Deeper Look At The Parsha artwork

Deeper Look At The Parsha

465 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 12 hours ago - ★★★★★ - 12 ratings

In the late 1990s Rabbi Dunner presented his own daily 2-hour radio show on London’s multiethnic station, Spectrum Radio. Tens of thousands of listeners – Jews and non-Jews alike – tuned in every day to hear Rabbi Dunner’s take on current events. In 2011 Rabbi Dunner relocated to the US and became the senior Rabbi at Beverly Hills Synagogue.

Weekly the Rabbi holds a parsha shiur that delves deeper into the Parsha of the week.

Religion & Spirituality
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Episodes

IT'S TIME TO BEHAVE WISELY

March 29, 2024 00:07 - 9 minutes - 17.4 MB

Rabbi Dunner revisits a pivotal moment in Israeli diplomacy through the lens of an interview with Chaim Herzog, Israel’s sixth President, conducted weeks before his passing in 1997. He weaves Herzog’s diplomatic insights with reflections on the recent controversial U.N. Security Council resolution. Drawing parallels between historical skepticism of international organizations and current events, Rabbi Dunner argues for proactive engagement without compromising core values. Some fascinating re...

TZAV - TAKING OUT THE TRASH

March 28, 2024 23:45 - 19 minutes - 36.1 MB

Rabbi Dunner examines the profound teachings that can be drawn from the Terumas Hadeshen ritual, highlighting the spiritual and ethical lessons derived from the seemingly menial task of removing ashes from the altar. By exploring how this act symbolizes humility, renewal, and the readiness for new offerings, the shiur connects ancient ritual to contemporary life. Rabbi Dunner includes stories of notable figures like the Chofetz Chaim and Rav Moshe Feinstein, who actively embodied these lofty ...

SENATOR LIEBERMAN: A TRUE MAN OF FAITH

March 28, 2024 23:22 - 8 minutes - 16.3 MB

Rabbi Dunner pays tribute to Senator Joseph "Joe" Lieberman, focusing on his unique blend of devout Orthodox Jewish faith and distinguished American political leadership. Senator Lieberman seamlessly integrated his religious practices with a high-profile public life, and set a precedent for integrity and bipartisanship based on faith in an increasingly polarized political landscape. Rabbi Dunner explains the transformative power of faith in guiding moral action and fostering societal engageme...

VAYIKRA - WORDS THAT COUNT

March 22, 2024 02:10 - 8 minutes - 7.99 MB

Rabbi Dunner dissects T'ruah's letter to President Biden, expressing his strong disapproval of their call for an immediate ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas conflict. He argues that T'ruah's stance, while seemingly rooted in humanitarian concerns, overlooks the complex realities on the ground and the strategic necessity of Israel's war against Hamas. He invokes the Shem Mishmuel's commentary on Vayikra, in which the purity of words is underscored in the context of Moses' contribution to the Mishkan.

PEKUDEI - WE'RE NOT THE RETIRING TYPE

March 15, 2024 01:27 - 7 minutes - 7.06 MB

Rabbi Dunner cites Ben Shapiro, who argues for the value of working beyond age 65. Likening society to an ecosystem, where every part, including the elderly, plays a crucial role, Rabbi Dunner draws parallels to Jewish community dynamics, emphasizing the interdependence of Israel and Diaspora Jews. Highlighting the communal spirit illustrated in Parshat Pekudei, he champions the Jewish tradition of unwavering support and collective contribution, asserting that active participation sustains co...

PEKUDEI - TORAH IS LIFE

March 15, 2024 00:52 - 36 minutes - 33.1 MB

Rabbi Dunner explores Parshat Pekudei through the lenses of charitable giving and consistency in Torah study. Invoking Rabbi Meir Shapiro of Lublin and his Daf Yomi project, Rabbi Dunner contrasts the phenomena of studying Torah in great depth and daily study sessions, highlighting the bridge between devoted regular learning and high-level scholarly pursuits.

NONE OF US ARE BYSTANDERS

March 08, 2024 00:16 - 8 minutes - 16.1 MB

Rabbi Dunner presents a captivating blend of Jewish folklore and psychological research, illuminating the profound significance of communal participation. Through the lens of a classic tale from Chelm, and the seminal 1968 "bystander effect" study by two leading psychologists, Rabbi Dunner explores the Torah's mandate for a universal half-shekel contribution.

