Jewish History
50 episodes - English - Latest episode: over 1 year ago - ★★★★★ - 4 ratingsThis is a series of lectures on the history of the People of Israel based on NaCH (Prophets and Writings) presented by Rabbi Zvi Aryeh Rosenfeld z”l. He was an accomplished and revered Torah scholar who spearheaded the introduction of Breslov Chassidus to the English-speaking world.
This podcast was created Leilui Nishmas Simcha Melech ben Meir Leib HaLevi
For more Shiurim go to www.breslovtorah.com
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Episodes
Daniel – Lesson 4 – Reign of Daryavesh; Daniel in the Lion’s Den
October 03, 2022 13:56 - 39 minutes - 36.3 MB00:00 – Daryavesh, king of the Chaldeans, conquers Bavel (Babylonia). *07:58 – Why a person should daven (pray) in a place where he can see the sky through a window. 13:34 – Comparison between Daniel being thrown into the lion’s den and the selling of Yosef HaTzaddik. “Save me from the hand of man.” 14:40 – Why is a scorpion more dangerous than a snake? 19:20 – King Daryavesh discovers that Daniel is still alive in the lion’s den. Daniel relates how an angel protected him from the lions,...
Daniel – Lesson 3 – The Second Dream of Nebuchadnezzar; Belshazzar and the Handwriting on the Wall
September 26, 2022 13:55 - 39 minutes - 36.3 MB00:00 – The second dream of Nebuchadnezzar. 03:31 – Daniel’s response to hearing the vision of the tree. 05:08 – The meaning of the dream. 07:07 – Any type of yisurim (difficulties) can be redeemed through tzedakah (charity). 10:02 – Question of whether the State of Israel should accept reparations from Germany. How should these reparations been viewed? As nothing more than partial repayment for stolen property. 12:39 – Nebuchadnezzar is transformed into an animal for seven years. (Dani...
Daniel – Lesson 2 – Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah are Unharmed in the Fiery Furnace
September 19, 2022 13:53 - 40 minutes - 36.8 MB00:00 – Brief review of previous shiur in Sefer Daniel. 02:29 – Daniel’s interpretation of Nebuchadnezzar‘s dream. Daniel is elevated to the highest post in Bavel and the king recognizes and acknowledges the absolute supremacy of Hashem. 06:10 – Introduction to the miracle of Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah in the fiery furnace. Why did Nebuchadnezzar stop believing in Hashem? This questions applies to all nations that attempt to harm Am Yisrael. Similarities between Hitler and Roosevelt יש...
Daniel – Lesson 1 – Hisbodedus – Personal Prayer Can Save Your Life – Statue With Feet of Clay
September 12, 2022 13:51 - 38 minutes - 35 MB00:00 – Historical background of Sefer Daniel. 09:47 – Daniel, Mishael, Chananiah, and Azariah are renamed Belshezzar, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. 12:02 – Nebuchadnezzar’s dream. *18:45 – The hisbodedus (personal prayer) of Daniel. How and why Hisbodedus can save your life. 27:38 – The elements of hisbodedus – gratitude, request, praise. 28:27 – Power over the rain and all the other weather elements are reserved by Hashem Himself. 29:14 – The four worlds, the greatest perceivable ...
Iyov – Lesson 4 – LaG B’Omer Hilula Shiurim – Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai ז”ל and the Power of Beginnings
September 05, 2022 13:50 - 40 minutes - 37.4 MB00:00 – Archival recording of the LaG B’Omer shiur of 5735 (1975). 04:32 – How does the Zohar HaKodesh protect the Jew in every generation? 13:35 – Rebbe Nachman’s explanation of the debate in the gemara (Shabbos 139a) about the Torah being forgotten. 21:53 – How can a regular person living now connect with the light of the Torah and tzaddikim? 24:26 – Rabbi Rosenfeld introduces an archival recording of the LaG B’Omer shiur of 5733 (1973). 29:13 – [Recording becomes more audible.] Gahl ...
