Jewish History

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Daniel – Lesson 4 – Reign of Daryavesh; Daniel in the Lion’s Den

Oct 3, 2022

39:41

00:00 – Daryavesh, king of the Chaldeans, conquers Bavel (Babylonia).*07:58 – Why a person should daven (pray) in a place where he can see the sky through a window.13:34 – Comparison between Daniel being thrown into the lion’s den and the selling of Yosef HaTzaddik. “Save me from the hand of man.”14:40 – Why is a scorpion more dangerous than a snake?19:20 – King Daryavesh discovers that Daniel is still alive in the lion’s den. Daniel relates how an angel protected him from the lions, and that the Navi Habakuk had stayed with him as well.21:32 – Habakuk was chosen to stay with Daniel because he is a symbol of techiyas hameysim (revival of the dead).24:05 – The story of Daniel describes, in a hidden way, the process of the revelation of Moshiach.24:19 – Why does a person suffer? “HaTeva” is, b’gematria, “Elokim”.28:59 – How would a person go about performing miracles? What is nature?32:14 – The main teaching of Rebbe Nachman is simple faith.*35:39 – Maintaining simple faith, even in the difficult times before Moshiach is revealed. This is done through learning Torah and turning Torah into tefilah.

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Daniel – Lesson 3 – The Second Dream of Nebuchadnezzar; Belshazzar and the Handwriting on the Wall

Sep 26, 2022

39:39

00:00 – The second dream of Nebuchadnezzar.03:31 – Daniel’s response to hearing the vision of the tree.05:08 – The meaning of the dream.07:07 – Any type of yisurim (difficulties) can be redeemed through tzedakah (charity).10:02 – Question of whether the State of Israel should accept reparations from Germany. How should these reparations been viewed? As nothing more than partial repayment for stolen property.12:39 – Nebuchadnezzar is transformed into an animal for seven years. (Daniel 4:25-35). This occurrence is the origin of the concept of a werewolf. The Gemara describes mermaids, mermen, and other strange beings that actually did (or still do) exist.17:01 – Nebuchadnezzar is restored to human form and makes amends for his treatment of the Jews.17:36 – The death of Nebuchadnezzar and the reign of his son, Belshazzar.20:21 – The vessels of the Beis HaMikdash were used at the feast of Belshazzar. The handwriting on the wall appears.27:44 – There are four opinions in the gemara on how the handwriting on the wall was encoded: 1) Rav: in the gematria form of AtBaSH.29:10 – 2) Rabbi Yochanan’s opinion: the words were written backwards. 3) Rav Ashi says the first two letters of each word were written order.29:48 – 4) The Amora, Shmuel, says the letters were written in a different order than the code presented by Rav Ashi.31:29 – Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai ז”ל asks about the meaning of echoes in the mesifta in Shemayim .32:29 – Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai asks for a description of Gan Eden for women.33:24 – The encoding of the handwriting on the wall as explained in the Zohar HaKodesh.37:20 – The message for all generations in these accounts is that harm done to Am Yisrael is always punished.

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Daniel – Lesson 2 – Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah are Unharmed in the Fiery Furnace

Sep 19, 2022

40:11

00:00 – Brief review of previous shiur in Sefer Daniel.02:29 – Daniel’s interpretation of Nebuchadnezzar‘s dream. Daniel is elevated to the highest post in Bavel and the king recognizes and acknowledges the absolute supremacy of Hashem.06:10 – Introduction to the miracle of Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah in the fiery furnace. Why did Nebuchadnezzar stop believing in Hashem? This questions applies to all nations that attempt to harm Am Yisrael. Similarities between Hitler and Roosevelt יש”ו – both were against the Jewish People, but went about causing harm in different ways.14:05 – The word gematria means “numerical value”. Refugees from Korea were accepted but the Jews during World War II were not.16:53 – During the Sinai Campaign in 1956 the United States united with Russia against Israel.19:13 – Anti-semitism results in suicidal behavior.22:09 – Nebuchadnezzar built a statue based on his dream and commanded everyone to bow down to it. By forcing the Jews to do this, his goal was to prevent the fulfillment of his dream, in which Moshiach ultimately triumphed over his kingdom.28:37 – Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah speak to the king about the self-sacrifice of the frogs during the ten plagues.34:47 – Introduction to Nebuchadnezzar‘s dream of the tree.

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Daniel – Lesson 1 – Hisbodedus – Personal Prayer Can Save Your Life – Statue With Feet of Clay

Sep 12, 2022

38:14

00:00 – Historical background of Sefer Daniel.09:47 – Daniel, Mishael, Chananiah, and Azariah are renamed Belshezzar, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego.12:02 – Nebuchadnezzar’s dream.*18:45 – The hisbodedus (personal prayer) of Daniel. How and why Hisbodedus can save your life.27:38 – The elements of hisbodedus – gratitude, request, praise.28:27 – Power over the rain and all the other weather elements are reserved by Hashem Himself.29:14 – The four worlds, the greatest perceivable light of Hashem is in keser.31:46 – Daniel offers to reveal the king’s dream.35:54 – Daniel’s interpretation of Nebuchadnezzar’s dream: statue with feet of clay and head of gold (Babylonian empire), chest and arms of silver (Greek empire), hips of bronze (Greek empire), legs of iron (Roman empire). (Daniel 2:32-35).

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Iyov – Lesson 4 – LaG B’Omer Hilula Shiurim – Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai ז”ל and the Power of Beginnings

Sep 5, 2022

40:50

00:00 – Archival recording of the LaG B’Omer shiur of 5735 (1975).04:32 – How does the Zohar HaKodesh protect the Jew in every generation?13:35 – Rebbe Nachman’s explanation of the debate in the gemara (Shabbos 139a) about the Torah being forgotten.21:53 – How can a regular person living now connect with the light of the Torah and tzaddikim?24:26 – Rabbi Rosenfeld introduces an archival recording of the LaG B’Omer shiur of 5733 (1973).29:13 – [Recording becomes more audible.] Gahl Eyd – mound of stones – Gahl is LaG.31:11 – The gemara (Shabbos 139a) states that the Torah will be forgotten, so how can Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai contradict this? Hashem assures Am Yisrael that He will “forget” the Egel HaZahav – sin of the Golden Calf.*36:32 – חַדֵּ֥שׁ יָמֵ֖ינוּ כְּקֶֽדֶם – “renew our days as in previous time” (Eicha/Lamentations 5:21). The power of beginnings.37:04 – Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai achieved the same Ohr Panim – radiance of face – as Moshe Rabbeinu.39:38 – The power of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai’s ability to remember is renewed every LaG B’Omer. Rebbe Nachman of Breslov said “Now I am here, too, to add to this power.”

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Iyov – Lesson 3 – Hashem Responds to Iyov; Words Spoken in Pain Can Be Forgiven

Jul 8, 2022

37:51

00:00 – Review of previous shiur – overview of Iyov’s life and suffering.02:55 – Iyov’s fourth friend, Elihu.08:31 – Hashem Himself responds to Iyov.11:34 – Hashem describes His ongoing creation and sustenance of every creature.24:24 – Hashem’s punishment of Eliyahu HaNavi for failing to defend the Jews.28:57 – When a person is in pain, his mind is affected. Words spoken in pain can be forgiven, but only up to a point.31:15 – In the latter part of Iyov’s life he was rewarded, living an addition 140 years beyond his age (70) when his suffering began.36:05 – Pharaoh had three advisors: Bilaam, Yisro, and Iyov.

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Iyov – Lesson 2 – Iyov Was a Reincarnation of Terach; Summary of His Dialogue With Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar

Jul 1, 2022

39:20

03:23 – The Satan praises Avraham Avinu and Hashem praises Iyov (Job).07:04 – Hashem proposes a trial for Iyov.08:26 – Why did the Satan praise Avraham Avinu?10:24 – The Satan is the “m’od” of “tov m’od” in the account of creation.13:55 – Iyov responds to all his devastating losses: “Hashem gives and Hashem takes away.”19:09 – The Arizal reveals that Iyov was a gilgul of Terach and his wife was a gilgul of Dinah bas Yaakov.27:30 – Iyov’s three friends: Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar.31:21 – No person today knows astrology.

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Iyov 1 - Overview of Jewish History in Light of the Zohar HaKodesh

Jun 24, 2022

39:16

00:00 – Jewish history resembles the waxing and waning of the moon: there were fifteen generations from Avraham Avinu to Shlomo Hamelech and the Beis HaMikdash.12:12 – There are two kinds of wisdom – upper and lower.13:02 – Following Shlomo Hamelech were 16 generations to Galus Bavel (the Babylonian exile).20:52 – Gan Eden and Gehinnam are separated by a very thin, almost imperceptible boundary.24:00 – How anger destroys a person’s soul.25:37 – The importance of answering אמן to a blessing.28:00 – Hashem rewards good deeds far more than He punishes for mistakes.33:09 – Why two people can never be compared.34:16 – The waning of the moon resembles the thin boundary between Gan Eden and Gehinnam. The decline of Am Yisrael in the generations after Shlomo HaMelech. While the nations that conquered Israel eventually disappeared, Am Yisrael is compared to the phoenix.35:58 – Blessing of the new moon.*37:41 – “For a person who has daas – it’s as if the Beis HaMikdash is rebuilt in his days” (Sanhedrin 92a).

