KMTT - the Torah Podcast

Appreciating Our Potential to Sustain or Destroy the World (Avot 5:1), by Rav Dovid Gottlieb How do our actions - for good or otherwise - impact the world?? Learning Pirkei Avot with the commentary of Rav Asher Weiss

Behar | When and Where? by Rav Yitzchak Etshalom Why is the end of Sefer Vayikra identified with Har Sinai?  The last three chapters of Vayikra are identified as being given by Hashem to Moshe בהר סיני  - which is typically understood to mean, in apposition to מאהל מועד, atop the mountain and, therefore, before the construction of the Mishkan. This presents a challenge to chronological sequencing of the Torah (מוקדם ומאוחר בתורה), since the first (presumably 24) chapters of Vayikra were given in the "Tent of Meeting". We explore the various approaches of the Midrash Halakha and the Rishonim in deciphering the text's identifying these passages as being given at Har Sinai - and then propose a theory which not only responds to their questions but also casts the narrative sequencing issue in a different light. Source sheet >>

Ramban on the Torah | 43 | Behar, by Rav Eli Weber Why is the parasha said on Har Sinai? What is the meaning of Shemitta? How is Yom Kippur like Shabbat?

Having a Good Reputation is the Ultimate "Crown" (Avos 4:13), by Rav Dovid Gottlieb Why does the Mishna think that a "good reputation" is more prestigious than Kehuna, Malchut and Torah?? Learning Pirkei Avot with the commentary of Rav Asher Weiss

Pursuing TRUE Wisdom, Wealth, Health and Honor (Avot 4:1), by Rav Dovid Gottlieb Most people live lives in pursuit of wisdom and wealth, honor and strength - but do we even know what TRUE wealth, wisdom etc. is? Learning Pirkei Avot with the commentary of Rav Asher Weiss

Why is the "Spirit of the Law" So Important? (Avot 3:11), by Rav Dovid Gottlieb Learning Pirkei Avot with the commentary of Rav Asher Weiss

Strategies to Avoid Sin and Temptation (Avot 3:1), by Rav Dovid Gottlieb Learning Pirkei Avot with the commentary of Rav Asher Weiss

Ramban on the Torah | 42 | Emor, by Rav Eli Weber Should every mitzva be worthy of kiddush Hashem? What is the difference between Shabbat and Yom Tov? What makes a Yom Tov? What is the meaning of Sefirat Haomer?

Hallel on Yom HaAtzmaut, by Rav Yitzchak Etshalom What is the significance of reciting Hallel on Yom haAtzmaut?  The often heated discussions about the recitation of Hallel on Yom ha'Atzma'ut are often revealing about deeper divisions in perspective on the modern State of Israel and its religious significance. After an introduction in which several different perspectives are presented, source material arguing in favor of some form of thanksgiving on this day are presented. (The year that this shiur was originally given (2017) was a year in which Yom HaAtzmaut was celebrated a day early, the opposite of this year (2024); the explanation for the "shifting date" at the beginning of the shiur is still germane.) Source sheet >>

Preparing for Yom HaAtzmaut 2024, by Rav Moshe Taragin Balancing Conflicting Emotions; Watching the Deer; The Abnormal "Streets" of Yerushalayim