Iyov – Lesson 3 – Hashem Responds to Iyov; Words Spoken in Pain Can Be Forgiven
July 08, 2022 09:03 - 37 minutes - 34.6 MB00:00 – Review of previous shiur – overview of Iyov’s life and suffering. 02:55 – Iyov’s fourth friend, Elihu. 08:31 – Hashem Himself responds to Iyov. 11:34 – Hashem describes His ongoing creation and sustenance of every creature. 24:24 – Hashem’s punishment of Eliyahu HaNavi for failing to defend the Jews. 28:57 – When a person is in pain, his mind is affected. Words spoken in pain can be forgiven, but only up to a point. 31:15 – In the latter part of Iyov’s life he was rewarded, liv...
Iyov – Lesson 2 – Iyov Was a Reincarnation of Terach; Summary of His Dialogue With Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar
July 01, 2022 09:01 - 39 minutes - 36 MB03:23 – The Satan praises Avraham Avinu and Hashem praises Iyov (Job). 07:04 – Hashem proposes a trial for Iyov. 08:26 – Why did the Satan praise Avraham Avinu? 10:24 – The Satan is the “m’od” of “tov m’od” in the account of creation. 13:55 – Iyov responds to all his devastating losses: “Hashem gives and Hashem takes away.” 19:09 – The Arizal reveals that Iyov was a gilgul of Terach and his wife was a gilgul of Dinah bas Yaakov. 27:30 – Iyov’s three friends: Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar...
Iyov 1 - Overview of Jewish History in Light of the Zohar HaKodesh
June 24, 2022 08:58 - 39 minutes - 35.9 MB00:00 – Jewish history resembles the waxing and waning of the moon: there were fifteen generations from Avraham Avinu to Shlomo Hamelech and the Beis HaMikdash. 12:12 – There are two kinds of wisdom – upper and lower. 13:02 – Following Shlomo Hamelech were 16 generations to Galus Bavel (the Babylonian exile). 20:52 – Gan Eden and Gehinnam are separated by a very thin, almost imperceptible boundary. 24:00 – How anger destroys a person’s soul. 25:37 – The importance of answering אמן to a ...
Melachim 2 – Lesson 14 – Yeshayahu Melech Yehudah and His Sons; Prophecy of Chulda; Tzidkiyahu and Shimson; Tisha B’Av; Tzom Gedaliah
June 17, 2022 08:57 - 39 minutes - 35.8 MB00:00 – Review. 02:32 – The evil king Amon is assassinated and his righteous son Yeshayahu becomes king of Yehudah. 08:10 – Chuldah HaNaviyah (Huldah the Prophetess) is consulted by the king when a sefer Torah is discovered hidden in the heichal (chamber) of the Beis HaMikdash. 09:37 – To encourage teshuvah (repentance) among the People of Israel, Yeshayahu funded an especially festive celebration of Pesach. 13:22 – When Yeshayahu Melech Yehudah is killed in battle, his son Yoachaz becom...
Melachim 2 – Lesson 13 – Menashe, Rav Ashi, and the Blessing on Bread; No Matter What the Crime, Hashem is Ready to Forgive
June 10, 2022 08:55 - 40 minutes - 37.4 MB03:28 – Chezkiyahu HaMelech asks to marry the daughter of Yeshayahu HaNavi. 12:15 – A son is not named after his father if his father is still alive. 17:00 – The tests of Cain, Bilaam, and Chezkiyahu HaMelech. 19:21 – After the passing of Chezkiyahu HaMelech, his son, Menashe, became king. He spread idol worship among the Jews and “filled Yerushalayim with a river of blood” by killing Yeshayahu HaNavi. 25:37 – The question of Menashe – “Do we make the blessing hamotzei on the crust of br...
Melachim 2 – Lesson 12 – Chizkiyahu HaMelech Falls Ill – The Gates of Tears are Never Locked; Vasikin; Book of Remedies
June 04, 2022 08:53 - 40 minutes - 36.7 MB00:00 – Review of Chizkiyahu Melech Yehudah. 03:12 – Chizkiyahu falls ill and is told by Yishayahu HaNavi that he will die. 04:25 – Debate in the gemara about what sin a man is doing if he abstains from fathering children. 07:36 – Yishayahu HaNavi tells the king that it doesn’t matter if evil children are foreseen, it’s still a mistake not to marry. 08:23 – Sometimes it’s necessary to break a Torah law in order to save a life, so why doesn’t that principle apply here? The king’s prophecy...