VAYAKHEL - ALTERNATIVE REALITY FACT

March 07, 2024 00:05 - 25 minutes - 47 MB

Rabbi Dunner explores the themes of Shabbat, the Mishkan, and the Golden Calf, drawing on a remarkable insight from a Meshech Chochma commentary on Parshat Vayakhel. Weaving together a synthesis of Jewish thought, halacha, and philosophy, Rabbi Dunner contrasts the two associations of Shabbat and the Mishkan project, offering an original take on why the order changes from Mishkan/Shabbat to Shabbat/Mishkan.

KI TISSA - SOME CHICKEN, SOME NECK!

March 01, 2024 01:14 - 9 minutes - 18.1 MB

The classic bible story of David vs. Goliath is much overused and employed as a means to paint parties in a fight as the victims of rivals much stronger than them. Rabbi Dunner uses analogies from the business world, and cites the story of Elijah and the prophets of Baal, to demonstrate the unique position of Israel, which is painted as a Goliath but is in reality the quintessential David.

KI TISSA - WHAT'S IN A COIN?

February 29, 2024 20:51 - 30 minutes - 56 MB

Rabbi Dunner presents a wonderful range of insights into Parshat Ki Tissa, including a unique take on the fascinating debate between the Rema and the Gra about the custom of giving a Machatzit Hashekel-style donation on Taanit Esther, and a dramatic story about the disappearance of the Ktav Sofer's treasured Machatzit Hashekel at a meeting of distinguished rabbis.

TETZAVEH - FAITH THROUGH ADVERSITY

February 23, 2024 02:40 - 9 minutes - 17.5 MB

The constant stream of antisemitic incidents as reported in the news can be disheartening and depressing. But Rabbi Dunner sees things differently. Citing a powerful Midrash at the beginning of Parshat Tetzaveh about the comparison of the Jewish people to an olive tree, Rabbi Dunner charts a course that allows us to truly appreciate the concept of faith through adversity.

THE IMPORTANCE OF NAHAL HAREDI, NOW MORE THAN EVER

February 16, 2024 01:26 - 11 minutes - 20.6 MB

One of the events Rabbi Dunner attended in Israel during his trip last month was the dedication of an apartment in Jerusalem for Nahal Haredi soldiers. Rabbi Dunner explains why the Haredi community in Israel needs to throw its full weight behind this incredible project, so that Haredim can participate fully in the defense of Israel and the Jewish people.

TERUMAH - TRUE WEALTH IS NOT WHAT YOU HAVE

February 15, 2024 04:53 - 22 minutes - 40.5 MB

Why does God ask the Jewish people to "take" instead of "give" to the campaign collecting materials for the Mishkan's construction? A wonderful explanation by Reb Shlomke Zviller headlines a series of insights into Parshat Terumah, offering us a glimpse into the eternal messages embedded in this ancient sacred project.

SOMETHING I'LL NEVER FORGET

February 09, 2024 00:19 - 8 minutes - 16.1 MB

Over the past week, everyone Rabbi Dunner has met has asked him - what was it that left the deepest impression on you during your recent trip to Israel? It was hard for him to pin it down, but after some reflection, this is it.

MISHPATIM - THE POWER OF THE LAW

February 08, 2024 02:14 - 19 minutes - 35.2 MB

Rabbi Dunner shares a Midrash that indicates the importance and centrality of civil law in the Jewish faith. With the help of the Darash Mordechai, multiple Chazals, and a beautiful piece from the Chida, Rabbi Dunner explains why ritual law must always take second place to civil law in the conduct of a Jew.

THE WHAC-A-MOLE NATION

February 01, 2024 23:47 - 9 minutes - 8.53 MB

On their recent trip to Israel, Rabbi Dunner and members of his community heard from Oz Davidian, the remarkable hero who saved 120 partygoers by rescuing them from the site of the Nova rave music festival. One particular aspect of Oz's story caught Rabbi Dunner off guard. But on reflection, what Oz did on October 7th makes perfect sense.

BO - IT'S THE THOUGHT THAT COUNTS

January 17, 2024 05:00 - 47 minutes - 43.1 MB

Why were the Jewish people credited with having followed God's directives - before they had even carried them out? Rabbi Dunner cites Rashi quoting a Midrash that offers a solution. But Rashi's explanation creates more problems than it solves. Rabbi Dunner charts a path through this puzzling issue with the help of the Darash Mordechai.

VA'ERA - NO APOLOGIES

January 12, 2024 02:17 - 10 minutes - 9.34 MB

Prompted by the ICJ genocide trial in The Hague aimed at Israel, Rabbi Dunner visited the Auschwitz Exhibition at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library - just to refresh his mind regarding the dire consequences of Jews ignoring existential threats. These are his reflections following the visit. Photograph: UN Photo/ICJ-CIJ/Frank van Beek. Courtesy of the ICJ. All rights reserved.

