Shuaros (Talks, Classes, Shiurim): Recent Episodes
Josh Rosenfeld
slides: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1FH4eeRia7dSj0giMi0T6LpkknxQyyVSBRzJBHR3M_uc/edit?usp=sharing
Go & Learn #4 - Introduction to Judaism (What Does a Jew Believe? pt. 2) by Josh Rosenfeld
Slides: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1e_nWl_xbGGbQ4Gku5EevhIVizoPrLbtsogMowFbzn-Q/edit?usp=sharing
Slides: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1e_nWl_xbGGbQ4Gku5EevhIVizoPrLbtsogMowFbzn-Q/edit?usp=sharing
Slides for presentation: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1HT8AI-Amp-GxLWVeREnaVW-WMq6oqpLPM5VJYRQKE6I/edit?usp=sharing
Slides and sources: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1cfEi2yxlVy-m5aAavud9rx--VQWxdCFiiqJwM2QsoLc/edit?usp=sharing
Tisha b'Av Shiur for CCE of Stamford, 8.4.22
Sources: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1n-FuVZzdh92zxpb7hceg30VlIKL6wfc75B3fOHKz33k/edit?usp=sharing
CCE Begin Again Series
Third class in a series, 2.16.22
Slides for entire series: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1RT4l_hoKdMOqQ2qhITeDIDJP6Js0MOQPNHQ-rIWxQwg/edit?usp=sharing
Tisha b'Av Shiur for CCE of Stamford, 7.14.21
Sources: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1SiGqkK4uTyFxZDcyLRDjbUPE2MaGVNXxO3_72n3vsuc/edit?usp=sharing
Ninth in a series on the book of Jeremiah. A discussion of Zephaniah and Jeremiah's excoriation of the leaders and their immorality, and reproof of the people's idolatry and confusion. Image is Rembrandt van Rijn, "Jeremiah Lamenting the Destruction of Jerusalem" (1630).
Sources: docs.google.com/document/d/1-zEFM…/edit?usp=sharing (pp. 18-20)
At Home, 8.31.20
Eighth in a series on the book of Jeremiah. A discussion of chapters 30-33, "The Book of Comfort", including some of the most well-known and powerful verses in Tanakh. Additionally, where is Kever Rachel, and are Mitzvot binding outside the land of Israel? Image is Rembrandt van Rijn, "Jeremiah Lamenting the Destruction of Jerusalem" (1630).
Sources: docs.google.com/document/d/1-zEFM…/edit?usp=sharing (pp. 15-17)
At Home, 8.24.20
Seventh in a series on the book of Jeremiah. A discussion of chapters 30-33, "The Book of Comfort", and how they parallel Yirmiyahu's call for reunification between Yehuda and Yisrael. Image is Rembrandt van Rijn, "Jeremiah Lamenting the Destruction of Jerusalem" (1630).
Sources: docs.google.com/document/d/1-zEFM…/edit?usp=sharing (pp. 12-15)
At Home, 8.17.20
Sixth in a series on the book of Jeremiah. A discussion of the split between Yehuda and Yisrael, Yirmiyah's prophecy of reunification, and an excursus on the hiding of the Ark of the Covenant. Image is Rembrandt van Rijn, "Jeremiah Lamenting the Destruction of Jerusalem" (1630).
Sources: docs.google.com/document/d/1-zEFM…/edit?usp=sharing (pp. 12-15)
At Home, 8.10.20
Fifth in a series on the book of Jeremiah. A discussion of the characterization by Chazal of the Book as "all destruction" as well as the first prophecy of Jeremiah and his initiation to what will become his life's mission. Image is Rembrandt van Rijn, "Jeremiah Lamenting the Destruction of Jerusalem" (1630).
Sources: docs.google.com/document/d/1-zEFM…/edit?usp=sharing (pp. 10-11)
At Home, 7.27.20
Fourth in a series on the book of Jeremiah. Continuing introduction to the historical and geopolitical background, focussing on the exile of Judah/Jeconiah, the destruction of the Temple, and the assassination of Gedaliah. Image is Rembrandt van Rijn, "Jeremiah Lamenting the Destruction of Jerusalem" (1630).
