Rabbi Kraz's Shiurim

51

Esther; the women with two husbands... (mature audience, adult discussion)

Mar 9, 2025

1:32:02

Source sheetEsther's relationship to/with MordechaiHow does it overlap with AchashveroshWith whom did she use a contraceptive?Who's child was Darius?How old was he when he got the crown?When is a child of adultery not a Mamzer?Passive vs active adultery

52

The Vilna Gaon and the Tzemach Tzedek Wrestle Over the Yarmulka

Mar 2, 2025

1:38:40

Source Sheet Stories from the Gemara about head covering Does the Gemara's reference to head covering refer to a Yarmulka or to something more? Is wearing a Yarmulka an obligation or "Midas Chassidus"? Does it depend where you are or what you're doing? Does covering your head with your hand work? Drama over the Teshuva of the Tzemach Tzedek

53

Nostalgia for Chezkas Habatim. Rav Yisroel Labkowski Weaves His Magic

Feb 16, 2025

1:23:52

Source Sheet Explanation of Chezkas Habatim. How does one keep their property while gone? How long does someone need to keep their documentation of a property purchase? If the person eats Orlah, Shevi'is, or Kilayim does that count as a Chazakah? Can you make a Brocho on forbidden foods? Does one have Hana'ah from forbidden foods?

54

Cannibalism, and the Uruguayan Air Force Flight 571

Feb 14, 2025

1:34:21

Source Sheet Are Mitzvos Aseh greater than Lo Saaseh? Can you physically force someone to do an Aseh / not do a Lo Saaseh? If yes, only before they commit the sin or only during? Logic of "Aseh Docheh Lo Saaseh" Tevel vs Neveilah - Tevel vs Shmita - Neveilah vs Shmita What is the prohibition of eating human flesh, if any? Is human blood or milk kosher? Human flesh (Yid vs Goy) vs pig vs Neveilah.

55

The Atheists Have a Field Day With This Bahag.

Feb 10, 2025

1:29:08

Source SheetRambam vs bahag if there is a mitzvah to believe in Hashem.Opinions of Sefer Hachinuch, Semag, Semak, Rashi.The Netziv's takeThe Megillas Esther defends the RambamThe Abarbanel's proofTzemach Tzedek takes it to a new level.

56

Black Magic and the Rambam

Jan 26, 2025

1:27:39

Source Sheet (https://rebrand.ly/RambamBlackMagic) Does Black Magic and Kishuf really exist? Rambam vs Ramban Meiri explains the relevent Gemorahs Maase Rokeach, the Munkatcher, & The Rebbe explain that by believing in it it makes it real

57

Moshe Rabenu's "Painting" Wreaks Havoc Between the Litvaks and the Chassidim

Jan 17, 2025

1:27:17

Source Sheet

58

Reb Shlomo Molcho and the Ten Martyrs. The Kabbalists Will Blow Your Mind!

Jan 5, 2025

1:26:38

Source sheet History and life of R' Shlomo Molcho The Mishnas Chassidim and R Yehuda Ben Bava Yibum the source of Gilgulim Weren't only 9 of the Shvatim involved in selling Yosef? Why did it take so many years for the Shvatim to be atoned? Did the Asara Harugai Malchus actually die? Did Yosef ever forgive his brothers? Did Reuven & Yaakov ever find out what happened to Yosef?

59

Chanukah's Mysterious Ramoh: The Rosh (Rav Schochet) Dazzles Again

Dec 29, 2024

1:30:01

Source Sheet What does it mean Mehadrin and Megadrin Min Hamehadrin? Does beautifying a Mitzvah need to be done while still involved in the Mitzvah? The Gri"z connects this to the Rambam's opinion on Menorah R' Avraham of Prague explains Tosfos opinion would change today when we light inside instead of outside.. If you forget to make the Bracha on the first candle, can you make it on a later candle? Is the obligation to light Menorah an obligation on the house or on the person? The Rosh (Rav Schochet)'s Chiddush resolving the Rambam and Ramoh's opinions

60

The Battle of the Titans. Shulchan Aruch HaRav vs Aruch Hashulchan.

Dec 22, 2024

1:32:00

Source Sheet History of Halachic Seforim through the ages Can you make up for missed Tefilos? How far back can you make up? Which Amida should you do first? How do you make up for a day with Ya'aleh V'yavo?

