KMTT - the Torah Podcast

Sukkot | Zman Simchatenu, by Rav Dovid Gottlieb Sukkot and the simcha of second chances, in the words of the Alei Shur. Source sheet >>

Rav Soloveitchik on Teshuva (12): How To Free Ourselves from Our Fears, by Rav Dovid Gottlieb Most people are beset by many fears: fear of dying, fear of poverty, fear of loneliness, etc. Surprisingly, if we internalize one specific - and big - fear of Heaven we can free ourselves from all of our other fears.

The Glory of "Teshuva Gedola", Shabbat Shuva 5786, derasha by Rav Moshe Taragin

Nitzavim | The Devarim "Revolution", by Rav Yitzchak Etshalom What are we to make of Moshe's "Teshuva speech" in Devarim 30:1-10? The "Parashat haTeshuva" (Devarim 30:1-10) seems to double back on itself, introducing Teshuva and then - introducing it again. Based loosely on a wonderful shiur by Rav Baruch Gigi, Rosh Yeshivat Har Etzion, we analyze the difference between the obeisance directed in Sefer Shemot-Bamidbar as opposed to the emotional attachment between HKBH and Knesset Yisrael introduced by Moshe in his grand speech of Sefer Devarim. Using this dichotomy to suggest two different sets of consequences of "non-compliance" (or "Divine disappointment"), we propose reading the two segments of Parashat haTeshuva as first and foremost addressing the core relationship with HKBH and only after that relating to the practical commitment to Mitzvot.

Sefer Yonah | Chapter 3, by Rav Yitzchak Etshalom Why did the king of Nineveh respond so quickly and so forcefully to Yonah's declaration? As we continue our study of Sefer Yonah, we note the many peculiarities of the narrative in chapter 3. In only 10 verses, it tells us of Yonah's immensely successful prophetic mission to Nineveh, where his simple cry elicits immediate fasting, mourning and (apparently) heartfelt repentance on the part of the Ninevites. We note the striking parallels between the first narrative - on the boat - and this one and how in each case, the foreign audience (sailors, Ninevites) serve as helpful background players and throughout the story, the real character is Yonah himself. Some of the questions that we have raised will be addressed in the final installment of this mini-series.

Sefer Yonah | Overview, Introduction and Chapter 1, by Rav Yitzchak Etshalom In this opening shiur of a three-part series, we explore the historic background of both Yonah and the Assyrian Empire and its impending conquest of Samaria. We then analyze the first chapter of the story - Yonah on the boat - looking for textual and literary clues to understand the underlying message of the story. More to come...

Ramban on the Torah | 5785 | 39 | Ki Tavo, by Rav Eli Weber How do we show gratitude to Hashem? How do we deal with failure in Avodat Hashem?

Rav Soloveitchik on Teshuva (11): Appreciating Our Dual Relationship With Hashem, by Rav Dovid Gottlieb What is the basis of our relationship with Hashem - what we inherit from our parents or something more personal? What does sin do to that relationship and how does teshuva repair the relationship?

Ki Tetze | 5785 | Sha'atnez, by Rav Tzvi Chaim Kaye The issur appears twice in the Torah; what does the word itself mean?! And what processes are required to create a violation of this mitzva. This and more...

Ramban on the Torah | 5785 | 38 | Ki Tetze, by Rav Eli Weber What is behind the order of the parshiot? What does the Torah say about the ethics of war?