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This shiur covers Bamidbar Chapter 19, the laws of the Parah Adumah (red heifer) and purification from corpse impurity. The chapter appears out of sequence with the surrounding material about the priestly hierarchy, but connects through the kohen's role in both restricting access to the Mishkan and providing purification for those who became impure. The process involves two parts: first, the ritual slaughter and burning of the red heifer with cedar wood, hyssop, and crimson wool to create purifying ashes; second, the detailed laws of who becomes impure from contact with death and how they must be sprinkled with water mixed with these ashes on the third and seventh days to regain purity.
This shiur on Shemonah Perakim Chapter 4 examines the Rambam's introduction to his list of character traits and addresses a fundamental tension between halacha and mussar. The Chazon Ish's approach is analyzed through a case study of two yeshivos competing in the same neighborhood, revealing how the concept of "naval birshus haTorah" (scoundrel within Torah's permission) is often misunderstood. The core argument challenges the modern mussar movement's assumption that being a "good person" is defined by internal character traits independent of halacha, demonstrating instead that genuine ethical behavior requires external objective standards - specifically Torah law - to determine what is actually right and just. The discussion includes analysis of why people feel more certain about their righteousness in high-stakes situations (like million-dollar disputes) versus small ones, and why the feeling of justice doesn't determine what truly belongs to whom.
This class covers Bamidbar Chapter 18, which addresses the aftermath of Korach's rebellion and establishes the responsibilities and compensation of the Kohanim and Leviim. The chapter teaches that higher levels of the hierarchy bear responsibility for protecting lower levels—the Kohanim must prevent others from dying by approaching the Mishkan improperly, and in exchange they receive various gifts (terumah, portions of offerings, firstborns). The Leviim serve as intermediaries, receiving ma'aser (tithes) as payment for their protective role, while giving terumas ma'aser to the Kohanim, and neither Kohanim nor Leviim receive land inheritance, ensuring they remain dependent on the people's gifts.