61

Self Defense, Rodef, and the Shocking Mizrachi

Dec 15, 2024

1:32:37

Source Sheet Why did the brothers want to kill Yosef? Why was Yaakov distressed about the possibility of killing Esav Do you need to try other methods before killing a Rodef? Comparing a Rodef to a Rapist.

62

The Legend of the Maharsha. You Won't Believe the Stories.

Dec 6, 2024

1:47:52

Source sheet History of the 15th century. Do we do Miyun nowadays? Stories of the Maharsha The will of R Yehuda Hachassid. What does Maharsh"a stand for?

63

Why All the Confusion Over Birchas Hagomel?

Dec 1, 2024

1:40:10

Source sheet Where does the Brocho of Hagomel come from? Who's required to bless? Do you need a Minyan / Torah? How long do you have to say it? How do we calculate the requirement? Are the 4 exclusive or just examples? Can you make a Brocho for someone else? What's the nature of the Brocho, reciprocation or appreciation?

64

Does G-d Speak To Women?

Nov 29, 2024

1:37:16

Source sheet Why did Rivka not go to Yitzchok or Avraham? What makes someone a Novi? Why are certain people not counted? Does the Megilla make Esther into a Neviah? Was Rivka a Neviah? What does Rivka mean when she says "Alai Kilelashcha"? How do we explain Nevuos from those who weren't Neviim How do we reconcile the Gemara VS Medrash? What does it mean that prophecy ceased?

65

Is a Fetus Alive? The Rambam That Everyone is Talking About.

Nov 24, 2024

1:42:33

Source sheet Why did Rivkah specifically go to Shem? What was Rivkah's question to Shem and what was his answer? Is a fetus a Nefesh? Can a fetus be considered a Rodef? Is a Treifa's blood less red than others? Abortion as Chatzi Shiur and/or Zara Levatala? Can a woman abort a Mamzer?

66

Can Someone Please Explain What Eliezer Is Doing?!?

Nov 17, 2024

1:34:48

Source Sheet Who was Eliezer? Canaan? Og? How is that possible? What was the nature of his Shlichus? Where do we learn the need for a Minyan for marriage? How did Yitzchok marry Rivkah without ever seeing her beforehand? Is an Eved allowed to be a Shliach for Kiddushin/Get? Was Eliezer a Shliach for Avraham or Yitzchok? Why did they plot to kill Eliezer?

67

Sedom and the Rogatchover. This Will Blow You Away!

Nov 10, 2024

1:13:21

Source Sheet What was the extent of Sedom's sin? Why was Avraham's defense necessary? Why are the 4 cities split up in the punishment? Why is where Lot lived important? Why did Avraham ask about 50 Tzadikim?

68

The Letter Reb Dovid Luria Sent To His Rebbe

Nov 8, 2024

1:51:27

Source Sheet How were we Zoche to the mitzva of Tzitzis/Tcheles? Why is it so important who brought the Zechus? Is Techeles Me'akev? How many strings need to be Techeles? Why would the Talis have to be nice? Should one decorate a shofar? History and stories of R' Dovid Luria

69

Reb Yosef Engel Takes Us Where No One Has Gone Before

Nov 3, 2024

1:26:44

Source Sheet (https://rebrand.ly/RYosefEngel) When did the halachic identity of the Yid begin? Is Gid Hanashe assur from Yaakovs time or from Har Sinai? Can you learn Halacha from before Matan Torah? How to view the Machlokes of Chatzi Shiur? Who was the Mekoshesh and why did he do it? לע"נ שניאור זלמן בן יבלח"ט חיים זאב הכהן In Memory of Shneur Zalman Cohen HY"D

70

Don Yitzchok Abarbanel and The Gut-Wrenching Expulsion From Spain

Nov 1, 2024

1:41:00

Source Sheet A few tidbits from the Abarbanel's pirushim The history of the expulsion from Spain and the tragedies of the era

71

The Lulav Controversy: Reb Moshe Feinstein Challenges a Centuries-Old Practice

Oct 13, 2024

1:37:54

Source Sheet (https://rebrand.ly/Lulav) What Mitzva comes first, Tadir or Mekudash? Dechia VS maavirin? Sukkah VS Daled minim? When should one make a brocho for the lulav? ASAP or by Hallel? Do you need to shake the Lulav when you make the brocho?

72

"You Do the Crime, You Do the Time". Why Don't Courts Recognize Teshuva?