Melachim 2 – Lesson 11 – Plague of Lions – Chizkiyahu Melech Yehudah – The Copper Snake – Chukas – The Miraculous Defeat of the Assyrian Army
May 27, 2022 08:52 - 40 minutes - 37.4 MB04:56 – As a result of idol worship in the Land of Israel, Hashem sent a plague of lions. Reference to Chulin 13 concerning the status of non-Jews who observe mitzvos. 07:96 – Sancherev, king of Assyria, set out to conquer Jerusalem. He surrounded the city and demanded surrender. 08:51 – Overview of the life of Chizkiyahu Melech Yehudah, a direct descendant of King David. He was the son of Achaz, but unlike his father, he turned away from idol worship. He became king of at the age of 25 an...
Melachim 2 – Lesson 10 – The History of the Ten Tribes of Israel Corresponds to the Life of Every Jew
May 20, 2022 08:50 - 43 minutes - 39.9 MB00:00 – Overview of the kings of the Ten Tribes of Israel. Yeravam ben Yoash reigned for 41 years. 02:36 – Shalom ben Yaveish assassinated the son of Yeravam and became king of the Ten Tribes for one month until he was assassinated by Menachem ben Gadi. 03:42 – The rise of Assyria. The importance of knowing Jewish history. 06:41 – Hosheah ben Elah, the last king of the Ten Tribes of Israel (2 Melachim 17:1-6). 07:45 – The downfall of Shomron, the capital city of the Ten Tribes of Israel....
Melachim 2 – Lesson 09 – Ten Lost Tribes of Israel; King Yoash; The Passing of Elisha HaNavi and His Final Miracle; Holiness of a Tzaddik’s Grave; King Amatzia
May 13, 2022 08:48 - 41 minutes - 38.2 MB00:00 – Introduction to the Ten Lost Tribes of Israel and the reign of King Yoash. 03:47 – The passing of Elisha HaNavi and his prophecy to King Yoash concerning his victories over enemies from Syria. A dead man is revived when his corpse comes in contact with the bones of Elisha HaNavi. 09:47 – Debate in the Gemara concerning the final miracle of Elisha HaNavi. One opinion of the sages is that the man who was brought back to life was Shalom ben Tikvas, the husband of Hulda HaNeviah. 15:1...
Melachim 2 – Lesson 08 – Clapping on Shabbos; Queen Ataliah, Yoash, Yehoyada Kohen Gadol, Zecharia HaNavi
May 06, 2022 08:46 - 42 minutes - 38.8 MB00:00 – Clapping hands in tefilah (prayer), even on Shabbos. 06:11 – Yehu is commanded by Elisha HaNavi to kill the entire family of Achav, including all of Ahav’s 70 sons. 14:53 – Yehu executes every priest of Baal, yet fails to eradicate idol worship from Israel, and is punished. 22:15 – Slander can cause death. When Yehu said “I will serve Baal much…” in order to trick the priests of Baal, he didn’t really mean it. But because he allowed himself to say the words, eventually his stateme...
Melachim 2 – Lesson 07 – Elisha HaNavi and Ben Hadad, King of Aram; Clapping Hands During Prayer; Moshe Rabbeinu is a Reincarnation of Hevel; the Kabbalah of Birthdays
April 29, 2022 08:45 - 41 minutes - 38.3 MB00:00 – Elisha HaNavi tells Hazoel that Ben Hadad, King of Aram, will die and that Hazoel will become king. Hazoel murders Ben Hadad. *05:19 – The angel of death has, as his assistants, incompetent doctors. 28:20 – Why and how clapping hands strengthen tefilah (prayer). 30:16 – Moshe Rabbeinu is a gilgul (reincarnation) of Hevel, and Yisro is a gilgul of Cain. 34:30 – “Today was Tu B’Shevat.” The kabbalah of birthdays, according to the Arizal, and a blessing given by Rabbi Rosenfeld z”l ...
Melachim 2 – Lesson 05 – Miracles of Elisha HaNavi; Na’aman Healed of Leprosy; Gechazi Punished With Leprosy; King of Aram Lays Siege to Shomron
April 22, 2022 08:37 - 41 minutes - 37.9 MB00:00 – Elisha HaNavi cures Na’aman of leprosy by telling him to immerse seven times in the Jordan River. 08:00 – Na’aman becomes a ger toshav (conditional convert to Judasim) in gratitude for the miracle of his recovery. 11:35 – It is forbidden for a Jew to bow to an idol. Chana and her seven sons. 12:24 – Gechazi collects a reward from Na’aman for Elisha HaNavi’s miracle, but he’s punished for his disrespect with leprosy. 20:37 – The King of Aram tries to capture Elisha HaNavi. 27:34 ...