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Melachim 2 – Lesson 14 – Yeshayahu Melech Yehudah and His Sons; Prophecy of Chulda; Tzidkiyahu and Shimson; Tisha B’Av; Tzom Gedaliah

Jun 17, 2022

39:08

00:00 – Review.02:32 – The evil king Amon is assassinated and his righteous son Yeshayahu becomes king of Yehudah.08:10 – Chuldah HaNaviyah (Huldah the Prophetess) is consulted by the king when a sefer Torah is discovered hidden in the heichal (chamber) of the Beis HaMikdash.09:37 – To encourage teshuvah (repentance) among the People of Israel, Yeshayahu funded an especially festive celebration of Pesach.13:22 – When Yeshayahu Melech Yehudah is killed in battle, his son Yoachaz becomes king for 3 months.19:06 Tzidkiyahu tried to escape from the siege of Jerusalem through a tunnel, but was captured. His sons were killed in front of his eyes, and then he was blinded. The Arizal reveals that Tzidkiyahu was a gilgul (incartnation) of Shimson HaGibor (Samson).24:05 – The walls of Jerusalem were breached on Tisha B’Av and the Kadosh Kadoshim (Holy of Holies) was set on fire.25:29 – Gedaliah was made ruler of the kingdom of Yehudah but was assassinated the day after Rosh Hashanah. He is commemorated through Tzom Gedaliah, a public fast day.26:08 – On Rosh Hashanah there are two days of din (judgement) – the first day is called Dina Kashya (strict judgement) and the second day is called Dinah Rafya (lenient judgement).27:53 – The rise of Bavel (Babylonia) and the destruction of Yerushalayim, end of Sefer Melachim (Book of Kings).32:03 – The blood of Zechariah HaNavi seethed up from the ground and would not rest.35:51 – A ger (convert to Judaism) is judged by the status of Am Yisrael at the time of his conversion.

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Melachim 2 – Lesson 13 – Menashe, Rav Ashi, and the Blessing on Bread; No Matter What the Crime, Hashem is Ready to Forgive

Jun 10, 2022

40:52

03:28 – Chezkiyahu HaMelech asks to marry the daughter of Yeshayahu HaNavi.12:15 – A son is not named after his father if his father is still alive.17:00 – The tests of Cain, Bilaam, and Chezkiyahu HaMelech.19:21 – After the passing of Chezkiyahu HaMelech, his son, Menashe, became king. He spread idol worship among the Jews and “filled Yerushalayim with a river of blood” by killing Yeshayahu HaNavi.25:37 – The question of Menashe – “Do we make the blessing hamotzei on the crust of bread or the soft, inner part?” The blessing is made on the crust, since it’s the part of the bread that’s baked first.27:59 – Why did Menashe ask this particular question about making HaMotzi?32:29 – Rav Ashi gives a Torah shiur in the name of Menashe ben Chezkiyahu.*36:22 – Menashe repented for his sins but how could Hashem forgive him after the crimes he committed? Even though all the angels in heaven tried to block his teshuvah, his prayer was heard and accepted by Hashem. This account is an encouragement for every Jew, a reminder that the path of return is always open.39:00 – Hashem carved out a tunnel under His Throne to allow for Menashe’s return.

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Melachim 2 – Lesson 12 – Chizkiyahu HaMelech Falls Ill – The Gates of Tears are Never Locked; Vasikin; Book of Remedies

Jun 4, 2022

40:02

00:00 – Review of Chizkiyahu Melech Yehudah.03:12 – Chizkiyahu falls ill and is told by Yishayahu HaNavi that he will die.04:25 – Debate in the gemara about what sin a man is doing if he abstains from fathering children.07:36 – Yishayahu HaNavi tells the king that it doesn’t matter if evil children are foreseen, it’s still a mistake not to marry.08:23 – Sometimes it’s necessary to break a Torah law in order to save a life, so why doesn’t that principle apply here? The king’s prophecy about his children being evil was not far-reaching enough. It could be that these evil children will give birth to tzaddikim.09:26 – Chizkiyahu asks to marry the daughter of Yishayahu HaNavi.12:51 – Chizkiyahu Hamelech “turned his face to the wall”.13:24 – The Zohar HaKodesh reveals the depth of these words: if a person wants his prayer answered, he must first remove anything that is interfering with it being accepted by Hashem.14:57 – The word “kir” (wall) stands for the Shekhina (Divine Presence). The Shekhina is the origin of the souls of females.15:57 – The Chida z”l explains the association between “wall” and the Shekhina. “Rochel cries for her children…” The gematria of the Name of Hashem, Alef Daled Noon Yud, plus the name Rochel equals kir (wall). 65 plus 238 plus 7 for the letters = 310. Yesh (substance) and Shai (gift) are both b’gematria kir.*17:50 – In his prayer to beg Hashem for his life, Chizkiyahu HaMelech mentioned the good that he did. The Gemara reveals what good, specifically, he meant: 1) that he rose early every morning to pray c’vatikin (at sunrise).*22:00 – The second aspect of Chizkiyahu’s good was that he hid the Sefer HaRefuot – a book in which Shlomo HaMelech had recorded the cure for every illness.25:15 – Explanation of Chizkyahu‘s “good in Hashem’s eyes” by the Maharshah z”l. Because the Sefer HaRefuos was hidden, people were forced to turn to Hashem for their cure. Therefore, what Hashem considers “good” is to turn first to Hashem, before resorting to doctors (Berkahot 60a).27:53 – Explanation of “the best of doctors will go to gehinnam”*28:33 – Hashem’s response to the king’s prayer – he will live. The prophet tells him “Hashem has seen your tears.” ( Berakhos 10a-b). “The Gates of Tears are never locked” (Berakhot 32b).32:27 – Tosefot asks a question on the 15 years of life granted to Chizkiyahu.36:32 – Chizkiyahu asked for proof that this miracle of additional years will come true. In response, Hashem caused the sun to move 10 hours earlier. “The sun does revolve around the earth.” These 10 hours were made up on the day of his passing, by miracle.39:23 – The main lesson of this story is the importance of tefilah.

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Melachim 2 – Lesson 11 – Plague of Lions – Chizkiyahu Melech Yehudah – The Copper Snake – Chukas – The Miraculous Defeat of the Assyrian Army

May 27, 2022

40:49

04:56 – As a result of idol worship in the Land of Israel, Hashem sent a plague of lions. Reference to Chulin 13 concerning the status of non-Jews who observe mitzvos.07:96 – Sancherev, king of Assyria, set out to conquer Jerusalem. He surrounded the city and demanded surrender.08:51 – Overview of the life of Chizkiyahu Melech Yehudah, a direct descendant of King David. He was the son of Achaz, but unlike his father, he turned away from idol worship. He became king of at the age of 25 and ruled until his passing at the age of 54, accomplishing many great things.10:04 – Chizkiyahu HaMelech’s first act as king was to eliminate idolatry from Am Yisrael.*10:58 – The deeper meanings of the copper snake constructed by Moshe Rabbeinu (Parshas Chukas). Rebbe Nachman: don’t blame the agent of punishment – blame the sins.15:02 – This copper snake had been safeguarded since the time of Moshe Rabbeinu, but when people began to worship it, Chizkiyahu HaMelech had it completely destroyed.16:26 – Chizkiyahu HaMelech decreed that every Jew had to study Torah. As a result of his enforced decree, during his reign every Jewish man, woman, and child knew the entire and Written and Oral Torah.19:25 – The generation of Chizkiyahu HaMelech was so pure that a controversy arose in heaven. Hashem wanted to pronounce Chizkiyahu as Moshiach, but instead decided to wait.20:31 – Ohr is b’gematria Raz – Aramaic for “secret”. Zohar HaKodesh: the generation of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai z”l matched that of Chiziyahu HaMelech.21:39 – During the confrontation between the people of Jerusalem and the overwhelming military power of Assyria, the representatives of Jerusalem were Elyakim, Yoach and Shevna the Scribe.26:16 – Chizkiyahu HaMelech informed the prophet Yishayahu about the Assyrian general’s blasphemous disrespect of Hashem. The rebellion of Shevna against Chizkiyahu HaMelech was punished by Hashem through a supernatural “iron curtain” that isolated him from his followers and left him prey to the enemy.30:00 – Ravshakeh, general of the Assyrian army, reported to King Sancherev that Jerusalem refused to surrender. Chizkiyahu HaMelech turned to Hashem in tefilah (prayer).32:08 – Yishayahu HaNavi revealed Hashem’s response to the tefilos: “not one arrow of Assyria will reach Yerushalayim”.32:33 – The army of Sancherev approached Yerushalayim to attack it. This army was so vast that it had 185 thousand generals – all were overly confident and instead of attacking at once, they encamped on the hills surrounding the city. During the night, Hashem unleashed His anger against the attackers through a plague. When morning came, not one soldier was alive. The only survivor was King Sancherev, who fled back to Ninveh, the capital city of Assyria. There, he promised to sacrifice his sons to his idol, but his sons discovered their father’s intention and killed him instead.