Sources: docs.google.com/document/d/1-zEFM…/edit?usp=sharing (pp. 7-10)
At Home, 7.20.20
Third in a series on the book of Jeremiah. Continuing introduction to the historical and geopolitical background, focussing on the reign of Jehoiakim, King of Judah, the ascendancy of Nebuchadnezzar II, and the path to the destruction of Jerusalem. Image is Rembrandt van Rijn, "Jeremiah Lamenting the Destruction of Jerusalem" (1630).
Sources: docs.google.com/document/d/1-zEFM…/edit?usp=sharing
At Home, 7.13.20
Second in a series on the book of Jeremiah. Introduction to the historical and geopolitical background, focussing on the reign of Josiah, King of Judah, his campaign of national reform, and his tragic downfall. Image is Rembrandt van Rijn, "Jeremiah Lamenting the Destruction of Jerusalem" (1630).
Sources: docs.google.com/document/d/1-zEFM…/edit?usp=sharing
Woodford Vt., 7.6.20
First in a series on the book of Jeremiah. Introduction to the historical and geopolitical background, focussing on the reign of Manasseh, King of Judah and the scourge of idolatry in the Land of Israel at the time. Image is Rembrandt van Rijn, "Jeremiah Lamenting the Destruction of Jerusalem" (1630).
Sources: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1-zEFMwuPF7gBh1Mfz_VC5xsQwb724_bgBS3CpY_4woA/edit?usp=sharing
At Home, 6.29.20
Fifteenth in a series of classes on Tehillim/Psalms. A discussion of Psalms of lament, loss, and longing. An overview of the Tikkun along with a discussion of the personal nature of the ritual. Artwork is "Composition T, 50-5" by Hans Hartung.
Sources available here (pp. 18-23) docs.google.com/document/d/17p9ld…/edit?usp=sharing
At home, 6.1.20
Fourteenth in a series of classes on Tehillim/Psalms. Part two - recording was interrupted mid-Shiur. A discussion of Psalms of lament, loss, and longing. An overview of the Tikkun along with a discussion of the personal nature of the ritual. Art is Marc Chagall, "Dans Mon Pays".
Sources available here (pp. 18-23) docs.google.com/document/d/17p9ld…/edit?usp=sharing
At home, 6.1.20
Fourteenth in a series of classes on Tehillim/Psalms. A discussion of Psalms of lament, loss, and longing. An overview of the Tikkun along with a discussion of the personal nature of the ritual. Art is Marc Chagall, "Dans Mon Pays".
Sources available here (pp. 18-23) docs.google.com/document/d/17p9ld…/edit?usp=sharing
At home, 6.1.20
Thirteenth in a series of classes on Tehillim/Psalms. A discussion of Psalms of lament, loss, and longing, beginning with an introduction to the midnight rite of Tikkun Chatzot.
Sources available here (pp. 17-20) docs.google.com/document/d/17p9ld…/edit?usp=sharing
At home, 5.19.20
Tweflth in a series of classes on Tehillim/Psalms. A discussion of Psalm #30. Art is "The Scream", by Edvard Munch (1893).
Sources available here (page 15) docs.google.com/document/d/17p9ld…/edit?usp=sharing
At home, 5.12.20
A Shiur in honor of the Tanna R. Shimon bar Yochai. What is the lesson to be learned upon emerging from the cave of communion with the Divine?
Sources: (1) b. Shabbat 33b (2) 1 Kings 18-19 (3) b. Berachot 35b (4) m. Avot 4:13 (5) Kohelet 7:1
At home, 33rd day of the Omer/5.11.20
Eleventh in a series of classes on Tehillim/Psalms. A discussion of how to say Tehillim and prayer with intention in general, based upon a teaching of R. Nachman of Breslov. Art is "The Rothko Chapel" (1971) in Houston, Texas.
Sources available here (page 13) docs.google.com/document/d/17p9ld…/edit?usp=sharing and Sichot Ran no. 72 here: https://www.sefaria.org/Sichot_HaRan.72?lang=he
At home, 5.5.20
Tenth in a series of classes on Tehillim/Psalms. In depth study of chapter 20, "A Psalm Before Battle". Art is "Mural" (1943), by Jackson Pollock.
