Al HaRishonim

1

Dtzach Adash Bachav (?) - What do the words mean?

Jan 23, 2026

30:41

Is d’tzach a’dash b’achav just gibberish?How did the Rishonim actually pronounce דצ”ך עד”ש באח”ב?The lost pronunciation Rabbi Holzer “accidentally” uncoveredWhy was its pronunciation concealed? The one day all agree it can be pronouncedWhat does the mnemonic really mean?

2

The Rishonim Reveal Secrets of Adar

Feb 27, 2026

30:43

Did Haman not know anything about Mazal?! Which Jews will be the luckiest What “Adar” actually means What’s unique about the mazalos of Adar and Av Why are Teruma-Tetzaveh written out of place? What’s their connection to Purim? Why is it Matanos l’Evyonim if it’s really for any Aniyim?! How to receive the brachos of Purim

3

Adar - The Sound That Defeats Haman

Feb 20, 2026

32:05

How to donate to the Mishkan today (without spending any money) [Regarding the Midrash Tanchuma: my explanation is more like the nusach of the Menoras HaMaor (AlNekave) vol 3. p. 277] Why do Chazal make the joy of Adar connected to the sadness of Av? (כשם ש... כך משנכנס אדר) The Shitta Mekubetzes (... and his Klalei HaShas waiting to be published) Where the Arizal wrote his name in our Shitta Mekubetzes Was Rav Shmuel bar Shilas a Talmid Chacham Is “Shilas” the name of a man or a woman ? Understanding his name - and the yesod to battle Amalek

4

Making sense of Mishpatim

Feb 13, 2026

35:30

Why is slavery the first Mishpat in the Parsha? Why does he go free after specifically 6 years? Why was the first mitzvah in Mitzrayim about slavery? Is there any order to the Mitzvos in the ParshaWas everybody really a slave in Mitzrayim? Kelm on the Parsha Pshat in the song - עברי אנכי ואת ה' אלקי השמים אני ירא How do you read Rashi (psukim in Vayikra were said at Har Sinai/ leil Yetzias Mitzrayim?!)

5

Understanding Yisro: Who Was Ready for Sinai?

Feb 6, 2026

32:50

Why Parshas Yisro is intentionally out of order Why Moshe’s children’s names appear here—again Why the Torah keeps calling them “her children” Why did Moshe send Tzippora away? How could Moshe's wife and children miss Mattan Torah? What type of lawsuits did they have in the Midbar at this point?

6

"Midrashim" which are not Midrashim

Jan 14, 2026

8:49

This shiur is essential for anyone beginning to study the meforshim on Chumash, and especially for those who quote or reference them without a firm grounding in their origins and methodology. The episode clarifies a common misconception: many seforim that include the word “Midrash” in their title are not midrashic works at all, but later compositions in which “Midrash” functions merely as the name of the sefer. Understanding this distinction is critical for accurate learning, citation, and interpretation of Torah sources.

7

Parshas Vayechi - January 1st

Jan 2, 2026

29:04

Now the happiest day for klal Yisrael on the English calendar. Parenting lessons in the Parsha. Why we give the bracha to be like Ephraim and Menashe.

8

Shemos 5786

Jan 9, 2026

33:19

What does it meant to be a good boy? Getting married at the age of 1 (!?) What was the plan when putting Moshe in the water? Did the Rashbam call the Shemos Rabbah one of the Seforim Chitzonim? Did Moshe Rabbeinu have a speech impediment? Did Jews wear gloves all the time? Harmless Handshake or Chukas Akum?

9

Music to your ears

Mar 6, 2026

33:03

Why was serving with music in the Bais HaMikdash given as a reward to Shevet Levi for abstaining from (/taking revenge for) the Cheit Ha’Egel? What were the Tishbachos that saved Klal Yisrael on Purim? Why did Moshe not break the Luchos right when he heard about the sin of the Egel? Was Haman Deaf?

10

Thoughts on Parshiyos Shemos and Va’Eira

Jan 16, 2026

17:30

How was Moshe able to go in and out of Pharaoh’s palace? Also: Could anyone be shevet Levi in Mitzrayim? An interesting possibility to say in the Ramban.

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