's Five Students(0:18) The Question: The Proper Path(0:27) The Five Answers Explained(1:04) Lev Tov Is All-Encompassing(1:22) Rabbi Shimon's Answer Stands Out(1:45) The Negative Path Question(2:01) The Five Negative Answers(2:10) Rabbi Shimon's Odd Negative Answer(3:10) Rabbeinu Ovadia's Explanation(4:05) The Maharal's Explanation(5:16) All Answers Are Ben Adam L'Chaveiro(6:06) Lev Tov Encompasses Everything(6:31) Connection to Sefirat HaOmer- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -Visit: westdealshul.orgSponsorships: [email protected]

Rabbi Ike Hanon hosts classes Monday through Friday at 6:10 AM at West Deal Shul.The class opens with a teaching from Rav Yehuda in the name of Shmuel that Yosef gathered all the gold and silver in the world and brought it to Egypt, which the Jewish people then took with them at the Exodus. The Gemara then traces the remarkable journey of this wealth through history — from Rehoboam to Shishak, to Kush, back to Asa, through Aram, Jehoshaphat, Ahaz, Sennacherib, Hezekiah, Zedekiah, Babylon, Persia, Greece, and finally Rome — showing that the wealth of the world has always rightfully belonged to the Jewish people. The class then discusses Yosef's three personal hidden treasures: one found by Korach, one by Antoninus, and one still hidden for the righteous in the future. Rabbi Hanon draws out the moral lesson that Korach's immense wealth, symbolized by 300 white mules carrying the keys to his treasuries, corrupted him and fueled his rebellion against Moshe and Aaron, paralleling the story of Haman. The class concludes with a Midrashic reading of the doubled verses in Hallel, attributing each phrase to a different figure in the story of David HaMelech being chosen as king.- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -(0:00) Yosef gathered world's wealth(1:55) Jews took Egypt's wealth at Exodus(4:21) Wealth transfers through history(12:12) Yosef's three hidden treasures(16:03) Korach's wealth from Yosef's treasure(19:14) Lesson of wealth corrupting Korach(21:46) Who said each verse of Hallel- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -Visit: westdealshul.orgSponsorships: [email protected]

Rabbi Albert Setton hosts classes every Saturday at 7:00 AM at West Deal Shul.This series of classes covers the first eighteen Mishnayot of Perek Gimel of Pirkei Avot, tracing a unified theme of living a meaningful and God-centered life. The classes open with Akavya ben Mehalalel's call for humility, awareness of mortality, and accountability before God, and continue through discussions on the fear of government, the sanctity of Torah study whether alone or in groups, and the dangers of wasting time on idle matters. Rabbi Akiva's teachings receive extended attention, including his concept of boundaries in life, the precious identity of every human being as created in God's image, and the dual privilege of the Jewish people as both Bnei Makom and recipients of the Torah. The tension between wisdom and action recurs throughout, with the parable of a tree's roots and branches illustrating that Torah knowledge must translate into deeds to have lasting impact. The classes conclude with the open-store parable about accountability, and a summary of paired dependencies such as Torah and Derech Eretz, wisdom and fear of God, and understanding and applied knowledge.- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -(0:00) Intro: Perek 3 begins(0:06) Mishnah 1: Akavya ben Mehalalel(1:10) Mishnah 2: Fear of government(2:49) Mishnah 3: Moshav Leitzim vs. Torah(4:39) Mishnah 4: Torah at the table(6:01) Day 16: Mishnah 5 – Wasted time(7:42) Mishnah 6: Yoke of Torah(9:06) Mishnah 7: Groups learning Torah(9:53) Mishnah 8: Give back to Hashem(10:42) Stopping Torah to admire scenery(12:00) Day 17: Forgetting Torah learning(14:06) Mishnah 9: Fear before wisdom(15:52) Actions greater than wisdom(16:45) Mishnah 10: People's approval(17:29) Wasting the day away(18:19) Day 18: Why Chazal use extremes(20:50) Mishnah 11: No Chelek L'Olam Haba(22:06) Six things that forfeit Olam Haba(25:01) Day 19: Kal LaRosh v'Noach(27:46) Rabbi Akiva: Sechok and boundaries(29:10) Four fences: Torah, Neder, Maaser(31:43) Siyag L'Chochma: silence(32:06) Day 20: Mishnah 14 – Tzelem Elokim(34:06) Yisrael called children of Hashem(35:35) Klei Chemdah: the Torah as gift(37:01) Day 21: Hakol Tzafui, free will(37:40) Rov HaMaaseh: quantity of actions(39:00) The open store parable(40:54) Mishnah 17: Torah and Derech Eretz(42:06) Tree parable: roots vs. branches(43:06) Mishnah 18: Tekufot and Gematriot- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -Visit: westdealshul.orgSponsorships: [email protected]