Oct 11, 2024

1:45:50

Source Sheet What does it mean to follow everything the owner says besides for leave? Different types of sins and what Teshuva do they require? What is Teshuva all about? Why doesn't Teshuva help for court mandated penalties?

73

Kaparos. A Holy Ancient Custom? Or Perhaps Something More Sinister..

Oct 6, 2024

1:18:33

Source Sheet How strong is a Minhag? Source for the Minhag of Tashlich. What is the reason for Tashlich? Why do some hold we shouldn't do Tashlich? Source for Kaporos. What is the reason for Kaporos? Who holds not to do Kaporos and why?

74

A glimpse Into the Mind of the Minchas Chinuch

Sep 27, 2024

1:31:23

Source Sheet History of the the Minchas Chinuch and his Seforim A few circular halachic conundrums: Eidim Zomemim Bris on Shabbos Eating - Being Satisfied and Benching Peru U'revu Teshuva being obligatory or not

75

Moshiach and the Wardrobe Dilemma

Sep 22, 2024

1:32:15

Source Sheet May one be buried in Shatnez? From where in the Torah do we see a proof for Techiyas Hameisim? Will Mitzvos will be nullified in Moshiachs times? What will be the order of events when Moshiach comes? Will there be two Techiyas Hameisim? Will those who come back in Techiyas Hameisim be obligated to keep the Mitzvos?

76

Punished for a Crime Not Yet Committed

Sep 8, 2024

1:27:08

Source Sheet When can one kill someone before they commit the crime? Why not for Avodah Zarah? How is it OK to kill a Ben Sorer Umoreh? Why does he get Skilah? Is he being killed for now or for the future?

77

Dead Men Tell Tales

Sep 6, 2024

1:37:43

https://rb.gy/odn9jz • What can be used as testimony when there are no witnesses? • Can different types of testimony be admissible for different types of cases? • Eyesight vs other forms of knowledge, in monetary vs capital cases? • Story of Shlomo Hamelech and the dead baby. • How strong is a admitting guilt?

78

Can I Argue With the Rambam?

Sep 1, 2024

1:39:22

Source Sheet Is it OK to come up with your own explanation to Torah? Are Derabanan as strict as Deoraisa? Can Rabbis argue with previous generations? Did the Amoraim ever argue with the Tanaim? Does it depend on how far apart they are in time?

79

Will the Real Moshiach Please Stand Up!

Aug 30, 2024

1:31:23

Source Sheet⁠ Is one considered a heretic if they do not believe in Moshiach? Is Moshiach a human? What is Moshiach's name? Who may have been Moshiach in previous generations? Stories of the Ohr Hachayim and the Ba'al Shem Tov

80

Brisk and Lubavitch

Aug 25, 2024

1:31:02

Source Sheet Yortzeit of R' Levik (20 Av, 1944) and R' Chaim Brisker (21 Av, 1918) When do we fast Taanis Esther if purim falls on Sunday? Are there exceptions? History of the Brisker Dynasty starting with R' Chaim of Volozhyn Relationship with Chassidus and Chassidei Chabad Anecdotes, stories, and Chidushim

81

The Rabbi of Venice Who Was Bankrupted by the Casinos

Aug 23, 2024

2:03:52

Source Sheets (https://rb.gy/h8tiin) The life and legacy of Rabbi Yehudah Aryeh of Modena His challenges with gambling Controversial theories about Yarmulka, kaballah, and gilgulim Recent Rabbi's who have taken issue with him

82

The King of Kabbalah, and the Mysterious Controversy Over His Beard

Aug 18, 2024

1:25:59

History and life of R Menachem Azaria (The Ram"eh) of Panu Source Sheet How can we follow the teachings of R Yisrael Sarug if R Chaim Vital writes that the Arizal said he was the only one permitted to record his teachings? Did the Ram"eh keep his beard? If not, why? Source for issur of shaving. In what way is shaving Assur? R Yosef Irgaz refutes the Be'er Eisek Did the Chasam Sofer back down in his later years from his opinion on the Ram"eh's Beard? Geographical locations mentioned

83

Don't Let Me Catch You Learning on Tisha B'av. But if You're From Lublin...