Melachim 2 – Lesson 04 – Miracles of Elisha HaNavi; Habakuk HaNavi and the Blessing of Techiyat HaMeytim; Rav Anan; Syrian General Na’aman
April 15, 2022 08:35 - 35 minutes - 32.4 MB03:55 – The blessing of techiyat hameytim (revival of the dead) in the shemoneh esrey is called birkhat gevurot. 05:55 – One of the 16 miracles done by Elisha HaNavi was to save yeshiva students from poisonous soup by adding flour to the pot. *07:43 – Elisha HaNavi accepts the offering of Bikurim (First Fruits), even though this mitzvah is only done in the Beit HaMikdash (Holy Temple). Through this we learn that a gift of food to a talmud chochom is equivalent to performing the mitzvah of ...
Melachim 2 – Lesson 03 – Elisha HaNavi Performs the Miracle of Oil to Save the Sons of Ovadiah HaNavi from Slavery; The Mother of Ado HaNavi and Habakuk HaNavi; Elisha Revives a Dead Child
April 08, 2022 08:31 - 44 minutes - 40.7 MB00:00 – Yohoram ben Achav. The Kings of Israel combined forces against the King of Moab. 01:40 – First and second versions of what took place at that time. 04:37 – Third version of what took place during this war: when Moab asked his advisors “What gives the Jews their power to succeed?” he was told: “The Jews serve Hashem, and even when they stray, the merit of their forefathers protects them.” When the King of Moab heard about the near sacrifice of Yitzchak Avinu he decided to sacrifice ...
Melachim 2 – Lesson 06 – The Miracles of Eliyahu HaNavi and Elisha HaNavi Were Accomplished Through Tefilah; Giving Tzedakah on Behalf of a Person Who Passed Away; Techiyas HaMeisim in Halakha
April 01, 2022 08:42 - 41 minutes - 37.9 MB00:00 – The crime of Gehazi against his master, Elisha HaNavi through which he lost the key to his Gan Eden (Eternal Reward). 06:52 – Sidelight from the gemara – Hilkhasa DeMeshicha: precepts that are not found in the Shulchan Aruch (Code of Jewish Torah Law) because they are not applicable in our time. Yet the Shulchan Aruch does consider whether or not the wife of Eliyahu HaNavi may remarry, since he was taken alive into Gan Eden. This indicates that the case of Eliyahu HaNavi’s wife hold...
Melachim 2 – Lesson 01 – Elisha HaNavi Receives the Cloak of His Teacher and Twice His Miracles; Water from the Hands of Elisha on Har Carmel; The Power of Music
April 01, 2022 08:29 - 42 minutes - 39 MBThe passing of Eliyahu HaNavi witnessed by his student, Elisha HaNavi. The miracles performed by Elisha. Shimush – service to a Torah scholar is greater than study. Speaker: Rabbi Zvi Aryeh Rosenfeld z”l. 03:57 – The cape of Eliyahu HaNavi. 10:26 – Elisha HaNavi enters the city of Yericho (Jericho). 18:35 – The impurity of long hair at the back of a man’s head. 25:19 – Tzedakah (charity) should never be accepted from a non-Jew to support a talmid chocham (Torah scholar). 26:54 – Elisha ...
Melachim 1 – Lesson 09 – Navos is Murdered for His Vineyard; the Death of Achav; How Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai Killed an Incarnation of Achav; Reign of Achaziah
February 06, 2022 17:25 - 38 minutes - 35.4 MB00:00 – Yizavel has Navos murdered so that her husband, King Achav, can take possession of his land. The death of Achav. 22:55 – The Maharshah encounters an incarnation of Achav. 24:07 – Story of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai z”l killing an incarnation of Achav named Yehuda ben Gerim. This account shows how Hashem allows atonement for even the worst sins and every person a chance to return to Him, even if it takes many lifetimes, chas v’shalom (may Hashem protect). 29:50 – The reign of Achaziah...