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Melachim 2 – Lesson 10 – The History of the Ten Tribes of Israel Corresponds to the Life of Every Jew

May 20, 2022

43:33

00:00 – Overview of the kings of the Ten Tribes of Israel. Yeravam ben Yoash reigned for 41 years.02:36 – Shalom ben Yaveish assassinated the son of Yeravam and became king of the Ten Tribes for one month until he was assassinated by Menachem ben Gadi.03:42 – The rise of Assyria. The importance of knowing Jewish history.06:41 – Hosheah ben Elah, the last king of the Ten Tribes of Israel (2 Melachim 17:1-6).07:45 – The downfall of Shomron, the capital city of the Ten Tribes of Israel. The Ten Tribes are driven out into exile.10:53 – Emperor Alexander the Great.11:08 – Reason for the dispersion of the “Ten Lost Tribes” of Israel. Why were only ten tribes punished? Why were two tribes spared? Hashem’s vow to Dovid HaMelech protected the tribes of Yehudah and Benyamin.*14:58 – The ingathering of the Lost Tribes of Israel is assured during the time of Moshiach, but not until after the building of the Beis HaMikdash.15:57 – Likutey Halakhos on the kings of the Ten Tribes. The 600,000 root souls of Israel correspond to the 600,000 letters of the Torah. The 613 mitzvos of the Torah correspond to the organs (248) and arteries (365) of the human body.*21:03 – The history of Israel corresponds to the history of every individual Jew.*23:46 – The most powerful method for a Jew to revive himself is hisbodedus.38:21 – Above all, a Jew should never give up hope. The arrows of Hashem will someday be “used up”, bringing an end to all suffering. Description of Olam HaBaah (Future Eternal World).

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Melachim 2 – Lesson 09 – Ten Lost Tribes of Israel; King Yoash; The Passing of Elisha HaNavi and His Final Miracle; Holiness of a Tzaddik’s Grave; King Amatzia

May 13, 2022

41:43

00:00 – Introduction to the Ten Lost Tribes of Israel and the reign of King Yoash.03:47 – The passing of Elisha HaNavi and his prophecy to King Yoash concerning his victories over enemies from Syria. A dead man is revived when his corpse comes in contact with the bones of Elisha HaNavi.09:47 – Debate in the Gemara concerning the final miracle of Elisha HaNavi. One opinion of the sages is that the man who was brought back to life was Shalom ben Tikvas, the husband of Hulda HaNeviah.15:15 – The opposing opinion as to the identity of the man brought back to life.16:52 – Why did a dead man walk? The explanation refers to a story from the life of Addo HaNavi.18:53 – The importance of a mechitza (partition between men and women) in a shul (synagogue). It’s better to pray alone than to join a minyan in a shul that has no mechitza.21:16 – Kista DeChayusta is the slight trace of a soul that remains in the grave. The gravesite of a tzaddik, no matter where it is located in the world, has the holiness of Eretz Yisrael.24:49 – The reign of King Amatzia of Yehudah. Reference to Yishayahu HaNavi, son of Amatz. Edom was defeated because Amatzia HaMelech honored and obeyed the directive of Hashem.32:05 – The message from King Yoash to King Amatzia – the analogy of the thorn.33:34 – Following the death of King Amatzia, his son Azaria (also known as Uziyahu) assumes leadership at the age of sixteen. During first half of his 52-year reign he was successful, but during the second half of his reign, he succumbed to idol worship.

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Melachim 2 – Lesson 08 – Clapping on Shabbos; Queen Ataliah, Yoash, Yehoyada Kohen Gadol, Zecharia HaNavi

May 6, 2022

42:21

00:00 – Clapping hands in tefilah (prayer), even on Shabbos.06:11 – Yehu is commanded by Elisha HaNavi to kill the entire family of Achav, including all of Ahav’s 70 sons.14:53 – Yehu executes every priest of Baal, yet fails to eradicate idol worship from Israel, and is punished.22:15 – Slander can cause death. When Yehu said “I will serve Baal much…” in order to trick the priests of Baal, he didn’t really mean it. But because he allowed himself to say the words, eventually his statement was fulfilled.36:52 – Even a thought of idol worship is considered a sin.29:29 – Ataliah, daughter of Achav, takes over leadership of the Two Tribes by killing all who stand in her way, including her own grandchildren.30:22 – Yoash ben Achazyahu (grandson of Ataliah) is rescued by his aunt and hidden in the Beis HaMikdash. For six years he is protected by Yehoyada, Kohen Gadol.32:14 – Yoash is crowned King of the Two Tribes and Queen Ataliah is killed. Yoash eliminates idol worship from Israel.34:53 – Yehoyada, Kohen Gadol, is succeeded by his son, Zecharia HaNavi.

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Melachim 2 – Lesson 07 – Elisha HaNavi and Ben Hadad, King of Aram; Clapping Hands During Prayer; Moshe Rabbeinu is a Reincarnation of Hevel; the Kabbalah of Birthdays

Apr 29, 2022

41:50

00:00 – Elisha HaNavi tells Hazoel that Ben Hadad, King of Aram, will die and that Hazoel will become king. Hazoel murders Ben Hadad.*05:19 – The angel of death has, as his assistants, incompetent doctors.28:20 – Why and how clapping hands strengthen tefilah (prayer).30:16 – Moshe Rabbeinu is a gilgul (reincarnation) of Hevel, and Yisro is a gilgul of Cain.34:30 – “Today was Tu B’Shevat.” The kabbalah of birthdays, according to the Arizal, and a blessing given by Rabbi Rosenfeld z”l to all his students on the occasion of his own birthday, the 16th of Shevat.

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Melachim 2 – Lesson 05 – Miracles of Elisha HaNavi; Na’aman Healed of Leprosy; Gechazi Punished With Leprosy; King of Aram Lays Siege to Shomron

Apr 22, 2022

41:24

00:00 – Elisha HaNavi cures Na’aman of leprosy by telling him to immerse seven times in the Jordan River.08:00 – Na’aman becomes a ger toshav (conditional convert to Judasim) in gratitude for the miracle of his recovery.11:35 – It is forbidden for a Jew to bow to an idol. Chana and her seven sons.12:24 – Gechazi collects a reward from Na’aman for Elisha HaNavi’s miracle, but he’s punished for his disrespect with leprosy.20:37 – The King of Aram tries to capture Elisha HaNavi.27:34 – The King of Aram lays siege to Shomron (2 Melachim/Kings 6:24).30:51 – The King of Israel sends a messenger to kill Elisha HaNavi, blaming him for the siege and famine.34:06 – The army of Aram flees in baseless panic. [K].38:30 – The land of the Shunamite woman is returned to her.

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Melachim 2 – Lesson 04 – Miracles of Elisha HaNavi; Habakuk HaNavi and the Blessing of Techiyat HaMeytim; Rav Anan; Syrian General Na’aman

Apr 15, 2022

35:25

03:55 – The blessing of techiyat hameytim (revival of the dead) in the shemoneh esrey is called birkhat gevurot.05:55 – One of the 16 miracles done by Elisha HaNavi was to save yeshiva students from poisonous soup by adding flour to the pot.*07:43 – Elisha HaNavi accepts the offering of Bikurim (First Fruits), even though this mitzvah is only done in the Beit HaMikdash (Holy Temple). Through this we learn that a gift of food to a talmud chochom is equivalent to performing the mitzvah of Bikurim in the Beit HaMikdash. Miraculously, 22 loaves of bread provided enough to feed 2200 students.13:31 – (Based on Ketubot 105b): Rav Anan refused to accept a gift that seemed to be a bribe וְשׂוֹנֵ֖א מַתָּנֹ֣ת יִחְיֶֽה – “He who hates gifts will live” (Mishlei/Proverbs 15:27). Although he disqualified himself from the case, he was still held responsible for the ensuing failure of justice.23:10 – Tefilah (prayer) as a korbon (sacrifice). By learning about the different sacrifices, a person is credited with actually giving these sacrifices.24:41 – Miracles of Elisha HaNavi – the second case of techiyat hameytim – introduction.25:52 – The account of Elisha HaNavi and the Arami (Syrian) general Na’aman, who was stricken with leprosy (Part 1) .

