Best Beit Midrash Podcasts (2024)

1
Din & Daf: Why Was Rabbi Yirmiyah Thrown out of the Beit Midrash? with Dr. Elana Stein Hain 33:14

27d ago33:14

33:14

Din & Daf: Conceptual Analysis of Halakha Through Case Study with Dr. Elana Stein HainWhy Was Rabbi Yirmiyah Thrown out of the Beit Midrash? Measurements, in Theory and in PracticeBava Batra 23 sourcesOn Bava Batra 23b, R. Yirmiyah gets thrown out of the beit midrash for questioning the standard measurement established for determining ownership of …

1
Unleash Your Potential 55:29

3h ago55:29

55:29

A virtual event presentation by Rabbi Yisroel Juskowicz The event was co-hosted By Beth El Phoenix About the Event: In this class, we will focus on exploring each person’s unique potential, and learn some inspiring Torah ideas about potential. About the Speaker: Rabbi Yisroel Juskowitz is a noted artist, musician, author, and speaker. He has perfor…

1
R. Avi Strausberg on Tisha B'Av: “Let it Not Totter and Fall” 11:06

1d ago11:06

11:06

Beresheit Rabbah (3:7) teaches that God created and destroyed many worlds before finally allowing this world, our world, to stand. This midrash is teaching us three things. First, destruction and loss are a part of the fabric of our very existence. There is no avoiding it; there is only wrestling and reconciling and accepting it. Second, the midras…

1
10 Torah Lessons on Leadership: Know Your Triggers 56:53

4d ago56:53

56:53

In turbulent times, how can we all stay productively proactive in addressing the urgent needs of our time? What can the Torah teach us about how to show moral leadership each day? In these 10 sessions, Rabbi Shmuly will explore 10 inspiring Torah Lessons on Leadership, rooted in tradition and relevant today. Attended these classes live over Zoom by…

1
Din & Daf: What is Mechilah? with Dr. Elana Stein Hain 33:49

6d ago33:49

33:49

Din & Daf: Conceptual Analysis of Halakha Through Case Study with Dr. Elana Stein HainWhat is Mechilah? How the Case of Mistaken Mechilah Answers that QuestionBava Batra 41asources The possibility of having a chazakah of three years over landed property corresponds to presumed mechilah (or waiving of rights) by the original owner? But what is mechi…

1
Parshat Devarim 16:12

6d ago16:12

16:12

Rabbi Dr. Shmuly Yanklowtiz (President & Dean of Valley Beit Midrash) Explores Social Justice in the Weekly Parsha (Torah Portion). Stay Connected with Valley Beit Midrash: • Website: https://www.valleybeitmidrash.org • Donate: https://www.valleybeitmidrash.org/donate • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ValleyBeitMidrash • YouTube: https://www.you…

1
R. David Kasher on Parashat Devarim: Moshe the Deuteronomist 9:40

6d ago9:40

9:40

As we head into the Book of Deuteronomy, we will quickly notice that something has changed. The style of narration is different than we have seen in the Torah so far. This book will consist mostly of Moshe’s own words. The first five verses set the stage for Moshe’s great final oratory. What follows for the next 33 chapters is Moshe retelling the s…

1
Are We REALLY in Mourning for the Temple? And if Not What’s the Point of Tisha B’Av? 1:00:18

7d ago1:00:18

1:00:18

A virtual event presentation by Rabbi Micah Streiffer The event was co-hosted by Temple Chai About the Event: The solemn fast of Tisha B’Av (the Ninth of Av) commemorates the destruction of the ancient Temple. In this session, we will explore its meaning for modern Jews. What are the lessons to be learned from this ancient Jewish tragedy? How does …

1
10 Torah Lessons on Leadership: Can’t Be Comfortable to Learn but Can’t Push Too Hard Either 55:34

8d ago55:34

55:34

In turbulent times, how can we all stay productively proactive in addressing the urgent needs of our time? What can the Torah teach us about how to show moral leadership each day? In these 10 sessions, Rabbi Shmuly will explore 10 inspiring Torah Lessons on Leadership, rooted in tradition and relevant today. Attended these classes live over Zoom by…

1
R. Micha'el Rosenberg: On the Day the Messiah Was Born 48:10

8d ago48:10

48:10

The Talmud Yerushalmi tells a distressing and perplexing tale about a cowherd who goes off in search of the newborn baby messiah on the day the Temple was destroyed. We will read this story, with its enigmatic ending, and try to understand what its authors are trying to tell us about how we should respond in the face of destruction. Recorded on Tis…