Melachim 1 – Lesson 08 – Elisha is Appointed Successor to Eliyahu HaNavi; the Greatness of Shimush (Service to) a Tzaddik
December 26, 2021 17:23 - 40 minutes - 37.1 MB00:00 – King Achav defeats Ben Hadad, King of Assyria, but lets him live. Achav is rebuked by a prophet. 05:38 – “One who puts his armor on for battle should not boast as one who takes it off.” (1 Melachim/Kings 20:11) 21:46 – Eliyahu HaNavi and Elisha. 29:52 – How Reb Shimon became Rebbe Nachman’s servant in Olam Habah (the Next World).
Melachim 1 – Lesson 07 – Eliyahu Flees from Achav and Yizavel and Is Commanded to Appoint Elisha as His Replacement
December 19, 2021 17:21 - 39 minutes - 36.2 MB00:00 – Review of the confrontation between Eliyahu HaNavi and the priests of Baal. On Yom Kippur, the last words we say before the final sounding of the shofar are “Hashem Hu HaElokim“. We also say these words on Yom Kippur Katan (the last day of each lunar month). 02:23 – Meaning of “Hashem Hu HaElokim” according to the gemara. 09:17 – The Baal Shem Tov HaKodesh explains שִׁוִּיתִי יְהוָה לְנֶגְדִּי תָמִיד “I place Hashem before me always” (Tehillim/Psalms 16:8). 10:45 – Eliyahu HaNavi ...
Melachim 1 – Lesson 06 – Eliyahu HaNavi and the Key to Rain
December 12, 2021 17:16 - 46 minutes - 42.4 MBMelachim 1 – Lesson 06 – Eliyahu HaNavi and the Key to Rain
Melachim 1 – Lesson 05 – Strife Between the Kingdoms of Israel; The Curse of Rebuilding Yericho; Eliyahu HaNavi vs. Achav – The Era of Miracles Begins
December 05, 2021 17:13 - 38 minutes - 35.2 MBMelachim 1 – Lesson 05 – Strife Between the Kingdoms of Israel; The Curse of Rebuilding Yericho; Eliyahu HaNavi vs. Achav – The Era of Miracles Begins
Melachim 1 – Lesson 04 – Addo haNavi and Yeravam ben Navat
November 28, 2021 17:05 - 40 minutes - 36.7 MB00:00 – Yeravam ben Navat promoted idol worship in Eretz Yisrael (the Land of Israel). 02:58 – The Zohar HaKodesh ends with the final statements of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai z”l about Yeravam ben Navat. 06:42 – Pirkei Avos – the honor due a talmid chochom. Hashem is more careful about the honor of a tzaddik than He is about His Own Honor. 07:08 – Yeravam asks Addo haNavi to pray for him. 10:35 – Why did a false prophet merit receiving a true prophecy with regard to Addo’s death? He honored...
Melachim 1 – Lesson 03 – The Importance of Shmiras HaLoshon (Guarding Speech), The Kingdom of Israel is Split
November 21, 2021 16:27 - 41 minutes - 37.6 MB00:00 – Why, after centuries of tears and prayers, has the final geulah (redemption) not yet arrived? As long as Am Yisrael lacks unity, the Beis HaMikdash (Holy Temple) cannot be rebuilt. 03:50 – It’s forbidden to speak loshon hara (slander) against Eretz Yisrael (the Land of Israel). 08:09 – Achieving unity within even a small group of Jews is the key to establishing harmony within the entire People of Israel. The ARIzal tested his students in this unity, and they failed. Disputes betwee...
Melachim 1 – Lesson 02 – Shlomo HaMelech Gathers Am Yisroel for Tefilah; Dispute Between Two Mothers; Supernatural Throne
November 14, 2021 16:09 - 38 minutes - 35.1 MB05:16 – Hashem offers to grant Shlomo HaMelech (King Solomon) one special request. 08:23 – The days of the week correspond to the sefiros (spiritual levels). 10:23 – Shlomo HaMelech chooses to ask for a “heart that hears/discerns”. Since he chose a wise request, Hashem grants him far more. The king awakens from his dream with the ability to understand the languages of animals, plants, and the natural world. 13:16 – One of Shlomo HaMelech‘s first acts as king was to gather together the Peo...