Sources available here (page 11-12): docs.google.com/document/d/17p9ld…/edit?usp=sharing
At home, 4.27.20
Ninth in a series of classes on Tehillim/Psalms. In depth study of Hallel, 3 ways. Art is "On Al Khan Beach" by Ali Al Abdan.
Sources available here (page 10): docs.google.com/document/d/17p9ld…/edit?usp=sharing
At home, 4.21.20
Source here: https://he.wikisource.org/wiki/%D7%A6%D7%93%D7%A7%D7%AA_%D7%94%D7%A6%D7%93%D7%99%D7%A7/%D7%9B
At Home, 4.7.20
Eighth in a series of classes on Tehillim/Psalms. In depth study of Psalm 122. Art is "Revolution of the Viaduct" (1937) by Paul Klee. See here: https://www.paulklee.net/revolution-of-the-viaduct.jsp
Sources available here (page 9): docs.google.com/document/d/17p9ld…/edit?usp=sharing
At home, 4.6.20
Seventh in a series of classes on Tehillim/Psalms. In depth study of Psalm 121.
Sources available here (page 8): docs.google.com/document/d/17p9ld…/edit?usp=sharing
At home, 3.30.20
Sixth in a series of classes on Tehillim/Psalms. In depth study of Psalm 23.
Sources available here (page 7): docs.google.com/document/d/17p9ld…/edit?usp=sharing
At home, 3.23.20
Fifth in a series of four Shiurim on the different refractions of the Torah and light of the Baal Shem Tov.
This Shiur focuses on the history, background, and some of the unique approach to Chassidus of the House of Pshedborz. Image is of the Beis Medrash in Pshedborz.
At home, 3.19.20
Fifth in a series of classes on Tehillim/Psalms. In depth study of Psalm 23.
Sources available here (page 5): docs.google.com/document/d/17p9ld…/edit?usp=sharing
At home, 3.17.20
Fourth in a series of classes on Tehillim/Psalms. In depth study of Psalm 16.
Sources available here (pages 5-6): docs.google.com/document/d/17p9ld…/edit?usp=sharing
Lincoln Square Synagogue, 2.24.20
Third in a series of classes on Tehillim/Psalms.
Sources available here: docs.google.com/document/d/17p9ld…/edit?usp=sharing
Lincoln Square Synagogue, 2.24.20
Second in a series of classes on Tehillim/Psalms.
Sources available here: docs.google.com/document/d/17p9ld…/edit?usp=sharing
Lincoln Square Synagogue, 2.10.20
First in a series of classes on Tehillim/Psalms.
Sources available here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/17p9ldeiA32sJZzEsAASJ4zRq19o8zyalB4ZVpPHMg3o/edit?usp=sharing
Lincoln Square Synagogue, 2.3.20
A talk to help in preparing for Chanukah, highlighting the connections and affinities between Chanukah and Chinuch, primarily using R' Hutner's Pachad Yitzchak (Chanukah, no. 5).
UWS Women's Group Monthly Shiur, 12.9.19
Fifth and final in a series of Shiurim on Rebbe Nachman's stories and Sippurei Ma'asiyot.
Wrap up, review, and "Have You Looked at the Sky Today?" Sources (pp. 13-15): docs.google.com/document/d/1aDIIi…/edit?usp=sharing
Lincoln Square Synagogue, 12.9.19
Fourth in a series of Shiurim on Rebbe Nachman's stories and Sippurei Ma'asiyot. (Art is Van Gogh's "The Sower" (1888))
Selections from "Tenda u'Renda" & "The Tainted Wheat" Sources (pp. 8-10): docs.google.com/document/d/1aDIIi…/edit?usp=sharing
Lincoln Square Synagogue, 11.25.19
Third in a series of Shiurim on Rebbe Nachman's stories and Sippurei Ma'asiyot.
