Nov 15th, 2009
by rabbifink.
Last week we talked about the Healthcare plan that was ratified by the house the night before.
This week we got back on track and started Chapter 9.
In my opinion, this was one of the best Mesillas Yesharim classes to date. The Ramchal was so insightful and I shared an insight of my own which I think is very poignant. It all goes back to Adam and Eve being ousted from the Garden of Eden.
Audio is below.
All audio classes are available by clicking podcasts on the top of this page. Or just click here.
You can also subscribe to all classes in iTunes by clicking here. (more…)
Oct 22nd, 2009
by rabbifink.
I love technology and I love Talmud. So imagine how excited I was when I found out that I could learn Talmud on my iPhone!
For the last few weeks I have been testing an incredible iPhone app. iTalmud English Edition (warning: link will open iTunes) is one the best apps I have ever used on the iPhone.
iTalmud English Edition is a very powerful tool that anyone that wishes to study or research anything in the Talmud must have. (more…)
Sep 7th, 2009
by rabbifink.
This essay was inspired by a recent post on DovBear. I have cross posted this post there as well. Head over there for more discussion.
What follows is my understanding of The Oral Law and its transmission to us. This article does not attempt to validate or prove its transmission as fact, rather it explains just what is being transmitted when we refer to Torah SheBaal Peh (TSBP).
I am sure there are plenty of maamarei Chazal that are not 100% congruent with this approach. I am also sure that there are many maamarei Chazal that do jive with this approach. I have spent many hours studying and analyzing the concept of TSBP and what follows is what I believe to be a rational, coherent, non-apologetic approach. (more…)
Aug 12th, 2009
by rabbifink.
This post has been cross-posted to DovBear – more discussion there.
The topic of mesira is complex. I do not claim expertise on the subject of who is a moser, but I have heard a discourse from an expert on Jewish and American Law named Rabbi Breitowitz. Aside from teaching law at University of Maryland, Rabbi Breitowitz is a practicing Rabbi in Silver Spring Maryland. When I lived in Baltimore, I heard Rabbi Breitowitz speak on the topic of mesira and I was able to find the same speech online to refresh my memory.
This is my basic understanding of his take on mesira. (more…)
Jul 26th, 2009
by rabbifink.
Last week the world witnessed another wonder of our universe, the Solar Eclipse. This eclipse was visible from Southeast Asia and was the longest eclipse in 18 years and will remain the longest for the next 123 years.
The eclipse has long been associated with mythology and supernatural acts. If you are a fan of the TV show, Heroes, you know what I mean.
In Southeast Asia, many Hindus were gripped by fear. According to Hindu tradition, the eclipse can cause harm to unborn children. Many ancient cultures attached mythological meaning to solar eclipses. Today, we know that the eclipse is part of the solar pattern that is predictable to the second.
What about Judaism? What do we say about the solar eclipse?
(more…)
May 27th, 2009
by rabbifink.
I read a really interesting column this week.
Whenever I find a convergence of ideas between the Legal field and Torah I get excited.
This time I found a divergence. Not quite as exciting, but very interesting.
The NY Times followed up on a study conducted a few years ago by a 2nd year Georgetown Law School Student.
The study was groundbreaking. It focused on the amount of questions from the Judges to lawyers and its effect on the outcome of cases. (more…)
May 18th, 2009
by rabbifink.
The third and final class in a very exciting series concluded our preparations for Shavuos.
Catch up by listening to Part 1 and Part 2.
Today we sought to resolve the burning question we began our series with. Why is Talmud study the focus of Torah scholarship? Why do Yeshiva students spend the bulk of their time studying Talmud? Why is Talmud our connection to the Oral Law transmission?
Those questions plus much more are covered in this week’s class.
The participants truly challenged me and asked some really great questions today. As always your attendance and contributions are much appreciated.
Click the link to listen to the class. (more…)
May 12th, 2009
by rabbifink.
Happy Lag B’Omer.
We had a great turnout this week despite the fact that we lost some attendees to Lag B’Omer celebrations this week.
This week Connections was the second of a series of classes about the history, philosophy, structure and benefits to Torah study.
In preparation for Shavuos, when the Jewish people accepted the Torah, this was the perfect time for the series.
Tonight we did a quick review of last week, though listening online would be a better option. You will get the full picture that way.
Our journey this week took us from the writing of the Mishna through the the beginnings of the formation of the Talmud.
There was a great discussion about “machlokes” and the differing opinions among Tanaic and Amoraic literature.
To be continued next week. See you there (or here).
Click through to listen to the class.
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May 5th, 2009
by rabbifink.
This week Connections was the first of a series of classes about the history, philosophy, structure and benefits to Torah study.
In preparation for Shavuos, when the Jewish people accepted the Torah, this was the perfect time to begin the series.
This class is the foundation for the next few classes so I highly recommend checking it out. The reviews of the class were great and we hope more people will join us next week.
Our discussion ranged from history of the Jewish people, the connection between the spiritual and material world, astrology and much, much more.
Looking forward to next week. See you there (or here).
Click through to listen to the class right now.
(more…)
Dec 22nd, 2008
by rabbifink.
Today I gave a lecture for a local Aish Campus retreat. My friends Rabbi Bloom and Rabbi Quinn run Aish Campus in Los Angeles and they invited me to give a 2 part lecture on the Introduction to and Philosophy of Talmud.
Today we had a very engaging session with a lot of great questions. We covered some very interesting ideas which are central to Torah study and understanding how our forefathers kept Torah before it was given to the world at Sinai many years later…
Just click the audio player to listen to the lecture (40 minutes).
[audio=http://werejustbetter.com/pjc/Intro_to_Talmud_1.mp3] Download
Part 2 is posted here.
