The Sicha Rabbi Dov Herman: Recent Episodes
Rabbi Dov Herman
This is the “classic” text-based shiur, covering the entire Sicha, and geared to those familiar with Likkutei Sichos. Following the learning cycle of Project Likkutei Sichos
Siyum on tractate Tanis. Discussion of the statement that one who increases Torah study at night beginning from Tu B’Av will have his life extended:
Isn’t a person always obligated to use every available moment for Torah study? If he now studies more at night, does that simply mean that he was previously studying more during the day?
Also, what exactly is the “Crown of Torah,” and why does the Rambam say that a person merits it specifically through studying Torah at night?
A Rashi sicha exploring Rashi’s comment that a person will TAKE his reward tomorrow in the world to come, and explaining the unique spiritual reward that one can earn through personal effort beyond the ordinary reward for mitzvah observance that one RECEIVES in this world.
How could Korach’s sons be swallowed with the rebels yet remain alive beneath the earth? The sicha explores the halachic and spiritual power of unexpressed teshuvah: an inner reversal that was real enough to save them, but incomplete because it never emerged into open action.
In honor of Yud-Beis–Yud-Gimmel Tammuz, this sicha explores the difference between the blessing over a miracle and Birkat HaGomel. Why does HaGomel describe the saved person as “liable,” and how can that apply to a tzaddik? A deeper look at danger, salvation, and spiritual elevation.
In Parshas Korach, the verses differentiates between Kohanim and Levi’im — one receives directly from Hashem, while the other receives through serving the people. This episode explores a deeper question: are the Levi’im mainly serving the Kohanim, or do they have their own independent Temple mission alongside the Kohanim? Through the contrast between Rashi and Rambam, we uncover two ways to understand the role, service, and reward of the Levi’im.
The Geder of the positive commandment of rejoicing on Yom Tov. We will review the options of Rambam,Ritva,Ran and Alter Rebbe.
The Geder of Tzedekah and Erchin according to the Rambam. Comparison to Alter Rebbe in Tanya. Siyum on Sefer Halfaeh.
The fundamental difference between the first 7 days of inauguration of kohanim and the 8th day according to Rashi.
Why did Moshe break the lunches instead of just hiding them? Why was Moshe praised by hashem for breaking them?
Why doesn’t the Rambam include the name Eheye as one of the holy names of Hashem that can’t be erased?
A fast that marks the beginning of exile also carries the seed of its cure.
This episode explores Asara B’Teves as a powerful reminder that unity and baseless love are the key to ending exile and bringing redemption.
The inner meaning of the medrash that Yakov took a pen and wrote down the day, second and time when Yosef’s dreams took place.
Yaakov arrives in Shechem “complete” — but what does shalem really mean?We explore Rashi’s interpretation and uncover the deeper layers of this pasuk
A deep dive into the lomdus behind an employee’s obligations to an employer:
the obligation of the work itself and the obligation to work with full effort.
We also explore the nuanced differences between the Rambam and the Alter Rebbe on this topic.
In this episode, we explore the two parts of Avraham’s covenant — the divine promise of destiny at the Bris Bein HaBetarim (Genesis 15) and the command to fulfill it through circumcision in Bris Milah (Genesis 17).
Together, they reveal the central message of the covenant: God’s eternal bond with Avraham’s descendants, sealed by a human act of faith.
Before it destroyed, the rain of the Mabul was a blessing if the generation repented. We’ll uncover how Chazal and the pesukim themselves hint to this hidden shift — from divine compassion to divine judgment.
We dive into whether the Aravah is merely part of the Lulav mitzvah or an independent one, and then look beyond the halacha to the spiritual essence of the Hoshanah — what it reveals about our connection to Hashem.
The meaning of Hashem circumcising the heart according to Rashi, Ramban, and Targum Onkelos
The opinion of the Ramabm regarding the status of the basket with which the Bikkurim are brought.
Four Ways to See the Basket of Bikkurim
Today we’re exploring a striking halachic question: Why is the basket itself—used to bring the first fruits—given to the kohen?
Chazal outline four different gedarim, four conceptual layers, to explain the deep connection between the bikkurim and their basket.
Why doesn’t Rambam count rabbinic mitzvot in the 613?
Because new rabbinic laws could always be added, the list would never be closed.
Instead, he keeps the 613 fixed to Torah commandments, while rabbinic ones stand in their own category.
The Mishkan had only temporary kedushah, not tied to its place, and therefore it stood only on flat ground. The Beis HaMikdash has eternal kedushah, bound to its site forever, and for this reason it was built into the incline of the mountain.
Rambam on Teacher Accompanying Student to Exile
The Rambam explains that a teacher must accompany a student exiled for accidental murder because “life without Torah is like death”—learning Torah is essential to the student’s life. However, this seems to contradict the Gemara, which applies the halacha even to an unworthy student (תלמיד שאינו הגון). If so, the reason can’t be solely that Torah is essential to his life, since such a student may not be a true learner. This challenges the Rambam’s explanation.