Aug 11, 2024

1:20:31

Source Sheet Who is allowed to learn in Tisha B'av? What are you allowed to learn? Does the regular Chiyuv of learning apply on Tisha B'av or not? Why are you not allowed to learn on Tisha b'av? Is Tisha B'av more stringent than an Avel or is it more lenient? Are you allowed to learn on Erev Tisha B'av after Chatzos? Can you learn Chassidus as an Avel or on Tisha b'av? Tisha B'av

84

Yirmiyahu's Tears: How Could You Not Cry With Him?

Aug 9, 2024

1:29:57

Source Sheet History of the destruction of the first Beis Hamikdash The last 3 kings till the destruction Kingdoms of Egypt VS Babylon Who were Yirmiah and Nevuchadnetzar a Gilgul of? Why did Nevuchadnetzar like Yirmiah? Why did the Nevuah of the destruction have to come through Yirmiah? Following Yirmiah through the ordeal, according to differing sages Plato's fascinating conversation with Yirmiah Tisha B'av

85

Rashi, the Father of all Commentators

Aug 4, 2024

1:28:21

Source Sheet Rashi's Yahrtzeit 29 Tamuz Rashi's life and family. He was born in the year 1040. He passed away at the age of 65. What does Rashi stand for? Who were Rashi's teachers? Can Rashi's pirush be taken L'Halacha?

86

The Primordial Black Hole, and the Great Debate of the Italian Kabbalists

Aug 2, 2024

1:49:38

Source Sheet How does Tzimtzum and Giluy work? How is it connected to black holes? Is the Tzimtzum literal or a just a Mashal? (4 ways to interpret) What was the Vilna Gaon's issue with the Alter Rebbe and the Chassidim? Can it be that everyone really agrees in the end of the day? Parshas Matos - Massei

87

The Ramban: A Giant Amongst Giants

Jul 28, 2024

1:31:47

The history of the Ramban

88

Does a Child Have a Claim to the Father's Rabbinical Post?

Jul 23, 2024

1:21:24

Source Sheet Why was Yehoshua Moshe's successor and not Moshe's child? Does the child need to be the greatest around or are some qualities enough? How does inheritance work with the Cohen Gadol? Parshas Pinchas

89

The Chozeh of Lublin and the Chasam Sofer are at Either Extreme. Where do You Stand?

Jul 15, 2024

1:25:49

Source Sheet Why does Rashi put Shema between Talis and Tefillin? Can you say Shema without wearing Tefillin? What's the difference between saying false testimony and bring an incomplete Korban? Can you say Shema without the Brachos? Parshas Balak

90

Prophecy Outside of Israel. The Unfortunate Saga of the Lonely Kabbalist, Reb Avraham Abulafia.

Jul 12, 2024

1:39:50

Source SheetMap of Europe How did Yechezkel have Nevuah in Bavel? Can there be Nevuah outside of Eretz Yisroel? Why did the Rashba come out so strongly against R Avraham Abulafia? Does the Rambam hold there can be Nevuah today? Parshas Chukas

91

Ezra added to and Dovid Hamelech removed from the Torah?? Join us for a fascinating journey with Rav Moshe Feinstein

Jul 9, 2024

1:00:41

Rambam: What makes a person a Kofer Batorah? Moshe Feinstein: One cannot learn the manuscript Yehuda Hachasid manuscript about Ezra adding dots to the torah and Shiras Habe'er being swapped by Dovid Hamelech based on the Binyan Yegoshua, from Kosnos Ohr: Meir of Eisenshtat - The Panim Meiros and The Tzioni by Menachem Tziuni must be burned Mishneh Halachos - Rav Menashe Klein: Reb Moshe never wrote parts of the letter R Shlomo Zalman Aurbach & Rav Elyoshev said not to publics the manuscript Why is Mishkav Zachor forbidden? Stories: Maharam Beribi and the Berditchever, Reb Moishes Patience Ibn Ezra, Shaloh Parshas Chukas

92

Moshe Hit the Rock? Big Deal!