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Melachim 2 – Lesson 03 – Elisha HaNavi Performs the Miracle of Oil to Save the Sons of Ovadiah HaNavi from Slavery; The Mother of Ado HaNavi and Habakuk HaNavi; Elisha Revives a Dead Child

Apr 8, 2022

44:25

00:00 – Yohoram ben Achav. The Kings of Israel combined forces against the King of Moab.01:40 – First and second versions of what took place at that time.04:37 – Third version of what took place during this war: when Moab asked his advisors “What gives the Jews their power to succeed?” he was told: “The Jews serve Hashem, and even when they stray, the merit of their forefathers protects them.” When the King of Moab heard about the near sacrifice of Yitzchak Avinu he decided to sacrifice his own son to gain power over the Jews.06:51 – Review of the different types of sacrifices. This sacrifice resulted in a negative decree from Heaven against Israel and the Jews were forced to retreat.08:40 – Continuation of the story of Elisha HaNavi who performed 16 miracles, twice the number performed by his teacher, Eliyahu.10:11 – The Torah’s prohibition against ribis (interest on a loan). Achav’s son, Yehoram, lent money to the prophet Ovadiah at a high rate of interest.14:51 – The four who are called Yireh Hashem: Avraham Avinu, Yosef HaTzaddik, Iyov, and Ovadiah.16:27 – Elisha HaNavi performs the miracle of oil for the widow of Ovadiah HaNavi to save her from this oppressive debt.*19:01 – Income must be “salted” to remove its non-kosher element through taking ma’aser. But there is no obligation to take ma’aser from something received through miracle.23:30 – Elisha NaNavi and the mother of Ado HaNavi.27:11 – The mitzvah of haknasas orachim – hospitality – the important kindness of preparing the guest’s bed. Mitah (bed), shulchan (table), kisey (chair), ner (lamp) – roshei teyvos MiSHKaN.*30:58 – Tefilah b’tzibor – The heavens will never reject the tefilah of someone who prays with a minyan. רחמים Rachamim (298) is b’gematria tzibor צבור. Elisha NaNavi promises the mother of Addo HaNavi another son.36:57 – Rosh Chodesh is a special holiday for women.38:59 – Elisha HaNavi gives his staff to his servant Gechazi and tells him to revive a dead child. Gechazi fails in his mission because he publicized the miracle.42:40 – Elisha HaNavi revives the child himself. The spiritual aspects of sneezing. Nukva depardashka – the breath of life. Moshiach.

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Melachim 2 – Lesson 06 – The Miracles of Eliyahu HaNavi and Elisha HaNavi Were Accomplished Through Tefilah; Giving Tzedakah on Behalf of a Person Who Passed Away; Techiyas HaMeisim in Halakha

Apr 1, 2022

41:22

00:00 – The crime of Gehazi against his master, Elisha HaNavi through which he lost the key to his Gan Eden (Eternal Reward).06:52 – Sidelight from the gemara – Hilkhasa DeMeshicha: precepts that are not found in the Shulchan Aruch (Code of Jewish Torah Law) because they are not applicable in our time. Yet the Shulchan Aruch does consider whether or not the wife of Eliyahu HaNavi may remarry, since he was taken alive into Gan Eden. This indicates that the case of Eliyahu HaNavi’s wife holds relevance to life today.22:27 – The Chida z”l brings the case of Rabba and Rabbi Zeira.28:56 – Story of Rabbi Yisrael Meis, the older brother of Rebbe Nachman of Breslov, who died and was returned to life as a child.34:00 – The key to miracles is emunah (faith) in tzaddikim. “What type of hands does a person need to collect Hashem’s constant blessings?” Hands of faith.38:20 – The idol created by Gehazi.40:10 – The worst sin is despair.

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Melachim 2 – Lesson 01 – Elisha HaNavi Receives the Cloak of His Teacher and Twice His Miracles; Water from the Hands of Elisha on Har Carmel; The Power of Music

Apr 1, 2022

42:33

The passing of Eliyahu HaNavi witnessed by his student, Elisha HaNavi. The miracles performed by Elisha. Shimush – service to a Torah scholar is greater than study. Speaker: Rabbi Zvi Aryeh Rosenfeld z”l.03:57 – The cape of Eliyahu HaNavi.10:26 – Elisha HaNavi enters the city of Yericho (Jericho).18:35 – The impurity of long hair at the back of a man’s head.25:19 – Tzedakah (charity) should never be accepted from a non-Jew to support a talmid chocham (Torah scholar).26:54 – Elisha HaNavi performed 16 miracles, while Eliyahu HaNavi performed 8.*28:14 – Yehoram, son of King Achav, forms an alliance and goes out to fight Moav, but his troops don’t have enough water. Story of the greatness of Elisha HaNavi when water poured forth from his hands on Har Carmel.37:53 – Sipurey Masiyos – the power of music. [Klop at 39:12.]39:36 – Elisha HaNavi and the miraculous river that supplied water for the armies of Yehoram and Yehoshofat.

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Melachim 1 – Lesson 09 – Navos is Murdered for His Vineyard; the Death of Achav; How Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai Killed an Incarnation of Achav; Reign of Achaziah

Feb 6, 2022

38:39

00:00 – Yizavel has Navos murdered so that her husband, King Achav, can take possession of his land. The death of Achav.22:55 – The Maharshah encounters an incarnation of Achav.24:07 – Story of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai z”l killing an incarnation of Achav named Yehuda ben Gerim. This account shows how Hashem allows atonement for even the worst sins and every person a chance to return to Him, even if it takes many lifetimes, chas v’shalom (may Hashem protect).29:50 – The reign of Achaziah, son of Achav.35:56 – Introduction to the departure of Eliyahu HaNavi to enter Olam Habah (the Next World) alive. Only nine people left this world without experiencing death.

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Melachim 1 – Lesson 08 – Elisha is Appointed Successor to Eliyahu HaNavi; the Greatness of Shimush (Service to) a Tzaddik

Dec 26, 2021

40:30

00:00 – King Achav defeats Ben Hadad, King of Assyria, but lets him live. Achav is rebuked by a prophet.05:38 – “One who puts his armor on for battle should not boast as one who takes it off.” (1 Melachim/Kings 20:11)21:46 – Eliyahu HaNavi and Elisha.29:52 – How Reb Shimon became Rebbe Nachman’s servant in Olam Habah (the Next World).

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Melachim 1 – Lesson 07 – Eliyahu Flees from Achav and Yizavel and Is Commanded to Appoint Elisha as His Replacement

Dec 19, 2021

39:34

00:00 – Review of the confrontation between Eliyahu HaNavi and the priests of Baal. On Yom Kippur, the last words we say before the final sounding of the shofar are “Hashem Hu HaElokim“. We also say these words on Yom Kippur Katan (the last day of each lunar month).02:23 – Meaning of “Hashem Hu HaElokim” according to the gemara.09:17 – The Baal Shem Tov HaKodesh explains שִׁוִּיתִי יְהוָה לְנֶגְדִּי תָמִיד “I place Hashem before me always” (Tehillim/Psalms 16:8).10:45 – Eliyahu HaNavi honors Achav’s position as king of Israel. A king cannot forego his honor.14:14 – The evil of Achav was worse than that of Yeravam ben Navat.15:46 – The honor due a king of Israel. A person receives a position of honor in this world only after it’s decided in Heaven.17:51 – Achav was a gilgul (incarnation) of Cain.*18:31 – An incident from the life of the MaHarShah that illustrates his greatness. He detects an incarnation of Achav.29:44 – Yizavel (Jezebel) threatens the life of Eliyahu HaNavi so he flees. He travels 40 days and 40 nights without food or drink until he arrives at Har Sinai.32:49 – Eliyahu HaNavi enters the cave on Sinai where Moshe Rabeynu stood when the 13 Midos of Hashem’s Kindness were revealed to him. He hears the kol demama daka – the Voice of Hashem is one of softness and kindness. Hashem gives Eliyahu three tasks to fulfill before he dies.35:44 – Because he didn’t defend Am Yisrael, Eliyahu is told to appoint Elisha as a prophet in his stead. Eliyahu is also told that he will have to be present at every Bris Milah, to testify to the purity and loyalty of the Jewish People.