Melachim 1 – Lesson 01 – Dovid HaMelech Transfers the Kingship to Shlomo HaMelech
November 07, 2021 15:59 - 39 minutes - 36.2 MB00:00 – In his later years, Dovid HaMelech took Avishag as a concubine. He already had the permitted number of wives but he did not divorce any of his previous wives in order to marry her because 1) the Torah does not favor divorce, although it’s permitted; and 2) this union was not physical. 03:55 – Adam HaRishon gave 70 years of his own life to Dovid HaMelech. Why that number? 07:12 – There are ten sefiros (levels) of kedusha (holiness): three upper levels and seven lower. Adam gave 70 y...
Shmuel 2 – Lesson 7 – Dovid HaMelech, Census and Plague, The Power of Sefer Tehillim, Purchase of Beis HaMikdash Site
October 31, 2021 15:41 - 34 minutes - 31.7 MB05:07 – Benayahu ben Yehoyada – “He went down and killed a lion in a pit on a snowy day” (II Shmuel/Samuel 23:20) – immersions in an ice-covered mikveh. 11:02 – Dovid HaMelech (King David) wishes to taste the water of the Plishtim and his generals risk their lives to get it for him. 16:05 – It is prohibited to count Jews. Taking a census caused a deadly plague during the reign of Dovid HaMelech. The king is given a choice as to what punishment will be given. לְהַגִּיד כִּֽי־יָשָׁ֣ר יְהֹוָ֑...
Shmuel 2 – Lesson 6 – Serach Bas Asher, Qualities of a Soulmate, Dovid HaMelech Captured by Yishbi and Rescued by Avishai
October 09, 2021 21:20 - 42 minutes - 39.2 MB00:00 – Sheva ben Bichri, a rebel against the monarchy of Dovid HaMelech (King David), takes refuge in the city where Serach bas Asher lives. She saves the city by delivering his head to Yoav, the general of Dovid’s army (II Shmuel/Samuel, 20). 32:38 – Dovid HaMelech is captured and almost killed by the brother of Golias (Goliath), the giant Yishbi beNov. 35:05 – Avishai, on his way to rescue Dovid HaMelech, kills Yishbi’s mother, Orphah (sister of Rus HaMoaviah). 36:50 – Avishai rescues ...
Shmuel 2 – Lesson 5 – Death of Avshalom, Loshon Hara (Slander) about Mefiboshes, Rebellion of Sheva ben Bichri
October 02, 2021 21:17 - 39 minutes - 35.7 MB00:00 – Review of Avshalom’s rebellion. 01:10 – Dovid HaMelech (King David) defends his kingdom against the rebellion of his son, Avshalom. The death of Avshalom. 10:15 – Likutey Moharan 69 – destroying an other’s property has consequences that can harm one’s children. 11:14 – Dovid HaMelech (King David) mourned the death of his son with the words, “O’ my son Avshalom, my son, my son Avshalom! Would that I had died in your stead, O’ Avshalom my son, my son!” By using these specific words ...
Shmuel 2 – Lesson 4 – Tamar, Amnon, and the Roots of Avshalom’s Rebellion; Dovid HaMelech Excavates the Foundation of the Beis HaMikdash
September 25, 2021 21:14 - 40 minutes - 36.7 MB00:00 – The incident of Tamar, Amnon, and Avshalom. 09:50 – Dovid HaMelech (King David) yearns for his banished son. Father and son are reunited through a ruse orchestrated by the king’s general, Yoav, and a “Wise Woman of Tekoa.” 17:47 – The roots of Avshalom’s rebellion. 22:33 – Dovid HaMelechh is forced to flee from Jerusalem. Shimi ben Gera curses him along the way. 24:09 – Avshalom usurps his father’s throne. *28:18 – While excavating the site of the future Beis HaMikdash (Holy Tem...
Shmuel 2 – Lesson 3 – Proofs from the Zohar HaKodesh that Dovid HaMelech Did Not Sin; Demons; Defeat of Ammon; Shunning Non-Jewish Styles
September 18, 2021 21:09 - 39 minutes - 36.4 MB00:00 – The angel Dumah is appointed over Gehinnam. He demands the soul of Dovid HaMelech (King David) but Hashem Himself tells him: “Dovid HaMelech did not commit a sin, he is pure.” 05:46 – Another proof of Dovid HaMelech‘s innocence brought in the Zohar HaKodesh is related to the statement made about Avraham Avinu, “bah beyomim” (arriving with his days). The teshuvah of someone returning to Judaism from a distant background proceeds more quickly than the teshuvah of a tzaddik. 16:40 – N...