VA'ERA - NOT JUST PLAGUES

January 12, 2024 01:30 - 27 minutes - 25.4 MB

A central part of the Exodus narrative revolves around the ten plagues meted out by God against Egypt, as punishment for not releasing them from bondage. Rabbi Dunner demonstrates how these plagues were not random - each one communicated a specific message, and these messages continue to resonate for us today.

SHEMOT - FROM GENERATION TO GENERATION

January 05, 2024 00:17 - 7 minutes - 7.24 MB

Rabbi Dunner shares the poignant stories of the final communications between 3 IDF soldiers and their families, one on October 7th, and two of them since that terrible day. Rabbi Dunner connects these heartbreaking messages from beyond the grave to the opening verses of Parshat Shemot.

VAYECHI - THE DANGEROUS ALLURE OF RADICAL CHIC

December 29, 2023 00:06 - 9 minutes - 8.34 MB

One of the most famous radicals of the twentieth century was the Argentinian-born Cuban revolutionary Che Guevara. Rabbi Dunner looks at his legacy and the jarring idolization of violent terrorists by the progressive left. A revealing statement by Jacob in Vayechi offers a relevant insight into those who think the end justifies the means.

VAYECHI - JACOB'S BLESSINGS

December 28, 2023 02:46 - 28 minutes - 25.7 MB

Jacob’s blessings for his children are extremely puzzling. The language is rich and poetic, but the content is not what one might expect as a blessing. Rabbi Dunner focuses on the blessings given by Jacob to his four eldest sons - Reuven, Shimon, Levi, and Yehudah. With the help of Ramban, Rabbi Dunner reveals the timeless messages behind each one.

VAYIGASH - ANTI-ZIONISM IS ANTISEMITISM

December 22, 2023 00:00 - 12 minutes - 11.5 MB

Rabbi Dunner cites a poignant Hasidic legend as he delves into the complexities of antisemitism and critically examines the conflation of Israel and Jews by anti-Israel activists. A thought-provoking look that includes an original take on a Midrash from Parshat Vayigash, which helps to dissect the warped perspective on this deeply contentious issue.

MIKEITZ - BATTLING ANTISEMITISM IN BEVERLY HILLS

December 15, 2023 02:41 - 7 minutes - 6.85 MB

Rabbi Dunner reflects on a difficult week of antisemitism in the US, and particularly in Beverly Hills, where a violent attack on a Jewish couple made international news. Citing a powerful message drawn from the story of Joseph by the late Rabbi Jonathan Sacks, Rabbi Dunner offers an important lesson for our times.

MIKEITZ - WORLD OF DREAMS

December 13, 2023 06:32 - 28 minutes - 26.1 MB

How are we to make sense of Pharaoh's dreams at the beginning of Parshat Mikeitz, and Joseph's dream interpretation - which earned him the coveted role of Viceroy of Egypt? Rabbi Dunner uncovers an unknown secret at the heart of Pharaoh's dreams which unlocks this entire episode at every level. A truly fascinating shiur!

VAYEISHEV - MORE EQUAL THAN OTHERS

December 07, 2023 21:20 - 9 minutes - 8.99 MB

Rabbi Dunner addresses the shocking spectacle of three Ivy League university presidents refusing to commit their institutions to a robust response if students on campus call for genocide against Jews. What does George Orwell's "Animal Farm" and the story of Joseph and his brothers have to teach us about this extraordinary moral failure?

VAYEISHEV - IN TIMES OF TROUBLE

December 07, 2023 01:08 - 26 minutes - 24.1 MB

In the saga that was Joseph's rollercoaster life, one moment sticks out as particularly startling - when his master's wife tries to seduce him, and later accuses him of rape. Rabbi Dunner explores this shocking episode, offering insights from classical commentaries, as well as ideas from some of the mussar giants. From every angle, and by every measure, Joseph's character emerges as exemplary.

ECHOES OF OCTOBER 7TH

December 01, 2023 04:44 - 12 minutes - 11.1 MB

Rabbi Dunner shares his soul-draining experiences after participating in a 2-day solidarity and fact-finding mission to Israel, visiting sites of the Hamas massacre, and meeting people directly affected by the savage events of October 7th.