Rabbi Ike Hanon hosts classes Monday through Friday at 6:10 AM at West Deal Shul.Rabbi Ike Hanon explores Pirkei Avot 1:14, the famous Mishnah of Hillel HaZaken: 'If I am not for myself, who will be for me? And when I am for myself, what am I?' He explains that the first phrase teaches that Torah and mitzvot cannot be fulfilled by proxy — each person must recognize the unique and irreplaceable value of their own service to Hashem. Rabbi Hanon illustrates this through a story of Hillel going to the bathhouse, teaching that caring for one's body is a mitzvah rooted in the principle of tzelem Elohim, the divine image in which all humans are created. He then brings a striking halachic point from Choshen Mishpat, highlighted through a story about the Netziv, that a person who lacks self-respect is disqualified from giving testimony, because self-respect is the foundation of moral accountability. The class concludes with the classic Hasidic teaching of keeping two slips in one's pockets — 'the world was created for me' and 'I am but dust and ashes' — capturing Hillel's dual message of essential self-worth paired with genuine humility.- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -Visit: westdealshul.orgSponsorships: [email protected]

Rabbi Ike Hanon hosts classes Monday through Friday at 6:10 AM at West Deal Shul.This class covers the Gemara in Pesachim 118b-119a, focusing on a series of Midrashim describing the end of days, when various nations will attempt to gain favor with the Jewish people. The Gemara critiques Rome for its violence against the Jewish people and its culture of bribery, while also noting that the Jewish people's desire to assimilate among the nations has historically led to their exile and dispersal by Hashem. A vivid teaching describes Rome's immense wealth — 365 markets, towers, and staircases each holding enough food for the entire world — all of which will ultimately be transferred to the righteous Torah scholars who sit constantly before Hashem. The class concludes with two uplifting teachings about Hashem's mercy: that Hashem, unlike human rulers, is joyful when defeated through prayer (LamNatzeach), and that Hashem's hand reaches beneath the wings of the holy angels to protect and embrace those who do Teshuvah from the attribute of strict justice.- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -Visit: westdealshul.orgSponsorships: [email protected]

Rabbi Ike Hanon hosts classes every day at 6:10 AM at West Deal Shul.Rabbi Ike Hanon opens with a brief halachic discussion on Birkat Ha'Ilanot, clarifying that according to Shulchan Aruch one may recite the blessing as long as fruits have not yet grown, even after the month of Nisan, though the Kabbalistic preference is to recite it during Nisan. He then turns to the opening Mishnah of Pirkei Avot, which states that Moshe received the Torah 'from Sinai,' raising the question of why the Torah is attributed to a mountain rather than to Hashem directly. He presents the Hamoadia's answer that the blessing came in the merit of Har Sinai's humility, which mirrored Moshe Rabbeinu's own defining trait of anava. Rabbi Hanon then offers his own chidush, rooted in a Midrash connecting 'mountains' to the Avot, suggesting that Moshe received the Torah 'from the mountains' — meaning from the merit and tradition of Avraham, Yitzchak, and Yaakov. He concludes that the chain of mesora recorded in Pirkei Avot does not begin at Har Sinai but traces back even further to the Avot, the true giants upon whose shoulders Moshe stood.- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -Visit: westdealshul.orgSponsorships: [email protected]