1
Din & Daf: Oaths- How and Why does a Shevua Impact Payment? with Dr. Elana Stein Hain 32:03

9d ago32:03

32:03

Din & Daf: Conceptual Analysis of Halakha Through Case Study with Dr. Elana Stein Hainכׇל הַמְחוּיָּב שְׁבוּעָה שֶׁאֵינוֹ יָכוֹל לִישָּׁבַע – מְשַׁלֵּםBava Batra 33-34 On Bava Batra 34a, a principle is introduced in the name of Rabbi Abba, that in a case of monetary dispute, anyone who is obligated to take an oath but cannot do so must pay the othe…

1
Parshat Mattot-Masei: On Standing Up & Speaking Out 5:01

13d ago5:01

5:01

Rabbi Dr. Shmuly Yanklowtiz (President & Dean of Valley Beit Midrash) Explores Social Justice in the Weekly Parsha (Torah Portion). Stay Connected with Valley Beit Midrash: • Website: https://www.valleybeitmidrash.org • Donate: https://www.valleybeitmidrash.org/donate • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ValleyBeitMidrash • YouTube: https://www.you…

1
R. David Kasher on Parashat Mattot-Mas'ei: Frothing With Rage 15:26

15d ago15:26

15:26

Moshe has an anger problem. He is usually able to keep it under control. By nature, he is a quiet man, a brooder. He carries out his duties faithfully—as both a mouthpiece of God and a defender of the people. But the tension between these two roles pulls at him constantly, keeps him agitated. Sometimes the pressure gets too high… and he explodes.…

1
The Biblical Roots of Anti-Semitism 1:01:47

16d ago1:01:47

1:01:47

A hybrid event (in-person and virtual) by Rabbi Marc Gitler The event was co-sponsored by Temple Emanuel About the Event: Each year at the Pesach Seder we state that in every generation our people have experienced hatred. But when did it all start? We will investigate the earliest story of Anti-Semitism in the Torah, and hopefully learn some vital …

1
Shuda D'dayanei - Gefet with Shalhevet Schwartz 33:01

16d ago33:01

33:01

Gefet: Gemara, Perushim and Tosfot An in-depth (Iyun) Gemara shiur with Rabbanit Yael Shimoni and Shalhevet Schwartz (Episode 88) "God's seal is truth," and so the duty of a judge when faced with a dispute is, in general, to successfully bring the truth to light. But what does a judge do when there is no failsafe way to determine the right answer? …

1
R. Avital Hochstein: Do Moshe's Hands Make War? 32:40

15d ago32:40

32:40

Since October 7, the word "Amalek" has often been invoked in regard to the Israel-Hames War. Is that an appropriate analogy? By looking at ancient responses to biblical verses about Amalek, including those that express discomfort, we can learn these verses anew, revisit the foundational ideas that underlie the verses, and shed light on present real…

1
Parshat Pinchas: The Value of Consistent Service 8:32

21d ago8:32

8:32

Rabbi Dr. Shmuly Yanklowtiz (President & Dean of Valley Beit Midrash) Explores Social Justice in the Weekly Parsha (Torah Portion). Stay Connected with Valley Beit Midrash: • Website: https://www.valleybeitmidrash.org • Donate: https://www.valleybeitmidrash.org/donate • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ValleyBeitMidrash • YouTube: https://www.you…

1
Contradicting Testimonies: Rav Huna vs Rav Chisda - Gefet with Rabbanit Yael Shimoni 30:03

21d ago30:03

30:03

Gefet: Gemara, Perushim and Tosfot An in-depth (Iyun) Gemara shiur with Rabbanit Yael Shimoni and Shalhevet Schwartz (Episode 87) What happens when the testimony of two witnesses contradicts the testimony of two others? Clearly, someone is lying - we just don't know who the liars are. Can these witnesses testify again in the future? Rav Huna thinks…

1
Din & Daf: Chezkat 3 Shanim with Dr. Elana Stein Hain 31:40

21d ago31:40

31:40

Din & Daf: Conceptual Analysis of Halakha Through Case Study with Dr. Elana Stein HainWhat is the concept behind חזקת ג’ שנים?Bava Batra 28a sources The third perek of Bava Batra introduces the concept of חזקת ג’ שנים, that one who has been living on a property for three years without protest from the original property owner is considered the new o…

