KMTT - the Torah Podcast

Parshat Tetzaveh - Tamid, written by Rav Ezra Bick Thetamid, the continual, twice-daily burnt offering, is described in two separate sections in the Torah. How can the subtle differences between these two series of verses help us understand two aspects of the relationship between man and God?

Am Levadad Yishkon #17 – “Story of Bilaam Part Four – Pinhas and the War of Midian” The story of Bilaam appears to end with his failure, on all three attempts, to curse the Jewish People. However, a closer reading of the text shows that the narratives that follow, involving the sin of Baal Peor, the act of Pinhas and the war of Midian, are an integral part of the story. These events form a tragic and triumphant conclusion to the showdown with Balak and Bilaam, and give us additional insight into the eternally unique qualities of the Am Levadad Yishkon.

Topics in Practical Halakha #10 Shabbat Zachor and Purim, by Rav Mordechai Friedman

The Weekly Mitzva - Tetzaveh, The Ner Tamid of the Mikdash, by Rav Yair Kahn To what extent can the menora be described as a 'ner tamid'? After all, the mitzva is to light it only till the morning.

The Weekly Mitzva - Teruma, The Halakha of "Nediv Lev", by Rav Yair Kahn Under what conditions can one create a binding obligation through unverbalized thought.

Parshat Teruma - The Kaporet, written by Rav Ezra Bick The kaporet is described in the Torah not only as the golden cover for the aron, but in many ways as an independent vessel with its own unique identity. What can the kaporet's dual role tell us about the confluence between the physical and the spiritual in the Holy of Holies?

Topics in Practical Halakha #9 Tu Bishvat, by Rav Mordechai Friedman We apologize for the late posting.

Am Levadad Yishkon #16 –“Story of Bilaam Part Three – Curses Turned to Blessings,” by Rav Asher Haber Three times Bilaam attempted to curse the Jewish People, and instead pronounced blessings instead of curses. These short poetic passages contain some of the most eloquent praises of Am Yisrael ever uttered. We can learn a lot about ourselves by listening to them.

Am Levadad Yishkon #15 –“Story of Bilaam Part Two – Bilaam’s Stubborn Insistence,” by Rav Asher Haber Why does Hashem seemingly change His mind – after telling Bilaam the first time not to go, the second time, He tells him to go. And once He allowed him to go, why does He then get angry at Bilaam for going? And what’s the whole incident with the talking donkey about?

The Weekly Mitzva - Mishpatim, The Source of Judicial Authority, by Rav Yair Kahn An analysis of contradictory sugyot regarding the requirement that judges have semikha.