Shmuel 2 – Lesson 2 – Dovid HaMelech and Batsheva – 4 Levels of Understanding
September 11, 2021 21:06 - 38 minutes - 35.7 MB00:00 – Although usually the Torah advises not getting involved in controversy, there are some disputes that we should enter to defend the truth. The dispute about the righteousness of Dovid HaMelech (King David) is an example of a controversy we are obligated to enter to uphold the testaments of the Torah sages that his intentions and deeds with regard to Batsheva were pure. 01:37 – Everything in the Torah She’Be’Csav (Written Torah) has 4 dimensions: Pshat (literal), Remez (hint, allusion...
Shmuel 2 – Lesson 1 – Dovid HaMelech Begins His Reign Amidst Strife – Finally Brings the Aron Kodesh to Jerusalem
September 04, 2021 22:42 - 29 minutes - 27.1 MB00:00 – Dovid HaMelech (King David) returns to Hevron to reign as king over the tribe of Yehudah. Ish Boshes, a remaining son of Shaul, is installed by Avner as king over the other tribes. 00:39 – Strife erupts between the armies of Avner (who served Ish Boshes) and Yoav (who served Dovid HaMelech). 04:32 – Ish Boshesh insults Avner, who then abandons Ish Boshes and offers to serve Dovid HaMelech. Dovid demands the release of his wife Michal from Paltiel ben Laish. 06:59 – Yoav kills Avne...
Shmuel 1 – Lesson 5 – Shaul HaMelech Consults the Witch of Endor – His Defeat and Why His Death was Not Suicide
August 29, 2021 17:39 - 48 minutes - 44.5 MB05:00 – Shaul HaMelech (King Saul), desperate to know the outcome of an approaching battle against the Plishtim (Philistines), asks a sorceress to summon his teacher, Shmuel HaNavi (Samuel the Prophet), back from the dead. 12:21 – Shmuel HaNavi tells the king that he will die in the battle, but will be with Shmuel in Gan Eden (paradise), indicating the complete righteousness of Shaul. 15:59 – Two Questions: what gave this sorceress the power to accomplish what tzaddikim couldn’t? And why w...
Shmuel 1 – Lesson 4 – Shaul and Dovid HaMelech Were Both Tzaddikim
August 22, 2021 17:36 - 38 minutes - 35.3 MBShmuel 1 – Lesson 4 – Shaul and Dovid HaMelech Were Both Tzaddikim
Shmuel 1 – Lesson 3 – Shmuel HaNavi Annoints Dovid HaMelech, Defeat of Golias, Who Was Michal?
July 25, 2021 16:32 - 39 minutes - 35.7 MBShmuel 1 – Lesson 3 – Shmuel HaNavi Annoints Dovid HaMelech, Defeat of Golias, Who Was Michal?
Shmuel 1 – Lesson 2 – The Reign of Shaul HaMelech
July 20, 2021 16:29 - 45 minutes - 41.7 MB00:00 – The special qualities of Shaul HaMelech (King Saul) were purity of mind and humility. In pursuit of lost donkeys, he meets the Prophet Shmuel (Samuel). 03:35 – The custom of going to a chassidic Rebbe for advice and donating a gift as expression of respect. (Presentation of a “kvitel“.) 07:00 – Shaul is told that he will be king of Israel. Shmuel instructs him to look up at the sky to strengthen his yiras shemayaim (reverence for Hashem). 10:00 – The meaning of the expression “Sha...
Shmuel (Samuel) 1 – Lesson 1
June 27, 2021 15:07 - 41 minutes - 38.3 MB00:00 – In the last story of the Sipurey Masiyos – Rabbi Nachman’s story of The Seven Beggars – the fourth beggar (with a crooked neck) speaks about two birds who have been distanced from one another. The beggar describes his talent as a ventriloquist whereby he throws his voice to imitate the sound of each bird until the two are reunited. This alludes to the way Hashem used His “Voice” the first time He spoke to the prophet Shmuel. 04:31 – The Aron Kodesh (Holy Ark) is captured by the Phil...