Jul 8, 2024

1:33:48

Exploring Rashis view on why Moshe hit the rock? Why did Moshe hit the rock two times? Vort of the Chidushei Ha'Rim& why we sing Al Hasaleh Hach Hach as a happy song Bechor Shor has a unique time line and view of what the sin was Tosfos says Moshe and Aharon were punished because the Jews misunderstood them The strange opinion of Pesikda D'rav Kahana- Moshe was setup by G-d?! Ibn Ezra and Chosid Yavetz similar unique idea about Moshe's sin & the story of the Ariza"l that makes us question it Rogechover Moshe used the wrong stick and had an impact on Taharas Hamishpacha?! Rambam: Moshe made jews think G-d was angry?? Parshas Chukas

93

May a Kohen Soldier Duchen? Rav JB Soloveitchik Takes on the World

Jul 7, 2024

1:06:34

Source Sheet The prosecution cannot become the defendant: This is how we know that Hashem agreed to Moshe breaking the Luchos. Yechezkel asked to change the ox in the Merkava. Can a Kohen who killed someone duchen Birkas Kohanim? Can he serve in the Beis Hamikdash? Does Teshuva help? B'shogeg or Meizid? Can soldiers in the IDF duchen? R Ovadya Yosef and R Moshe Feinstein vs R JB Solevetchik Parshas Chukas

94

Suicide, Korach's Cohorts, and the Most Controversial Sefer in Halacha

Jul 5, 2024

1:59:23

Source Sheet Did Korach and the 250 people with him know they would die? If yes, why did they go through with it? Is suicide considered murder? One Gemara learns it from "Lo tirtzach" and another learns it from "Ach Es Dimchem" in Parshas Noach. What is the Nafka Minah between the 2? Does someone who commits suicide get Olam Habah? Does one do aveilus for them? Say kaddish? Can one put themselves in danger to save others? Was Shaul allowed to take his own life? (Rameh M'panu says Shaul was a gilgul of Lemech) Is one allowed to commit suicide as Teshuva? Can one take their life if they are suffering? R Shaul Berlin vs R Rephael Hamburger Parshas Korach

95

Dassan and Aviram's Calculated Rebellion

Jul 1, 2024

1:21:19

Korach

96

Stirring the Pot of Machloikes: Righteous Act or Sin?

Jun 30, 2024

1:19:57

Source Sheet Yalkut Shimoni brings some of Korach's clever arguments. Rameh M'panu says that husband and wife in story of Bava ben Buta and R' Meir were gilgulim of Korach and his wife. Rav says in Sanhedrin that one who is involved in Machlokes transgresses a Lav. Do you violate a Lav for being involved in a Machlokes? If yes is it De'oraysa or Derabanan? If yes, which Lav? Rambam vs Ramban Is it a Lav to challenge the Kehunah? Parshas Korach

97

Come Let a Mysterious Mystic Blow Your Mind Away

Jun 28, 2024

1:18:22

Source Sheet Zohar - Moshiach will first appear in the Galil. Gemara - Sanhedrin moved to Teveriah and the Geulah will begin in Teveriah. R Meir referred to himself as Moshiach. Machlokes between R Yehuda and R Meir if someone who does not act like a son is still a son or not. Story of Menashe and Yeshaya. Ben Ish Chai explains why was Yeshaya caught through his Tzitzis. Turnus Rufus vs R Akiva are the Yidden servants or sons of Hashem. Emes L'Yakov - Malach Michoel can only Pasken like R Yehuda and only Hashem can Pasken like R Meir. This is why R Meir is buried in Teveriah... Parshas Sh'lach

98

If the Messenger is Hurt, is the Sender Responsible? A Journey Through the Responsa of the Ages

Jun 27, 2024

1:22:15

Source Sheet Why did Moshe only daven for Yehoshua? Why is there a mitzva to pay on time? An unpaid Shliach is a basically a borrowed human? Ramban's letter. The Mordechai may argue or agree. Letters of Maharshal & Maharam. Destruction of Nov. Avner's death. Parshas Sh'lach L'zchus refuah shleima l'reb Avraham ben Chayah Rivkah

99

Birkas HaTorah: the Students of the Vilna Gaon Quarrel on Whether They Can Debate With Their Master

Jun 16, 2024

1:33:16

Source Sheet Is Birkas Hatorah Deoraisa? If Deoraisa, is it a separate mitzva? Do you need a Brocho to think Torah? Is thinking like speaking? Is writing like speaking? Can you write Sefiras Haomer? Can witnesses write their testimony? Do you need to say the words of Bitul Chametz?

100

A Kabbalist, a Litvak, and a Chossid, Walk Into a Bar on Shavuos Night

Jun 7, 2024

1:40:56

Source Sheet When did the Minhag to stay up shavuos night start Amazing stories with the kabbalists (R' Yosef Karo, R' Shlomo Elkabatz, R' Chaim Vital, Etc.) What should we learn? Should you learn Mishnayos or is one specifically not supposed to? Shavuos