KMTT - the Torah Podcast

Pekudei | On the First Day: The Commemorative Function of the Mishkan, by Rav Yitzchak Etshalom Why was the Mishkan's inauguration commanded to take place on Rosh Chodesh of the first month (Nissan)? As Sefer Shemot moves towards its festive conclusion, Moshe is commanded to raise up the Mishkan on the "First day of the first month" - language reminiscent of the beginning of this long journey, back in Egypt, when Bnei Yisrael were given their first communal command - "החדש הזה לכם ראש חדשים, ראשון הוא לכם". We explore the various assumed and explicitly stated purposes of the Mishkan and raise an additional possibility, based on a careful read of the first series of verses in the last chapter of Shemot. Source sheet >>

Purim | Hiding in Plain Sight, by Rav Dovid Gottlieb The magic and miracle of Purim. A shiur in practical halakha given at Kehillat Haela, Ramat Beit Shemesh, on March 6th, 2024. 

Israel at War: Faith in War Time. Episode 4 in Conversations with Rabbanit Esti Rosenberg and Dr. Tovah Lichtenstein Swords of Iron Day 153 | In this episode, Rabbanit Esti Rosenberg and her mother Dr. Tovah Lichtenstein discuss what it means to have faith in God in times of crisis, and they don’t shy away from big questions: Is it reasonable to ask what God wants from us? Do we have the right to be angry with God, whose ways are always just? They consider the ways in which Israel may have contributed to the current crisis, and how we can grow through confronting difficulties. They note how different generations grapple differently with faith challenges. Dr. Lichtenstein explains Rav Soloveitchik’s approach to evil, and they conclude with the importance of blessing God even during hard times. *This podcast was created thanks to the Arev Fund's generous support.

Ramban On The Torah | 36 | Vayakhel, by Rav Eli Weber Why does Moshe gather all of Am Israel? What is the relationship between the Mishkan and Shabbat? What is the difference between "נשאו ליבו" and "נדבה רוחו" ? Why is it important that Bnei Yisrael brought more than was needed for the Mishkan?

A Tale of Two Adars, by Rav Yitzchak Etshalom Why do we delay celebrating Purim until Adar Sheini?  The Mishna in Megila addresses the circumstance where after fully celebrating Purim, the Beit-Din decided to add another month to the year; although the Tosefta records a dissenting opinion, the Mishna rules (and such is the Halakha) that the Megila must be re-read in the "added" Adar - as well as the special Parashot that are read in Adar (Shekalim, Zakhor etc.). To wit, (virtually) all of the Mitzvot unique to Adar may only be fulfilled in Adar Sheini. We explore the Bavli and Yerushalmi's discussion of the various opinions and the rationale provided for ruling in accord with רשב"ג - that the Megila must be read in the Adar that is proximate to Nisan. We discover a curious explanation in the Yerushalmi, along with an innovative understanding of the impact of "מסמך גאולה לגאולה" - keeping the celebration of the redemption from Haman as close as possible the celebration of the Exodus. Source sheet >>

Ki Tisa | What Was Written On the Second Set of Tablets? by Rav Yitzchak Etshalom After Moshe breaks the Luchot - which, until that point, were only referred to as לוחות העדות ("Tablets of Testimony") - Hashem commands him to carve out new ones and Hashem states that He will write on these newly hewn tablets "the words which were on the first tablets which you broke." Later on in the narrative, there is some confusion as to who (or Who) is to write, what is to be written and where it is to be written. We examine all of the possibilities, find a curious and innovative understanding in the commentary of the Netzi"v and then, building on that, propose a novel suggestion as to what was written on the לוחות השניות - and why, only after this point, are they called לוחות הברית - The Tablets of the Covenant. Source sheet >>

Ramban On The Torah | 35 | Ki Tisa, by Rav Eli Weber How did the number of Bnei Yisrael stay the same in both censuses? What is the meaning of the Egel?

Non-Jewish Fashion and Culture, by Rav Dovid Gottlieb Where do you draw the line? A shiur in practical halakha given at Kehillat Haela, Ramat Beit Shemesh, on Feb 28th, 2024. 

What is Tzni'ut? Sichat mussar by Rav Moshe Taragin (Hint: It's not only for women and not only how you dress) Is social media killing tzni'ut? Is it diminishing self-esteem?  

Israel at War: Tefilla in Challenging Times. Episode 3 in Conversations with Rabbanit Esti Rosenberg and Dr. Tovah Lichtenstein Day 139 | In this episode, Rabbanit Esti Rosenberg and Dr. Tovah Lichtenstein discuss their deep connection to prayer during this war, Swords of Iron. They share where they have found meaning and inspiration and explore how words of familiar tefillot can take on different significance in the current context and give us strength. We also hear about some less recited passages which can be uplifting sources of support and hope during these challenging times. *This podcast was created thanks to the Arev Fund's generous support.