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Melachim 1 – Lesson 06 – Eliyahu HaNavi and the Key to Rain

Dec 12, 2021

46:16

Melachim 1 – Lesson 06 – Eliyahu HaNavi and the Key to Rain

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Melachim 1 – Lesson 05 – Strife Between the Kingdoms of Israel; The Curse of Rebuilding Yericho; Eliyahu HaNavi vs. Achav – The Era of Miracles Begins

Dec 5, 2021

38:28

Melachim 1 – Lesson 05 – Strife Between the Kingdoms of Israel; The Curse of Rebuilding Yericho; Eliyahu HaNavi vs. Achav – The Era of Miracles Begins

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Melachim 1 – Lesson 04 – Addo haNavi and Yeravam ben Navat

Nov 28, 2021

40:06

00:00 – Yeravam ben Navat promoted idol worship in Eretz Yisrael (the Land of Israel).02:58 – The Zohar HaKodesh ends with the final statements of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai z”l about Yeravam ben Navat.06:42 – Pirkei Avos – the honor due a talmid chochom. Hashem is more careful about the honor of a tzaddik than He is about His Own Honor.07:08 – Yeravam asks Addo haNavi to pray for him.10:35 – Why did a false prophet merit receiving a true prophecy with regard to Addo’s death? He honored the mitzvah of haknassas orchim (hospitality).14:52 – Why did the lion not attack the mule that Addo had ridden? Why did it not attack the false prophet?19:11 – The false prophet later merited Divine Protection because he risked his life to rescue the body of Addo HaNavi. This incident took place when Yoshiyahu HaMelech was ridding Eretz Yisrael of idol worship by relocating old burial sites.22:02 – Hashem Himself tries to bring Yeravam back to teshuvah, out of respect for his great achievements in Torah study.*33:18 – Yeravam asks Hashem “Who will go first?” in Gan Eden (Paradise). What’s the difference between Teshuvah (return to Hashem) out of love vs. for reward? What kind of Baal Teshuvah can “stand where a tzaddik cannot stand”?35:35 – The Zohar HaKodesh brings another reason why Yeravam didn’t want to accept Hashem’s offer of reward: he didn’t want the shekhina to “walk last”.39:29 – Closing blessings.

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Melachim 1 – Lesson 03 – The Importance of Shmiras HaLoshon (Guarding Speech), The Kingdom of Israel is Split

Nov 21, 2021

41:01

00:00 – Why, after centuries of tears and prayers, has the final geulah (redemption) not yet arrived? As long as Am Yisrael lacks unity, the Beis HaMikdash (Holy Temple) cannot be rebuilt.03:50 – It’s forbidden to speak loshon hara (slander) against Eretz Yisrael (the Land of Israel).08:09 – Achieving unity within even a small group of Jews is the key to establishing harmony within the entire People of Israel. The ARIzal tested his students in this unity, and they failed. Disputes between Jews led to the destruction of the Beis HaMikdash.12:47 – The importance of shmiras haloshon – guarding one’s speech.14:57 – Midrash brings a moshol (allegory) about how misusing speech can bring about a person’s downfall. “Life and death are within the power of the tongue.”18:53 – Stories about perfected speech. Rebbe Nachman’s Taanis dibur (not speaking) during the first day of Rosh HaShanah.22:59 – A recent Breslover chasid who excelled in perfected speech was known as the “Silent Reb Nachman”. He was a close student of Rabbi Avraham (Kokhav-Lev) Sternhartz z”l. He spoke no mundane words for fifty years.25:46 – To speak against the Land of Israel or its Jewish inhabitants is like speaking against the Shekhina (Divine Presence of Hashem).26:45 – The confrontation between Shlomo HaMelech (King Solomon) and the king of the demons, Ashmidai. The division of the Kingdom of Israel after the reign of Shlomo HaMelech began when Yeravom ben Nevat (Jeroboam, from the tribe of Ephraim) spoke disrespectfully against Shlomo HaMelech.29:32 – Achiya HaShiloni, one of the greatest prophets who ever lived, was the teacher of Eliyahu HaNavi (Elijah the Prophet). Foreseeing that the Kingdom of Israel would be split, he offered the rulership of ten of the tribes to Yeravom ben Nevat.33:21 – After Shlomo HaMelech’s passing, his son Rechavam became king. Yeravom ruled over ten tribes and misled them into idol worship.

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Melachim 1 – Lesson 02 – Shlomo HaMelech Gathers Am Yisroel for Tefilah; Dispute Between Two Mothers; Supernatural Throne

Nov 14, 2021

38:19

05:16 – Hashem offers to grant Shlomo HaMelech (King Solomon) one special request.08:23 – The days of the week correspond to the sefiros (spiritual levels).10:23 – Shlomo HaMelech chooses to ask for a “heart that hears/discerns”. Since he chose a wise request, Hashem grants him far more. The king awakens from his dream with the ability to understand the languages of animals, plants, and the natural world.13:16 – One of Shlomo HaMelech‘s first acts as king was to gather together the People of Israel for tefilah (prayer).*15:17 – Our tefilos today do not rise vertically, they rise horizontally because they need to travel to makom hamikdash (the site of the Holy Temple) before they ascend. This location is the shaar hashamayim (gateway to heaven).18:46 – The Zohar HaKodesh brings an illustration about how the satan (evil inclination) operates in our generation.21:35 – Rebbe Nachman emphasizes that Shlomo HaMelech took 700 wives and 300 concubines in order to convert them.22:45 – Shlomo HaMelech judges between two mothers arguing over the ownership of a child.32:09 – The throne of Shlomo HaMelech had supernatural qualities that enabled him to elicit the truth from witnesses in disputes.36:30 – During the reign of Shlomo HaMelech, Israel was at peace. He lived to the age of 62, ruling 40 years.Audio Player

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Melachim 1 – Lesson 01 – Dovid HaMelech Transfers the Kingship to Shlomo HaMelech

Nov 7, 2021

39:30

00:00 – In his later years, Dovid HaMelech took Avishag as a concubine. He already had the permitted number of wives but he did not divorce any of his previous wives in order to marry her because 1) the Torah does not favor divorce, although it’s permitted; and 2) this union was not physical.03:55 – Adam HaRishon gave 70 years of his own life to Dovid HaMelech. Why that number?07:12 – There are ten sefiros (levels) of kedusha (holiness): three upper levels and seven lower. Adam gave 70 years corresponding to the seven lower sefiros.08:37 – However, since these 70 years were spiritually incomplete, the tikkun (correction/completion) of these years came from: Avraham Avinu (five years), Yaakov Avinu (28 years), and Yosef HaTzaddik (37 years). Why did Yosef give so many years, while no years were given by Yitzchak?11:18 – There are two moshiachs (anointed king of Israel): Moshiach ben Yosef and Moshiach ben Dovid.13:40 – Dovid HaMelech lived 70 years, passing away in the afternoon of his 70th birthday, (Shavuos).15:18 – On Dovid HaMelech‘s last day, he spoke with his son Shlomo (Solomon) to insure that Adonyahu and Yoav would not be able to take over the kingdom.16:58 – Nasan HaNavi (Nathan the Prophet) advises Dovid HaMelech‘s wife, Basheva (Batsheva) to intercede on behalf of her son Shlomo.19:42 – Dovid HaMelech‘s final words and requests.21:14 – Shlomo HaMelech‘s first acts as king included fulfilling his father’s commands to bring Yoav and Shimi Ben Gera to justice.*23:51 – Yoav fled to the mishkan (tabernacle), but it did not serve as a sanctuary. Dovid HaMelech had placed a curse on Yoav and his family, but that curse eventually plagued the descendants of Dovid. Whoever wishes evil for another endangers himself. It is better to be cursed than to curse.24:56 – Shmiras HaLoshon (guarding one’s speech) is a central Torah law. Speech has irrevocable power, and misusing it brings serious and far-reaching consequences, even for a tzaddik and his descendants.31:29 – Adonyahu asks permission to marry Avishag.*39:03 – Shlomo HaMelech (King Solomon) was crowned while his father, Dovid HaMelech (King David), was still alive. A question of Torah law arises when Dovid HaMelech is nistalek (passes away) on Shabbos, when it is forbidden to move a dead body.How the expression “Better to be a live dog than a dead lion” alludes to the fact that tefilas chatzos (the midnight prayer) counteracts negative forces.How Dovid HaMelech‘s histalkus on Shabbos can strengthen our faith that a tzaddik never abandons Am Yisrael (the People of Israel).