Shoftim – Lesson 6 – Chana and the Power of a Woman’s Prayer, Shmuel HaNavi’s First Nevuah, Undoing the Curse on the Descendants of Eli HaKohen
June 20, 2021 15:02 - 35 minutes - 32.3 MB00:00 – The story behind the birth of Shmuel HaNavi (Samuel the Prophet). Elkanah, Chana, Penina. 11:45 – Introduction to basic concepts of kabbalah and how Chana’s prayer reached “above Hashem“. She accessed an upper realm called mazal and because of what she achieved, the formation of the Shemoneh Esrei is based on her prayer. *17:50 – True account from the time of Rebbe Nachman illustrating the live-giving power of a Jewish woman’s prayer. 26:32 – The sons of Eli HaKohen. 27:51 – The ...
Shoftim – Lesson 5 – The Idol of Micah, War Against the Tribe of Benyamin
June 13, 2021 14:51 - 40 minutes - 37 MBTwo accounts from Jewish history that illustrate how a small domestic problem can escalate to war. First – the account of Micah‘s idol, second, the account of how and why the tribe of Benyamin was almost completely destroyed by the other tribes of Israel. Text: Shoftim/Judges 17-20.
Shoftim – Lesson 4 – Shimshon – Trials, Later Incarnations, Ultimate Victory
June 06, 2021 15:44 - 38 minutes - 35.5 MBShoftim – The Book of Judges – presented by Rabbi Zvi Aryeh Rosenfeld z”l. 00:00 – Delilah’s attempts to find out the secret of Shimshon‘s strength. 09:15 – Shimshon reveals the truth about his supernatural powers and he is captured by the Plishtim (Philistines). He is blinded and endures many trials but remains a tzaddik. 15:58 – Through his death, Shimshon brings down more enemies of Israel than he did in all his battles against them during his lifetime. 20:57 – Shimshon was a tzaddik ...
Shoftim – Lesson 3 – Birth Of Shimshon Riddle Wars
May 30, 2021 15:41 - 39 minutes - 36.3 MBShoftim – Lesson 3 – Birth Of Shimshon Riddle Wars
Shoftim – Lesson 2 – Chavos Yair, Yiftach, Boaz, Rus, Mashiach, Intro. to Shimshon
May 23, 2021 11:42 - 40 minutes - 37 MB00:00 – Peace in Israel under the leadership of Tolah ben Puah from the tribe of Yissachar. 00:40 – The next leader was Yair HaGiladi of Shevet Menashe (East). He called the villages of his sons “Chavos Yair” to commemorate Yair ben Menashe, who had no children. Why does the Torah mention this? The true offspring of tzaddikim are the Torah and maasim tovim (good deeds) they bring to the world. “Chavos Yair” (gematria is 635: 613 mitzvos plus the 22 letters of the Torah). 05:56 – Jewish emu...
Shoftim – Lesson 1 – Gidon
May 16, 2021 11:40 - 43 minutes - 39.6 MB00:00 – Review of the beginning of Sefer Shoftim. 03:00 – “You cannot reach the limit of Hashem’s patience and kindness.” – Rabbi Zvi Aryeh Rosenfeld z”l 04:00 – An angel appears to Gidon ben Yoash, (from the tribe of Menashe). 11:20 – Hashem commands Gidon to destroy an alter to Baal and receives an additional name: Yiru-Baal. He asks and receives Divine proof that he should amass an army against Midian. 18:00 – A selection of soldiers is made by testing them in drinking at a river. Onl...
Yehoshua 2
May 09, 2021 11:36 - 44 minutes - 40.9 MB00:00 – After the passing of Yehoshua, the first of Israel’s judges – Osniel ben Kenaz – takes command. As the faith of the new generation weakens, enemies arise and Hashem warns us to be harsh with our oppressors. 09:20 – Moab rises up against the Bnei Yisrael. 13:00 – The heroic deeds of the righteous Ehud against the King of Moab, Eglon.
Yehoshua 1
May 02, 2021 16:10 - 44 minutes - 41.1 MB00:00 – The Battle of Yericho (Jericho). The unusual faith of Rachav in protecting the People of Israel shows how a person who comes from the lowest depths can rise to the highest spiritual levels. “There’s no such thing as a person having passed the point of no return.” – Rabbi Zvi Aryeh Rosenfeld z”l. 06:00 – Why didn’t Yehoshua/Joshua have any sons? This was a punishment for having stated a Torah law in front of his teacher, Moshe Rabbeinu. The Zohar, however, says that Yehoshua did no s...