Rebbe and Bar Kappara debate the value of joking around. Nedarim 50b-51a

The first Rashi in Behaalosecha explains the juxtaposition of the gifts of the nesiim to the parsha of the menora. Aaron was sad that neither he nor his shevet were involved in the Chanukas Hamishkan. Hashem assured Aharon that his portion—lighting and fixing the Menora—is greater than their portion. This episode deals with the many difficulties that can be raised on this Rashi.

While we can’t marry a male convert from Ammon or Moav, we can from Amaleik. Why?

This episode explores Hashem’s punishment to Naami. We analyze a few relevant Rashis.

After the Tochacha, when we confess our sins, Hashem says He'll rememeber the bris with Yaakov, with Yitzchak, and with Avraham. Rashi (Vayikra 26:42) explains why it switches the order of the avos.

Part 2 of a 2011 discussion around devoting ourselves towards learning Torah. This part discusses some motivations, strategies, and resistances to learning Torah.

The Gemara in Menachos 44a tells a fascinating story of a talmid who was about to succumb to a top Zonah until his Tzitzis miraculously slapped him in the face. After introducing her to Tzitzis, she ended up converting. This episode analyzes this story which is meant to show the great reward of mitzvos in this world.

Part 1 of a 2011 discussion about devoting ourselves towards learning Torah and balancing it with other parts of our life (like work).