VAYEITZEI - THE DARK ART OF DECEPTION

November 23, 2023 23:49 - 7 minutes - 7.14 MB

What can Lavan teach us about how to deal with Qatar, the rogue state that funds Hamas and deceives the world by claiming it is an "honest broker"? As Rabbi Dunner explains, the lessons of Parshat Vayeitzei are as relevant today as they have always been.

GETTING AWAY WITH MURDER

November 23, 2023 23:46 - 6 minutes - 6.34 MB

In December 2002, Qatar hosted the FIFA World Cup - the world's largest sporting event, with millions of live spectators and billions of TV viewers. Although it was widely known that Qatar bribed and cheated its way to hosting this event, they somehow got away with it. But since the October 7th massacre which was funded by Qatar, things may finally have shifted. Rabbi Dunner urges the world to act against Qatar before it is too late.

VAYEITZEI - LESSONS FROM RACHEL AND LEAH

November 22, 2023 23:16 - 22 minutes - 21 MB

The biblical patriarch, Jacob, married two sisters: his cousins, Rachel and Leah. He was only meant to marry Rachel, but was duped into marrying Leah - with deep and lasting repercussions. Rabbi Dunner examines this troubling narrative from Parshat Vayeitzei, and offers some enlightening insights.

TOLDOT - THE LONG ROAD AHEAD

November 16, 2023 23:08 - 8 minutes - 7.5 MB

What happens once the war in Gaza is over? The problems between Israel and the Palestinians will remain, and may well have deteriorated. Many on the international scene are once again pushing for a two-state solution. Rabbi Dunner dismisses this as premature. Instead, citing a 2014 study that is underscored by the sibling rivalry narrative in Toldot, Rabbi Dunner offers a tentative suggestion for the long road ahead.

CHAYEI SARAH - WITH DIGNITY AND HONOR

November 10, 2023 22:04 - 22 minutes - 20.9 MB

What made the patriarch Abraham so special? Rabbi Dunner reveals that according to one rabbinic source, dealing with the death of his wife Sarah was Abraham's most challenging test, and he rose to that challenge with flying colors.

CHAYEI SARAH - BETTER TIMES LIE AHEAD

November 10, 2023 00:37 - 8 minutes - 7.58 MB

As the war with Hamas enters its second month, and Israel battles challenges on multiple fronts, Rabbi Dunner finds comfort in a puzzling Midrashic narrative about Rabbi Akiva, revealing how he dealt with his students when they began to doze off.

THE FUTURE IS BRIGHT

November 02, 2023 22:22 - 11 minutes - 10.4 MB

Rabbi Dunner reflects on his 36-hour trip to Israel in the middle of the war with Gaza, which was prompted by the horrific Hamas-perpetrated massacre on October 7th. Rabbi Dunner's visit followed the passing of 96-year-old Ernie Goldberger, a member of Beverly Hills Synagigue who survived the Holocaust and fought with the Palmach in the 1948 war for Israel's independence. What lessons can be drawn from Ernie's eventful life relevant to the current situation in Israel?

QATAR: PATRON OF TERROR

October 26, 2023 23:58 - 7 minutes - 3.97 MB

A shocking tweet prompts Rabbi Dunner to consider the irony of a world that continues to work closely with Qatar, and even praise Qatar, which is the world's most active and generous patron of terrorist organizations, including Hamas. Qatar's fingerprints are all over the October 7th massacre in Southern Israel. It's time for the world to wake up, and to act against Qatar and its leaders.

NOACH - THEM AND US

October 19, 2023 21:27 - 7 minutes - 3.83 MB

A second week has passed since the Hamas massacre of 1400 Jews in Southern Israel, and Rabbi Dunner reflects on the fact that the world having their eyes opened to the evil of Hamas has not made them see any better. And until they realize their vision is impaired, nothing will improve.

BEREISHIT - THIS LAND IS OUR LAND

October 12, 2023 23:00 - 7 minutes - 3.84 MB

Why is the Jewish claim to the Land of Israel always being challenged? This is not a new question. In fact, as Rabbi Dunner shows, a robust defense of the Jewish claim to Eretz Yisrael is embedded right at the beginning of the most ancient text of Judaism: the Torah.

FACE TO FACE WITH TERRORISM

October 12, 2023 22:43 - 7 minutes - 3.97 MB

Some thoughts and reflections from Rabbi Dunner regarding the horrific terrorist invasion of Southern Israel by Hamas murderers on Shemini Atzeret. How is it that there are people who remain sympathetic to Hamas?