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Shmuel 2 – Lesson 7 – Dovid HaMelech, Census and Plague, The Power of Sefer Tehillim, Purchase of Beis HaMikdash Site

Oct 31, 2021

34:35

05:07 – Benayahu ben Yehoyada – “He went down and killed a lion in a pit on a snowy day” (II Shmuel/Samuel 23:20) – immersions in an ice-covered mikveh.11:02 – Dovid HaMelech (King David) wishes to taste the water of the Plishtim and his generals risk their lives to get it for him.16:05 – It is prohibited to count Jews. Taking a census caused a deadly plague during the reign of Dovid HaMelech. The king is given a choice as to what punishment will be given. לְהַגִּיד כִּֽי־יָשָׁ֣ר יְהֹוָ֑ה צ֜וּרִ֗י וְֽלֹא־עַוְלָ֥תָה (כתיב עַלָ֥תָה) בּֽוֹ “…and there is no wickedness in Him” (Tehillim/Psalms 92:16).20:19 – The prophet Gad confronts Dovid HaMelech about the census and its consequences.22:59 – The mercy of Hashem is shown in His promise that the Jew will outlast all His “arrows”.*25:59 – When the plague reaches and strikes Jerusalem, Dovid HaMelech prays on behalf of his people. His suffering enables him to compose the universally powerful words of Sefer Tehillim.28:01 – The ten types of song in Sefer Tehillim.30:50 – Dovid HaMelech insists on paying money for the site of the future Beis HaMikdash, even though the non-Jewish owner of the land, Aravna, offers to give it for free.32:53 – The first mishna in Kedushin is about ownership, property, acquisition. Women have more emunah (faith) than men.33:59 – The death of Avishai.

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Shmuel 2 – Lesson 6 – Serach Bas Asher, Qualities of a Soulmate, Dovid HaMelech Captured by Yishbi and Rescued by Avishai

Oct 9, 2021

42:48

00:00 – Sheva ben Bichri, a rebel against the monarchy of Dovid HaMelech (King David), takes refuge in the city where Serach bas Asher lives. She saves the city by delivering his head to Yoav, the general of Dovid’s army (II Shmuel/Samuel, 20).32:38 – Dovid HaMelech is captured and almost killed by the brother of Golias (Goliath), the giant Yishbi beNov.35:05 – Avishai, on his way to rescue Dovid HaMelech, kills Yishbi’s mother, Orphah (sister of Rus HaMoaviah).36:50 – Avishai rescues Dovid HaMelech

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Shmuel 2 – Lesson 5 – Death of Avshalom, Loshon Hara (Slander) about Mefiboshes, Rebellion of Sheva ben Bichri

Oct 2, 2021

39:00

00:00 – Review of Avshalom’s rebellion.01:10 – Dovid HaMelech (King David) defends his kingdom against the rebellion of his son, Avshalom. The death of Avshalom.10:15 – Likutey Moharan 69 – destroying an other’s property has consequences that can harm one’s children.11:14 – Dovid HaMelech (King David) mourned the death of his son with the words, “O’ my son Avshalom, my son, my son Avshalom! Would that I had died in your stead, O’ Avshalom my son, my son!” By using these specific words he rescued his son from the seven levels of gehinnom (eternal punishment after death).14:56 – The timelessness of the afterlife.*15:54 – Account of how Rabi Yochanan rescues Acher from gehinnom.17:29 – Rebbe Nachman’s promise to rescue his students from gehinnom if they will give tzedakah (charity) at his grave site in Uman.18:08 – Through performing good deeds, children have the ability to save their parents from gehinnom, but parents cannot save their children from punishment in the next world.*19:27 – Dovid HaMelech‘s achievement seems to contradict these kabbalistic principles, so the sages of the Talmud explore why and how King David was able to elevate the soul of his rebellious son.24:01 – Yoav admonishes Dovid HaMelech for mourning his son instead of rejoicing in the victory to save the kingdom. Amasa is invited to replace Yoav.26:17 – Mefiboshes, the son of Yonasan (Jonathan), is invited to live at the palace of Dovid HaMelech.31:41 – There are three sins for which a Jew must give his life rather than transgress: idol worship, murder, adultery. Loshon hara (slander) is worse than all three of these sins combined. Because Dovid HaMelech seemed to be acting based on loshon hara about Mefiboshes, he was punished with the division of his kingdom. However in truth, Dovid HaMelech did not sin in this matter.35:16 – The rebellion of Sheva ben Bichri. Yoav assassinates Amasa.37:32 – A wise woman saves the city where Sheva ben Bichri is hiding by throwing his head down to the army of Dovid HaMelech.38:04 – Dovid HaMelech was above the level of Rabi Shimon Bar Yochai.Dovid HaMelech (King David) mourned the death of his son Avshalom with the words, “O’ my son Avshalom, my son, my son Avshalom! Would that I had died in your stead, O’ Avshalom my son, my son!”01:12 – The sages of the Talmud explain why and how King David was able to elevate the soul of his rebellious son (II Shmuel/Samuel 19, Sotah 10a).

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Shmuel 2 – Lesson 4 – Tamar, Amnon, and the Roots of Avshalom’s Rebellion; Dovid HaMelech Excavates the Foundation of the Beis HaMikdash

Sep 25, 2021

40:03

00:00 – The incident of Tamar, Amnon, and Avshalom.09:50 – Dovid HaMelech (King David) yearns for his banished son. Father and son are reunited through a ruse orchestrated by the king’s general, Yoav, and a “Wise Woman of Tekoa.”17:47 – The roots of Avshalom’s rebellion.22:33 – Dovid HaMelechh is forced to flee from Jerusalem. Shimi ben Gera curses him along the way.24:09 – Avshalom usurps his father’s throne.*28:18 – While excavating the site of the future Beis HaMikdash (Holy Temple), Dovid HaMelech accidentally dislodged the Even Shesiya (Foundation Stone of the Creation). Subterranean reservoirs of water erupted from the depths, and only with the help of Achitofel was the king able to stop the flood (Sukkah 53a).37:21 – Statement in Pirkei Avos (Ethics of the Fathers) 6:3 about Dovid HaMelech learning only two things from Achitofel, illustrating the importance of honoring any person from whom one learns Torah.38:16 – Concluding words about the suffering of Dovid HaMelech.

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Shmuel 2 – Lesson 3 – Proofs from the Zohar HaKodesh that Dovid HaMelech Did Not Sin; Demons; Defeat of Ammon; Shunning Non-Jewish Styles

Sep 18, 2021

39:45

00:00 – The angel Dumah is appointed over Gehinnam. He demands the soul of Dovid HaMelech (King David) but Hashem Himself tells him: “Dovid HaMelech did not commit a sin, he is pure.”05:46 – Another proof of Dovid HaMelech‘s innocence brought in the Zohar HaKodesh is related to the statement made about Avraham Avinu, “bah beyomim” (arriving with his days). The teshuvah of someone returning to Judaism from a distant background proceeds more quickly than the teshuvah of a tzaddik.16:40 – New shiur begins. Dovid HaMelech yearns to build the Beis HaMikdash (Holy Temple). Hashem tells Nasan HaNavi to tell Dovid that although the kingship of Israel will never be taken away from him and his descendants, even so – the Beis HaMikdash will be built by Dovid’s son, Shlomo (Solomon).20:14 – Demons are half-human, half-supernatural descendants of Adam. These beings can fly and can turn themselves into different forms. They are born, reproduce, and die.23:56 – Reference to the story in Gittin about Shlomo HaMelech and Ashmedai.24:15 – Hashem tells Nasan HaNavi to rush back to Dovid HaMelech. From this we learn the importance of zrizus/enthusiasm, quickness to do a mitzvah.27:57 – Dovid HaMelech kills the kings of Ammon in retaliation for their treachery in murdering Dovid’s family.28:46 – Name of King David’s mother is not mentioned in the written Torah but it appears in the Talmud.*30:20 – Shmuel 2 – Perek 10. To disgrace the emissaries of Dovid HaMelech, the son of Ammon orders that their beards should be half shaven off. Here Rabbi Rosenfeld z”l comments on the importance of not following the styles of non-Jewish culture, particularly citing the Torah tradition against allowing the hair on the top and back of a man’s head to grow long.36:52 – Yoav attacks Ammon but gives the victory to his king, Dovid.38:08 – Although Dovid HaMelech was victorious in many battles on behalf of Israel, he was not granted peace in this world. Introduction to the rebellion of his son, Avshalom.

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Shmuel 2 – Lesson 2 – Dovid HaMelech and Batsheva – 4 Levels of Understanding

Sep 11, 2021

38:57

00:00 – Although usually the Torah advises not getting involved in controversy, there are some disputes that we should enter to defend the truth. The dispute about the righteousness of Dovid HaMelech (King David) is an example of a controversy we are obligated to enter to uphold the testaments of the Torah sages that his intentions and deeds with regard to Batsheva were pure.01:37 – Everything in the Torah She’Be’Csav (Written Torah) has 4 dimensions: Pshat (literal), Remez (hint, allusion), Drush (deeper explanation), and Soad (secret). The initial letters of these four dimensions spell “PaRDeS” (orchard, paradise).02:33 – The account of Dovid HaMelech and Batsheva on a literal level.17:14 – The account of Dovid HaMelech and Batsheva according to the understanding of sages in the Talmud.19:07 – The rebuke of Nasan HaNavi (Nathan the Prophet) – deeper implications.21:48 – Shabbos 56a: Uriah divorced his wife Batsheva before going into battle.25:20 – Shabbos 56a: Uria committed two acts of rebellion against the king for which he incurred the death penalty.27:32 – Sanhedrin 107a.35:55 – Avoda Zara 4b-5a and the Zohar – Rabi Shimon Bar Yochai’s defense of Dovid HaMelech in the incident of Batsheva assures every Jew that Hashem can forgive no matter how far a person has fallen.

