KMTT - the Torah Podcast

Parshat Vayigash - Yosef and Yehuda, written by Harav Yaakov Medan The respective narratives of Yehuda and Yosef contain several clear parallels. What does the Torah's attitude toward these two brothers teach us about the quality of leadership throughout the history of the nation of Israel?

Parashat Miketz - The Meaning of Yosef's Estrangement, written by Harav Yaakov Medan The Torah's description of Yosef's evolving relationship with his family contains many unusual and inexplicable elements. How can understanding Yosef's mindset and mentality throughout his harrowing narrative help explain many of these incongruences?

Special Chanuka Shiur, Using the Chanuka Oil, by Rav Ezra Bick Given to Bnei Chul during Mifgash Chanuka 5776 (Dec 8, 2015)

Parshat Vayeshev - From the Valley of Chevron to the Valley of Dotan: In the Footsteps of Yosef and the Midrash, written by Harav Yaakov Medan What can Yosef's journey to find his brothers - and Chazal's commentary on this journey - teach us about the intricate interpersonal relationships at play in this episode?

Parshat Vayishlach - Anyone Who Says Reuven Sinned, written by Harav Yaakov Medan Our Sages were torn over whether the incident between Reuven and Bilha was a terrible sin or a minor misdemeanor. What can our analysis of the incident teach us about Reuven's role in his interactions with his various family members and about his legacy as a would-be leader of the nation of Israel?

Parshat Vayetze - Beit El, written by Harav Yaakov Medan Beit El plays a critical role in Parashat Vayetze, and indeed, in several places throughout the Tanakh. What can Beit El's location and its relationship with Jerusalem tell us about its sanctity and its significance for the people of Israel?

Recollections of Harav Aharon Lichtenstein zt"l, by Rav Hershel Schachter R. Schachter explains why he could not speak about R. Aharon immediately after he passed away, and spends 41 minutes describing his rebbe, R. Aharon. "R. Aharon had such a tremendous influence on all of us." He cries, and laughs, and at times both.

Parshat Toldot - Esav's Merit, written by Harav Yaakov Medan Chazal's portrayal of Esav as a wicked murderer does not quite match the relatively mild description of Esav in the actual text of the Torah. How can we explain this discrepancy, and what does it mean for us today?

Parshat Chayei Sara, Ketura, written by Harav Yaakov Medan What is the connection between the rabbinic dispute over the identity of Ketura and the people of Israel's covenantal claim to the Greater Land of Israel, between the Nile and the Euphrates?

Parshat Vayera - The Way of God and the Way of Righteousness and Justice, written by Harav Yaakov Medan How can examining the events of Sedom help us understand Avraham's complicated relationship with God's will on the one hand and the values of righteousness and justice on the other?