Rabbi Ike Hanon hosts classes Monday through Friday at 6:10 AM at West Deal Shul.The class begins on Pesachim 118b by completing the discussion of Hallel, exploring midrashic interpretations of several pesukim in Tehillim. Resh Lakish explains that the tzaddikim lament being forced to hide like weasels due to the sins of the Jewish people in galut, while Ravah teaches that Israel's love of Hashem is expressed through tefillah, and that even without merits we belong to Hashem and can call upon Him to save us. The Gemara then presents a vivid eschatological scenario in which Egypt, Kush, and Rome all attempt to bring tribute to Melech HaMashiach — Egypt is accepted because they hosted the Jewish people, Kush is accepted through a kal v'chomer argument, but Rome is firmly rejected and rebuked. Three different interpretations of the word kaneh are offered — acquisition, reeds, and pen — all used to condemn Rome's unified and relentless persecution of the Jewish people. The class closes with a reflection on why the Gemara's hostility toward Rome remains deeply relevant, as the galut of Rome has never truly ended and no redemption arc has yet been completed.- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -Visit: westdealshul.orgSponsorships: [email protected]

Rabbi Joseph Dana hosts classes Monday through Friday at 6:50 AM at West Deal Shul.The class opens on Berachot 17a by completing a discussion of the pasuk in Yeshayah identifying the 'avdei lev,' the strong-hearted people far from righteousness, concluding with Rav Ashi's criticism of the gentiles of Mata Mehessia who witnessed Torah glory twice yearly and never converted. The bulk of the class addresses the Mishnaic dispute between the Chachamim and Rabban Shimon Ben Gamliel regarding whether a chatan may recite Kriat Shema on his wedding night, and a seeming contradiction with their respective positions on refraining from work on Tisha B'Av. Two Talmudic resolutions are presented: Rabbi Yochanan's approach of flipping the attributed opinions, and Rav Shisha's approach which redefines 'yuhara' differently for each opinion — the Chachamim viewing it as an internal self-elevation above others, while Rabban Shimon Ben Gamliel views it as external perception by others. The class concludes with the practical halachic dispute among the Rishonim, noting that the Rif and Rambam permit the chatan to recite Shema while Tosafot, Rav Hananel, and the Rosh forbid it, and Tosafot's important ruling that in our times — since we never have proper kavana — the chatan should always recite Shema.- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -(0:00) Intro: Pasuk from Yeshayah(1:05) Who Are the Avdei Lev?(2:35) Rav Ashi: Mata Mehessia's Goyim(4:47) Tosafot: Why No Shavuot?(7:12) Recap: Chatan and Kriat Shema(9:57) Defining Yuhara(10:51) Contradiction: Tisha B'Av vs. Shema(15:33) Answer 1: Flip the Names(19:25) Answer 2: Rav Shisha's Resolution(24:01) Rabban Shimon Ben Gamliel Defined(29:56) Rif & Rambam vs. Tosafot(32:46) Tosafot: No Kavana Nowadays(35:42) Practical Conclusion: Chatan & Shema- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -Visit: westdealshul.orgSponsorships: [email protected]

Rabbi Ike Hanon hosts classes Monday through Friday at 6:10 AM at West Deal Shul.The class covers Pesachim 118a-118b, exploring why we recite the standard Hallel when the Hallel HaGadol appears to be a greater praise. The Gemara answers that our Hallel contains five critical themes: Yetziat Mitzrayim, Kriyat Yam Suf, Matan Torah, Tehiyat HaMeitim, and Chevlei HaMashiach, each sourced from specific pesukim. Additional reasons are given for our Hallel's greatness, including references to the rescue of tzaddikim from Gehinnom and the miraculous salvation of Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah from Nebuchadnezzar's furnace, which is connected back to Gabriel's earlier desire to save Avraham Avinu. The class then delves into a rich Midrash about the angel of the sea, who complained when Hashem commanded the sea to spit out the Egyptians' bodies, and was promised repayment through the soldiers of Sisera being swept into the sea via Nachal Kishon. Rabbi Hanon also draws a contemporary connection, noting that the preconditions for Gog U'Magog and the arrival of Mashiach require a Jewish presence in Israel, making the establishment of the State of Israel a significant milestone in the messianic process.- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -Visit: westdealshul.orgSponsorships: [email protected]