Selections from "Hungarian Wine" & "The Turkey Prince" Sources (pp. 8-10): docs.google.com/document/d/1aDIIi…/edit?usp=sharing
Lincoln Square Synagogue, 11.18.19
Second in a series of Shiurim on Rebbe Nachman's stories and Sippurei Ma'asiyot. (part one of two, recording got cut)
Selections from "The Seven Beggars" & "The Humble King" Sources (p. 3-7): docs.google.com/document/d/1aDIIi…/edit?usp=sharing
Lincoln Square Synagogue, 11.11.19
First in a series of Shiurim on Rebbe Nachman's stories and Sippurei Ma'asiyot.
Introduction and statement of purpose. Sources: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1aDIIiMoIe8Z3qT_hbsxWHfh1A0F1jEc4jXjxvyovWd8/edit?usp=sharing
Lincoln Square Synagogue, 11.4.19
We're often told that nothing stands in the way of Teshuva, and yet the Mishnah and the Rambam say, "not so fast". What to do when Teshuva seems impossible?
Sources: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1j0ov_ZP5AIwm3zl8knY6KYcI24VdZVCWaVwOYg2i_BE/edit?usp=sharing
Mount Sinai Jewish Center, 9.26.19
The fifth and final in a series of 5 classes on the incredible life and works of Rabbi Moshe Chaim Luzzatto (1707-1746). This class focuses on the continued study of Ramchal's presentation of the foundations of Jewish faith, Da'at Tevunot, his principal work on Kabbalah - Klach Pitchei Chochmah, and some discussion of the Ramchal's approach to Kabbalah.
With God's help, we shall return to you, Rabbi Moshe Chayyim Luzzatto.
Sources: tinyurl.com/y2qur6ac
Lincoln Square Synagogue, 6.3.19
The fourth in a series of 5 classes on the incredible life and works of Rabbi Moshe Chaim Luzzatto (1707-1746). This class focuses on the continued study of Ramchal's presentation of the foundations of Jewish faith, Da'at Tevunot and some discussion of the Ramchal's approach to Kabbalah.
Sources: tinyurl.com/y2qur6ac
Lincoln Square Synagogue, 5.27.19
The third in a series of 5 classes on the incredible life and works of Rabbi Moshe Chaim Luzzatto (1707-1746). This class focuses on the Ramchal's presentation of the foundations of Jewish faith, Da'at Tevunot and some discussion of the Ramchal's approach to Kabbalah. Image is R' Chaim Friedlander zt"l.
Sources: tinyurl.com/y2qur6ac
Lincoln Square Synagogue, 5.20.19
The second in a series of 5 classes on the incredible life and works of Rabbi Moshe Chaim Luzzatto (1707-1746). This class focuses on the Ramchal's best-known work, Messilat Yesharim.
Sources: tinyurl.com/y2qur6ac
Lincoln Square Synagogue, 5.14.19
The first in a series of 5 classes on the incredible life and works of Rabbi Moshe Chaim Luzzatto (1707-1746). This class focuses on a biographical sketch of the Ramchal as well as an introduction to his main works. (Image is of the city of Padua, Italy)
Sources: https://tinyurl.com/y2qur6ac
Lincoln Square Synagogue, 5.6.19
First of two Shiurim given in preparation for Pesach.
Sources: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1YIN5_b7yLvigOQ_BSCpm8279BrEE1_UmVces1WKmXsk/edit?usp=sharing
Lincoln Square Synagogue, 4.4.19
Third in a series of Shiurim exploring the life and teachings of Rebbe Nachman of Breslov. A discussion of Rebbe Nachman's appreciation and understanding of the absurd suffering that characterizes the human condition and the main advice Rebbe Nachman gives to overcome that.
לזכות רפואה שלימה לדוד העניך מרדכי בן פרידא שמחה
Sources: docs.google.com/document/d/1w6Pik…/edit?usp=sharing
LSS Winter Beit Midrash, 2.25.19
Second in a series of Shiurim exploring the life and teachings of Rebbe Nachman of Breslov. We discussed the concept of "Hispa'arus", Rebbe Nachman's unique personality, and the ways in which the inner life of the Tzaddik were conveyed to us through his teachings.