Why did the Torah emphasize the conquest of kiriyot—fortified cities—when describing the wars of Israel?
We’ll discuss the concept of tzibbur (congregation) in the Torah of the Rogatchover Gaon.
This will also help us understand why the arei miklat had to be kiriyot—comprised of Yisraelim, Levi’im, and Kohanim.
A chakirah exploring two approaches to why a 12-year-old can make a binding neder: is it due to a gezeiras hakasuv that grants this ability upon reaching age 12, or because at that age, a lesser degree of daas is sufficient for a neder to take effect?
This episode reveals how the Torah’s laws of inheritance express a bond with G-d even deeper than being His children or His chosen people at Sinai — a oneness where Jew and G-d are truly one essence.
Drawing from the Rambam and the story of Tzelafchad’s daughters, we explore how inheritance reflects the ultimate spiritual identity and the culmination of the entire mitzvah journey.
Rashi sicha. Why Rashi Does Not Interpret “Mountain Peaks” Literally Like Ramban
Rashi departs from the literal reading of the verse, which would suggest that Bilaam was physically viewing the Israelite camp from the tops of mountains and hills. Instead, Rashi understands “From the mountain peaks I see him, and from the hills I behold him” as metaphorical language, referring to the foundational strength and merit of the Jewish people — derived from their forefathers (mountain peaks) and foremothers (hills).
Rashi Sicha. What was bothering Rashad that made him say he expected Dosan and Aviram to show him respect?
Why does Rashi explain “ונזרעה זרע” as a miraculous transformation — easier births and more beautiful children — rather than simply as the blessing of having another child, which would already be significant?
Rashi explains that the separate camp of the Levites served two purposes: to guard the Mishkan and to act as a boundary between it and the rest of the people. The gurading of this separation nullifies even the potential anger from Hashem.
The difference between Rashi’s explanation according to the peshuto shel mikra (simple meaning of the text) and the Talmud’s interpretation according to halacha lies in how they understand the dispute between Moshe and Aharon over whether the chatat of Rosh Chodesh should have been burned or eaten
The opinion of rashi regarding the din of breaking the earthenware vessel that was to cook a korban chatas.
What did Moshe accomplish by doing an audit of the mishkan. The concept of Tsibur in Halacha. The reason why the Tzibur had to own the Mishkan.
The Shiur examines a dispute between Rashi and the Rambam regarding whether the Kapores was an independent kli or merely part of the Aron. It also explores the halachic implications of this debate.
The dispute between Beit Shammai and Beit Hillel regarding Chanukah candles reflects the principles of “days remaining” versus “increasing holiness” (מעלין בקודש) in mitzvah observance.
Rashi sicah, focuses on the difference between Rashi and the Rambam in interspersing Yaakov’s response to Eisav.
Rashi Sicha. What are the Birchas Abraham that Yitzhak gave to Yaakov before journeying to get married?
“Discover why Eliezer’s prayer was answered instantly, highlighting the unique connection between divine response and prayers rooted in G-d’s essence and the Torah.
Why Avrohom cared about reward even though he served Hashem Lishma. Analysis of Torah Shelo Lishma and the concept of Mitoch Sholo Lishma Ba Lishma
Rashi Sicha. The connection between Hakhel and Shemitah.
Dispute between Rashi and Ibn Ezra regarding the timing of the hakhel event.
The reason behind the dispute between the Ramabm and Rosh of which animals are included in the prohibition of Kiliam of Charisha.
Will Cohanim receive a portion on the lands of Kini, Knizi, and Kadmini when Moshiach comes?
Is the east side of the Jordan part of Israel?
The different categorize of wars. Arguement of Rambam and Ravad if Cohanim can take part in wars that are outside of Israel.
Siyum Mesaches Megilah. “One who grasps the Torah when it is bare, will be harried bare.”
Explanation of Rashi in regards to orlah. Issue gavrah- issur Chefsa. Biur of 6th Perek of Tanya.
The mishap of Kavatter by a Bais Milah. We also discussed the following concepts: rebuke, chinuch, rabbinic prohibitions, lifnei Evair .
Siyum tractate Uktsin. Argument Bais Shamai and Bais Hillel if we after potential or Actuality. Inheritor takes the place of his father. Serving hashem Lishma. 310 worlds for the righteous.
The minchas chavitin of the Cohen Godel. We will explore the arguments between Rabbi Simon and Rabbi Yehuda. We will look at Rambam and Rashi. We will also study the concept of Toar and Esem and congregation according to the Rogoshover Goan.
The unity of the Jewish people before the giving of the Torah according to the Mechilta.
Yosef had his children before the famine, but Levi had a daughter during the famine. We will explore the rational for each approach.
The differences in the instructions brought in the Siddur compared to how they are brought in the Alter Rebbe’s Shulchan Aruch.
According the effort is the reward. The Torah has aspects of the giver and receiver in it.
Hashem's reveals Himself to Avraham before the Milah and, In a much higher way, after the Milah.