1
Yalta and the Place of Anger in Leadership 50:34

22d ago50:34

50:34

A virtual event presentation by Rabba Sara Hurwitz The event was co-sponsored by Congregation Or Tzion About the Event: Is anger ever a useful tool to bring about change? Or is anger destructive and unbecoming for leaders? Does gender bias inherently affect the way we experience angry male or female leaders? Finally, can Yalta, one of the few named…

1
The Great (Non-Jewish) Kings of Jewish History: (Cyrus, Alexander, and Julian) 1:06:08

21d ago1:06:08

1:06:08

A hybrid event (in-person and virtual) by Rabbi Marc Gitler The event was co-sponsored by BMH-BJ About the Event: As a small people, Jews have always been at the whim of larger empires. We know of the kings who oppressed our people, so let’s spend time familiarizing ourselves with kings who restored our people’s fortunes. *Source Sheet: https://doc…

1
R. David Kasher on Parashat Pinhas: How to Read a Census 11:10

22d ago11:10

11:10

For my mother’s 75th birthday, we surprised her by taking her to visit her mother’s childhood home. I knew my grandmother had grown up in Los Angeles, but I didn’t know exactly where, and there were no living relatives whom I could ask. So I did what anyone seeking information does these days: I Googled my grandmother’s name, hoping something would…

1
R. Avi Strausberg on the 17th of Tammuz: In the Depths of Sorrow 8:02

22d ago8:02

8:02

Tomorrow, we arrive at the second of the four annual fasts commemorating the destruction of the Temple. According to the Mishnah (Ta’anit 4:6), 17 Tammuz marks the end of the offering of the tamid, the daily sacrifice, as well as the breaching of the city walls. Until this point, despite the siege, the routine of Temple life had continued with the …

1
The 10 Greatest Jewish Ideas: Reinterpretation and the Power of Questions 1:00:27

23d ago1:00:27

1:00:27

In this 10-part class series, Rabbi Shmuly will explore, what he proposes to be, the 10 most amazing Jewish insights that have transformed and beautified the world for millennia. Attended these classes live over Zoom by becoming a member for just $18 per month: https://www.valleybeitmidrash.org/become-a-member ------------------ Stay Connected with…

1
Gerama and Garmi - Gefet with Shalhevet Schwartz 27:42

24d ago27:42

27:42

Gefet: Gemara, Perushim and Tosfot An in-depth (Iyun) Gemara shiur with Rabbanit Yael Shimoni and Shalhevet Schwartz (Episode 86) The Mishnah at the end of yesterday's Daf becomes the basis for the legal principle of "gerama benizakin assur." Gerama is damage that comes about as an indirect or roundabout result of a person's actions. This principle…

1
No Man is an Island: The Public Domain - On Second Thought with Rabbanit Yafit Clymer 15:32

25d ago15:32

15:32

On Second Thought: Delving Into the Sugya with Rabbanit Yafit Clymer Sources Bava Batra 26 27 28Learn more on https://hadran.org.il/

1
How Do We Remain Optimistic in These Troubling Times? 56:30

27d ago56:30

56:30

A virtual event presentation by Dr. Russ Linden The event was co-sponsored by Temple Emanuel About the Event: January 6. Our polarized society. Oct. 7. The war in Gaza. The impact of climate change. Chaos at our Southern Border … The problems are everywhere, and they seem overwhelming. We Jews are a people of hope. Indeed, Israel’s national anthem …

1
Parshat Balak: On Outside Viewpoints 14:31

29d ago14:31

14:31

Rabbi Dr. Shmuly Yanklowtiz (President & Dean of Valley Beit Midrash) Explores Social Justice in the Weekly Parsha (Torah Portion). Stay Connected with Valley Beit Midrash: • Website: https://www.valleybeitmidrash.org • Donate: https://www.valleybeitmidrash.org/donate • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ValleyBeitMidrash • YouTube: https://www.you…

1
R. David Kasher on Parashat Balak: The View From Above 13:34

29d ago13:34

13:34

Balak, King of Moab, has been made uneasy by Israel’s recent string of victories over enemy nations, and has begun to worry that he will be the next to fall before them. He decides to seek the advantage with a preemptive strike, hoping to weaken the Israelite forces before they have a chance to advance against him. His first plan of attack, however…

1
The Torah of Rav Yehuda Leon Ashkenazi: A Conversation with Rav Gavriel Reiss 20:03

30d ago20:03

20:03

Rabbi Dr. Shmuly Yanklowitz sits with Rav Gavriel Reiss to talk about Rav Yehuda Ashkenazi. Rav Gavriel Reiss was born and raised in Los Angeles but moved to Israel as a teenager. He served in elite IDF units before dedicating himself to Jewish education. In 2017, he embarked on a trailblazing initiative to break out of the security fence of Pnei K…