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Shmuel 2 – Lesson 1 – Dovid HaMelech Begins His Reign Amidst Strife – Finally Brings the Aron Kodesh to Jerusalem

Sep 4, 2021

29:34

00:00 – Dovid HaMelech (King David) returns to Hevron to reign as king over the tribe of Yehudah. Ish Boshes, a remaining son of Shaul, is installed by Avner as king over the other tribes.00:39 – Strife erupts between the armies of Avner (who served Ish Boshes) and Yoav (who served Dovid HaMelech).04:32 – Ish Boshesh insults Avner, who then abandons Ish Boshes and offers to serve Dovid HaMelech. Dovid demands the release of his wife Michal from Paltiel ben Laish.06:59 – Yoav kills Avner through deceit.08:06 – Dovid HaMelech reclaims Jerusalem and attempts to return the Holy Ark there but at first he fails. He didn’t honor the law requiring the Ark to be carried on the shoulders, not on a wagon, whereby “The carriers are carried.” (Shmuel 2, Perek 6.)13:23 – Dovid HaMelech (King David) brought the Aron Kodesh (Holy Ark) to Jerusalem with great honor and joy. This triumphant moment in Jewish history is relived by each of us when we put all our energy in dancing with the Torah on Simchos Torah. Description of how the Arizal would dance all night on Simchos Torah.15:33 – Michal sees Dovid HaMelech from the window as he’s dancing and when he returns home she rebukes him for not upholding the dignity of being a king. Hashem punishes her for giving this rebuke by making her childless “until the day she passed away”. There is a possibility that she did have a child but that she passed away in childbirth.23:42 – The pain of shame and embarrassment over a sin can help remove the damage to the soul caused by having committed the sin.27:23 – The Tikkunei Zohar explains that above all, Hashem wants us to respect Him and to regret our mistakes. Bereishis (“In the beginning…”) is made up of the letters that form the words yira (respect/fear/awe) and boshes (shame). The rewards of serving Hashem with humility.29:02 – Rav Avraham Kokhav-Lev brings: The time for the coming of Moshiach is from Rosh Chodesh Nissan through Pesach (Passover).

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Shmuel 1 – Lesson 5 – Shaul HaMelech Consults the Witch of Endor – His Defeat and Why His Death was Not Suicide

Aug 29, 2021

48:36

05:00 – Shaul HaMelech (King Saul), desperate to know the outcome of an approaching battle against the Plishtim (Philistines), asks a sorceress to summon his teacher, Shmuel HaNavi (Samuel the Prophet), back from the dead.12:21 – Shmuel HaNavi tells the king that he will die in the battle, but will be with Shmuel in Gan Eden (paradise), indicating the complete righteousness of Shaul.15:59 – Two Questions: what gave this sorceress the power to accomplish what tzaddikim couldn’t? And why was Shaul forced to receive the answer to his query through such strange circumstances? Rav Noson of Nemirov explains that this was to show the powerful concern of a teacher for his student.18:16 – Even though in our time apparent sorcery is false and accomplished through fraud and trickery, in those days, true magic existed. Hashem allowed witchcraft to be effective to maintain the freedom of choice between good and evil.20:56 – Dovid HaMelech returns to Ziklag to find it in ruins and the wives and children of his 600 soldiers taken captive. After consulting the Urim veTumim (prophetic device of the Kohen Gadol) Dovid decides to track down the marauders and learns, along the way, that the enemy is from Amalek. 200 men stay behind while Dovid and 400 of his men rescue the captives and take plunder. Dovid HaMelech insists that the spoils of the battle are shared equally with all 600 men, to show that the outcome was from Hashem, and not a result of the number of people fighting the battle.25:05 – The three sons of Shaul, including Yonasan, were killed in the battle against the Plishtim (Philistines). Shaul was mortally wounded and asked his servant to kill him. The servant refused so Shaul HaMelech fell upon his own sword and died.27:12 – The inhabitants of Yovesh-Gilad heroically rescued Shaul Hamelech‘s body from the enemy and gave their king a fitting burial.28:23 – When Dovid HaMelech heard of Shaul‘s death he commanded the execution of the Amalekite messenger who brought the news. Dovid mourns the King and even mores so the loss of his devoted friend Yonason.32:38 – Dovid returns to Eretz Yisrael to take over the kingdom, but encounters opposition from Shaul‘s general, Avner, who installs Shaul‘s remaining son as king.34:12 – The death of Shaul HaMelech is not considered suicide. In contrast: the execution of Rabbi Chanina ben Teradion (2nd century CE): “Since the scroll of the Torah is burning with me, the Power that will avenge this offense against the Torah will also avenge the offense against me.” (Avodah Zarah 17b).

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Shmuel 1 – Lesson 4 – Shaul and Dovid HaMelech Were Both Tzaddikim

Aug 22, 2021

38:31

Shmuel 1 – Lesson 4 – Shaul and Dovid HaMelech Were Both Tzaddikim

40

Shmuel 1 – Lesson 3 – Shmuel HaNavi Annoints Dovid HaMelech, Defeat of Golias, Who Was Michal?

Jul 25, 2021

39:01

Shmuel 1 – Lesson 3 – Shmuel HaNavi Annoints Dovid HaMelech, Defeat of Golias, Who Was Michal?

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Shmuel 1 – Lesson 2 – The Reign of Shaul HaMelech

Jul 20, 2021

45:32

00:00 – The special qualities of Shaul HaMelech (King Saul) were purity of mind and humility. In pursuit of lost donkeys, he meets the Prophet Shmuel (Samuel).03:35 – The custom of going to a chassidic Rebbe for advice and donating a gift as expression of respect. (Presentation of a “kvitel“.)07:00 – Shaul is told that he will be king of Israel. Shmuel instructs him to look up at the sky to strengthen his yiras shemayaim (reverence for Hashem).10:00 – The meaning of the expression “Shaul is also among the prophets?” Shaul becomes king. A king of Israel may not negate the honor due him.13:00 – Nachash Kig of Ammon threatens the Jewish community of Yavesh Gilad. Shaul destroys the army of Ammon.19:00 – Shmuel reprimands the People of Israel for believing in a king instead of believing in Hashem. Shaul leads the People to do teshuvah by praying before defending themselves against the Philistines, but an act of disrespect of Shmuel HaNavi causes him to lose the kingdom.25:00 – Yonasan, the son of Shaul, succeeds in a valiant and shrewd attack on the enemy.30:00 – Shaul HaMelech fails to wipe out the entire nation of Amalekbecause he allowed their king, Agog, to live. Shmuel executes Agog.38:00 – The gemara questions the strictness of this judgment. Couldn’t Shaul HaMelech have done teshuvah and been forgiven? He could have, except he fell into despair and he was therefore not able to do teshuvah.43:00 – How did the music of Dovid’s harp soothe the despair of Shaul? The story of the Seventh Beggar: the princess and the Castle of Water.45:00 – A Jew should never lose hope.

42

Shmuel (Samuel) 1 – Lesson 1

Jun 27, 2021

41:48

00:00 – In the last story of the Sipurey Masiyos – Rabbi Nachman’s story of The Seven Beggars – the fourth beggar (with a crooked neck) speaks about two birds who have been distanced from one another. The beggar describes his talent as a ventriloquist whereby he throws his voice to imitate the sound of each bird until the two are reunited. This alludes to the way Hashem used His “Voice” the first time He spoke to the prophet Shmuel.04:31 – The Aron Kodesh (Holy Ark) is captured by the Philistines. This incident relates to a later moment in Jewish history when Dovid Hamelech (King David) defeats the giant Golias (Goliath).08:46 – The heroism of Shaul (Saul) even before he is made king. He risks his life, alone, to rescue the luchos (tablets of the Torah) from the Aron Kodesh.13:49 – The death of Eli HaKohen and his sons.15:34 – The Philistines celebrate their victory in the city of Ashdod but their idol, Dagan (a kind of “merman” figure) is destroyed and a plague breaks out. They move the Aron Kodesh to other locations but the trouble continues until they decide to let oxen pulling the wagon decide to return it to the Jews.22:11 – Shmuel gives rebuke to Israel. The Philistines are defeated by Hashem through thunder.25:08 – The People of Israel ask for a King and Shaul is annointed by Shmuel.29:29 – Why was Shmuel HaNavi angry that the People of Israel asked for a king, when it’s actually a mitzvah in the Torah? The response includes some of the Seven Mitzvos (commandments) of the Bnei Noach (descendants of Noah) as listed in Sanhedrin 58b:1) Do not murder.2) Do not steal.3) Do not worship false gods.4) Do not commit adultery.5) Do not eat the limb of a living animal.6) Do not curse God.7) Set up courts and bring offenders to justice.38:32 – King Yeravam Ben Nevat (Jeroboam) threatens the prophet, his hand shrinks (Melachim Aleph – 1 Kings:13). Moral of this incident for today: emunas chochomim.