SIMCHAT TORAH - THE IMPORTANCE OF JOY

October 05, 2023 22:34 - 8 minutes - 4.1 MB

The message of Simchat Torah transcends the annual completion of the Torah portions reading cycle. It emphasizes the importance of joy even when faced with adversity. Rabbi Dunner reveals the underlying message of Simchat Torah, illustrated with a moving story from the Holocaust.

SUKKOT - BODY AND SOUL

October 04, 2023 21:50 - 41 minutes - 21.3 MB

On Sukkot, we use four diverse plant species for a daily ritual - Etrog, Lulav, Hadassim and Aravot. What is the purpose of this daily ritual, and what is the significance of these 4 species? And why are they connected to "joy"? An amazing piece from the Nesivos Sholom offers a fabulous explanation that ties everything together.

SUKKOT - THE FRUIT OF PARADISE

September 29, 2023 00:55 - 7 minutes - 4.07 MB

How did Jewish communities obtain their Arba Minim before the era of globalization? Rabbi Dunner delves into the fascinating and occasionally jarring history of Arba Minim, and in particular the etrog - whose origins will take you by surprise.

YOM KIPPUR - WHO AM I?

September 21, 2023 23:12 - 7 minutes - 3.83 MB

"Who am I?" is the most important question for us to ask over Yom Kippur. But answering it accurately is not so easy. An article about two Canadian men who discovered their true identity late in life prompts Rabbi Dunner to consider the implications of delving beyond the superficial in order to discover to truth of who we really are.

HALACHA SHIUR - FACING THE MUSIC

September 20, 2023 23:53 - 40 minutes - 20.8 MB

Rabbi Dunner explores the vexed topic of allowing the use of musical instruments in shul during davening – is it appropriate to have live music to accompany tefillot? A rollercoaster ride, involving history, intrigue, rabbinic debate, religious evolution, and a wealth of information.

ROSH HASHANA - ON THE BRINK OF UNCERTAINTY

September 15, 2023 00:01 - 8 minutes - 4.54 MB

The late Charles Ticho was born in Brno in 1927. In a moving article published in 2020, he described his final Rosh Hashana in his place of birth. The year was 1939, and the Nazis had recently taken over the country. Ticho's moving account of this festival dovetails with a famous prayer that is the centerpiece of High Holidays' prayers.

NITZAVIM - SAYING 'NO' TO THE ABUSE OF RELIGION

September 07, 2023 22:25 - 6 minutes - 3.53 MB

Following a groundbreaking ruling in the New Jersey Appellate Court, Rabbi Dunner dwells on the topic of "agunot" - women caught in marital limbo by estranged husbands who refuse to give them a Get. An interesting reading of the first verses in Parshat Nitzavim reveals our collective responsibilty regarding this vexed issue.

KI TAVO - THIS LAND IS YOUR LAND

August 31, 2023 22:37 - 9 minutes - 4.66 MB

Rabbi Dunner marks the 96th anniversary of the passing of Rabbi Yisrael Abba Citron (1881-1927) by recalling a remarkable exchange of correspondence that Rabbi Citron had with his father-in-law, Rabbi Yosef Rozin, better known by his moniker: "The Rogachover." How can one best define the Jewish connection to the Land of Israel? Rabbi Dunner explains.

KI TAVO - HOW TO WIN THE LOTTERY

August 30, 2023 17:52 - 20 minutes - 16.3 MB

There is a curious anomaly in Parshat Ki Tavo -- those who will adhere to God's Torah are promised to be "on the top," and also not "on the bottom." Why the repetition? Surely, if you're on top, then you won't be on the bottom! Rabbi Dunner cites an insightful interpretation by Rav Tzadok Hacohen of Lublin, which incidentally also provides a life hack for lottery winners.

KI TEITZEI - BEWARE OF UNINTENDED CONSEQUENCES

August 25, 2023 00:23 - 9 minutes - 4.72 MB

Rabbi Dunner shares his view on "The Rest is History" podcasts, which he recently began listening to. He is particularly struck by learning something new regarding the Jewish Revolt against the Romans, which ultimately led to the destruction of the Jerusalem Temple. He sees a connection between the lesson learned and the initial passages in Ki Teitzei.

KI TEITZEI - ONE THING LEADS TO ANOTHER

August 23, 2023 21:41 - 20 minutes - 10.2 MB

Rabbi Dunner looks at a series of seemingly unconnected mitzvot that appear in Parshat Ki Teitzei. Why are they all included by the Torah on the same list? Rashi offers an answer - but his answer solves one problem while creating another. An insightful suggestion from Rav Dessler comes to the rescue.

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