1
It Takes a Village: Communal Responsibility in Children's Education - On Second Thought with Rabbanit Yafit Clymer 21:00

30d ago21:00

21:00

On Second Thought: Delving Into the Sugya with Rabbanit Yafit Clymer Bava Batra 21 Sources Learn more on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠hadran.org.il

1
A Settler's View and Journey on Peace 59:32

1M ago59:32

59:32

Rav Gavriel Reiss was born and raised in Los Angeles but moved to Israel as a teenager. He served in elite IDF units before dedicating himself to Jewish education. In 2017, he embarked on a trailblazing initiative to break out of the security fence of Pnei Kedem in southern Judea to create a farm that would not only serve to help Jews learn to live…

1
R. Ethan Tucker: The Multivocality of Halakhah 1:10:58

29d ago1:10:58

1:10:58

Halakhic works are often a dizzying compendium of multiple perspectives on a given issue, often making it difficult to determine how to behave in a given situation. In this lecture, R. Ethan Tucker argues this is a feature rather than a bug. Critical values that are meant to guide our lives are rarely fully manifest in any given time, place, or sit…

1
Din & Daf: What Does God Want, and How Do We Know? - Rabbi Akiva vs Turnusrufus-Dr. Elana Stein Hain 21:50

1M ago21:50

21:50

Din & Daf: Conceptual Analysis of Halakha Through Case Study with Dr. Elana Stein Hain Bava Batra 10a sources On Bava Batra 10a, Rabbi Akiva and Turnusrufus have a discussion about whether God wants people to be poor or not. It turns out that Turnusrufus thinks that God must want there to be poor people in the world if they exist, and no one should…

1
Parshat Chukat: Observing What We Don't Yet Understand 9:36

1M ago9:36

9:36

Rabbi Dr. Shmuly Yanklowtiz (President & Dean of Valley Beit Midrash) Explores Social Justice in the Weekly Parsha (Torah Portion). Stay Connected with Valley Beit Midrash: • Website: https://www.valleybeitmidrash.org • Donate: https://www.valleybeitmidrash.org/donate • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ValleyBeitMidrash • YouTube: https://www.you…

1
R. David Kasher on Parashat Hukkat: Language Falling on Language 10:09

1M ago10:09

10:09

There is probably no more playful instance of wordplay in all the Torah than the nehash nehoshet, the copper snake described in Parashat Hukkat. With its string of repeated consonants, it sounds like it could be another of Dr Seuss’ whimsical creations, living in the same strange zoo with “the Cat in the Hat,” “Yertle the Turtle,” and “the Fox in S…

1
Neighbors and The Divine Presence- On Second Thought with Rabbanit Yafit Clymer 20:50

1M ago20:50

20:50

On Second Thought: Delving Into the Sugya with Rabbanit Yafit Clymer Masechet Bava Batra On the topic of neighbors, a recurring theme in the masechet Printable Sources Learn more on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠hadran.org.il

1
The Shattered Tablets in the Ark - Gefet with Rabbanit Yael Shimoni 26:28

1M ago26:28

26:28

Gefet: Gemara, Perushim and Tosfot An in-depth (Iyun) Gemara shiur with Rabbanit Yael Shimoni and Shalhevet Schwartz (Episode 85)On the 17th of Tammuz, the luchot were broken. Our sugya arrives, via a question about how to distribute sacred texts, at a discussion of what, precisely, was in the Aron haBerit - the Ark of the Covenant - and teaches th…

1
6 Knocks of Repentance- What Are the Critical Lessons Israeli Society Needs to Learn After October 7th? 55:49

1M ago55:49

55:49

A virtual event presentation by Rabbi Avidan Freedman About the Event: Maimonides writes that one who looks at past tragedies as mere happenstance is acting “cruelly”. Rather, the events of the past must goad us to introspection. Using the writing of Rabbi Joseph Soloveitchik as a model, we will explore how to suggest directions of introspection th…

1
R. Dena Weiss: Serving God From Yuck to Yum 46:30

1M ago46:30

46:30

Rav Dena explores a Hassidic teaching from the Me'or Einayim which discusses a dimension of physicality that we rarely pay attention to: given that taste is not necessary to sustain us, why is food delicious? More perplexingly, why does some food taste good to some, but not to others? What is the relationship between what is physically nutritious a…

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