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Shoftim – Lesson 6 – Chana and the Power of a Woman’s Prayer, Shmuel HaNavi’s First Nevuah, Undoing the Curse on the Descendants of Eli HaKohen

Jun 20, 2021

35:18

00:00 – The story behind the birth of Shmuel HaNavi (Samuel the Prophet). Elkanah, Chana, Penina.11:45 – Introduction to basic concepts of kabbalah and how Chana’s prayer reached “above Hashem“. She accessed an upper realm called mazal and because of what she achieved, the formation of the Shemoneh Esrei is based on her prayer.*17:50 – True account from the time of Rebbe Nachman illustrating the live-giving power of a Jewish woman’s prayer.26:32 – The sons of Eli HaKohen.27:51 – The first nevuah (prophecy) of Shmuel HaNavi. The curse against the house of Eli HaKohen and his descendants and how it was counteracted through Torah study and tzedaka (charity).

44

Shoftim – Lesson 5 – The Idol of Micah, War Against the Tribe of Benyamin

Jun 13, 2021

40:23

Two accounts from Jewish history that illustrate how a small domestic problem can escalate to war. First – the account of Micah‘s idol, second, the account of how and why the tribe of Benyamin was almost completely destroyed by the other tribes of Israel. Text: Shoftim/Judges 17-20.

45

Shoftim – Lesson 4 – Shimshon – Trials, Later Incarnations, Ultimate Victory

Jun 6, 2021

38:49

Shoftim – The Book of Judges – presented by Rabbi Zvi Aryeh Rosenfeld z”l.00:00 – Delilah’s attempts to find out the secret of Shimshon‘s strength.09:15 – Shimshon reveals the truth about his supernatural powers and he is captured by the Plishtim (Philistines). He is blinded and endures many trials but remains a tzaddik.15:58 – Through his death, Shimshon brings down more enemies of Israel than he did in all his battles against them during his lifetime.20:57 – Shimshon was a tzaddik and achieved even more through his death than he did through his life. There are two types of gehinnam (hell) – one of fire and one of ice. The antidote for the gehinnam of of ice is hidden in the mitzvos that are done through pairs (e.g. tefillin, two Shabbos loaves at every meal).27:30 – The powers of a tzaddik to destroy his enemies are even greater after he passes away than they were in his lifetime.30:16 – The gilgulim (incarnations) of Shimshon, who was, himself, a gilgul of Nadav and Avihu, the sons of Aharon HaKohen.35:52 – The lesson of Shimshon and his ultimate victory is that a person should strengthen his faith in the tzaddikim and never give up.

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Shoftim – Lesson 3 – Birth Of Shimshon Riddle Wars

May 30, 2021

39:42

Shoftim – Lesson 3 – Birth Of Shimshon Riddle Wars

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Shoftim – Lesson 2 – Chavos Yair, Yiftach, Boaz, Rus, Mashiach, Intro. to Shimshon

May 23, 2021

40:22

00:00 – Peace in Israel under the leadership of Tolah ben Puah from the tribe of Yissachar.00:40 – The next leader was Yair HaGiladi of Shevet Menashe (East). He called the villages of his sons “Chavos Yair” to commemorate Yair ben Menashe, who had no children. Why does the Torah mention this? The true offspring of tzaddikim are the Torah and maasim tovim (good deeds) they bring to the world. “Chavos Yair” (gematria is 635: 613 mitzvos plus the 22 letters of the Torah).05:56 – Jewish emunah (faith) faltered and as a result Hashem allowed the nation of Ammon oppressed them.07:31 – Hashem refused to help Israel because of their idol worship, but Am Yisrael continued to beg Him to return to them.08:57 – “Lam’natzeach” in Tehillim alludes to Hashem‘s “defeat” through prayer, teaching us that no one should ever give up hope, no matter what the circumstances.10:40 – Yiftach, arises from humble beginnings to become a fierce defender of Israel. The Jews are forbidden to make war against Moav because Rus would come from that land.13:55 – Ammon declares war against the Jews.17:00 – Sichon, king of Amori and Og, King of Bashan were supernatural giants. They had survived the flood of Noach. Yiftach refuses to give back trans-Jordan and the army of Israel was victorious even though they were greatly outnumbered.19:52 – Yiftach’s vow to sacrifice the first thing he meets after the battle if he is victorious.23:14 – Did Yiftach actually sacrifice his only daughter? The Zohar says yes. Because of Yiftach‘s refusal to meet with Pinchas, Kohen Gadol, his daughter lost her life. Both men were punished severely by Hashem for their stubbornness.28:38 – Civil war with Ephraim.30:03 – The origin of the term for a password: “shibboleth.”32:03 – Aftzon/Boaz and Rus and the origin of Mashiach in spiritual purity.35:36 – Lineage of Shimshon HaGibor (Samson).37:34 – Elon and Avadon.

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Shoftim – Lesson 1 – Gidon

May 16, 2021

43:12

00:00 – Review of the beginning of Sefer Shoftim.03:00 – “You cannot reach the limit of Hashem’s patience and kindness.” – Rabbi Zvi Aryeh Rosenfeld z”l04:00 – An angel appears to Gidon ben Yoash, (from the tribe of Menashe).11:20 – Hashem commands Gidon to destroy an alter to Baal and receives an additional name: Yiru-Baal. He asks and receives Divine proof that he should amass an army against Midian.18:00 – A selection of soldiers is made by testing them in drinking at a river. Only 300 of 10,000 soldiers didn’t get down on their knees to drink. “At no time should a Jew get down on both knees.” – R’ Rosenfeld.23:00 – Meaning of the Midianite soldier’s dream about the loaf of oat bread.26:00 – In panic, the Midianite soldiers destroyed one another. Gidon pursues and kills the two kings of Midian.30:00 – Gidon refuses to accept kingship over Israel. His half-son Avimelech instigates a rebellion and killed 69 of Gidon’s 70 sons. Only the youngest son, Yosam (Jotham), remained.38:00 – Yosam tells the parable of the thorn to the people of Shechem who had joined Avimelech’s rebellion.40:00 – Avimelech is killed and temporary peace for the Jews returned until they fell away from Hashem again. “Each Jew can find himself in the words of the Navi because [like the People of Israel] he [personally] goes through these periods of elevation and descent.” – R” Rosenfeld z”l.

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Yehoshua 2

May 9, 2021

44:39

00:00 – After the passing of Yehoshua, the first of Israel’s judges – Osniel ben Kenaz – takes command. As the faith of the new generation weakens, enemies arise and Hashem warns us to be harsh with our oppressors.09:20 – Moab rises up against the Bnei Yisrael.13:00 – The heroic deeds of the righteous Ehud against the King of Moab, Eglon.

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Yehoshua 1

May 2, 2021

44:56

00:00 – The Battle of Yericho (Jericho). The unusual faith of Rachav in protecting the People of Israel shows how a person who comes from the lowest depths can rise to the highest spiritual levels. “There’s no such thing as a person having passed the point of no return.” – Rabbi Zvi Aryeh Rosenfeld z”l.06:00 – Why didn’t Yehoshua/Joshua have any sons? This was a punishment for having stated a Torah law in front of his teacher, Moshe Rabbeinu. The Zohar, however, says that Yehoshua did no sin.08:30 – The battle of Ai and the death of a Jewish warrior who was “like” 36 men – Yair ben Menashe, even though Hashem had assured Israel they would be victorious. Why this casualty?11:00 – The lottery to find the person who disobeyed the commandment not to loot the city of Yericho.12:30 – “No matter how bad his behavior, a Jew still retains the holy title of Jew.” – Rabbi Zvi ARyeh Rosenfeld z”l.13:00 – The lottery is arranged because Hashem refuses to speak Loshon Hara (evil report) about a Jew. The culprit – Achan – is found and he confesses.16:00 – The power of viduy (confession).17:00 – The strategy against the city of Ai that led to victory was used by the Israeli army in the war of 1967.18:00 – The importance of establishing and upholding effective judicial system to combat evil. Judges who are too liberal and show mercy when it’s not warranted are themselves criminal.24:50 – The deception of the inhabitants of Gibeon in offering a false treaty of peace.29:00 – Yehoshua commands the sun to halt during the battle against Gibeon.

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Jewish History

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