לזכות רפואה שלימה לדוד העניך מרדכי בן פרידא שמחה
Sources: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1w6PikNocYDWVL_P1g6zXyg98SZQlnAUiCYuAX7MeMlA/edit?usp=sharing
LSS Winter Beit Midrash, 2.18.19
First in a series of Shiurim exploring the life and teachings of Rebbe Nachman of Breslov. Introduction and overview of Rebbe Nachman's ideas and a short biography.
לזכות רפואה שלימה לדוד העניך מרדכי בן פרידא שמחה
Sources: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Ctbm_Lar5-5AwUDhq4RA8mXYjD25bSzTCZop015oxMQ/edit?usp=sharing
LSS Winter Beit Midrash, 2.11.19
A Shiur in honor of my Saba z"l, on his fourth Yahrtzeit, on "The Righteous Shall Live by their Faith" (Ta'anit 23b)
Motzai Shabbos, Denver CO, 1.19.19
Telling the story of Rebbe Nachman's journey to the Land of Israel, 1798-99 (Shivchei ha-Ran, pt. 2). 4th in a series. Rebbe Nachman makes it to Israel.
LSS Winter Beit Midrash, 1.14.19
Telling the story of Rebbe Nachman's journey to the Land of Israel, 1798-99 (Shivchei ha-Ran, pt. 2). 3rd in a series.
LSS Winter Beit Midrash, 1.7.19
Telling the story of Rebbe Nachman's journey to the Land of Israel, 1798-99 (Shivchei ha-Ran, pt. 2). 2nd in a series.
LSS Winter Beit Midrash, 12.24.18
Telling the story of Rebbe Nachman's journey to the Land of Israel, 1798-99 (Shivchei ha-Ran, pt. 2). First in a series.
{Image is a colorized postcard image of the port of Istanbul, c. 1805}
LSS Winter Beit Midrash, 12.17.18 (Yahrzeit of Reb Nosson of Nemirov)
Third in a series on the holiness of the Land of Israel
Sources: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1oDM16Fi--dMfAa1t3oZXEeZX1R2ni1CIV2NQpXxELLk/edit?usp=sharing
LSS Fall/Winter Beit Midrash, 12.10.18
Second in a series on the holiness of the Land of Israel (Second half of Shiur cut off in recording).
Sources: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1UITJ44XDZlb96rOyRssN9ToL1PWFDTF1qxRGMve1pn8/edit?usp=sharing
LSS Fall/Winter Beit Midrash, 12.3.18
First in a series on the holiness of the Land of Israel.
Sources: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1jjuXXAz2tZZKfs6WQ1XfTeFtWe3hcDUxq7_1lEFP3H0/edit?usp=sharing
LSS Fall/Winter Beit Midrash, 11.26.18
Lincoln Square Synagogue Fall Beit Midrash, 11.5.18
Sources: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1GRQZAkvHACBrnIox_KyypD9h4kYQ3qiJzXx5XjDQTkk/edit?usp=sharing
Lincoln Square Synagogue, Fall Beit Midrash Series 10.29.18
Sources available here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1YgSRa2ZftJIbqr_-zumlKK8kUyqh4cBfCLoIEOGASwA/edit?usp=sharing
Lincoln Square Synagogue, Fall Beit Midrash Series 10.22.18
Sources available here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1wFZWUUAacJvT9szsR1ee0_kjQ6oOLqpOBeeejo17hE0/edit?usp=sharing
Last in a series of four Shiurim on the different refractions of the Torah and light of the Baal Shem Tov.
This Shiur focuses on the history, background, and some of the unique approach to Chassidus of the House of Kozhnitz. We focus specifically on the founder of the שושלת, The Kozhnitzer Maggid זיע״א, and his Torah. Well-known image is reported to be an artist's faithful representation of the Maggid.
Sources: https://goo.gl/JVh22v
Camp HASC BMP, 7.26.18
Third in a series of four Shiurim on the different refractions of the Torah and light of the Baal Shem Tov.
This Shiur focuses on the history, background, and some of the unique approach to Chassidus of the House of Radomsk. We focus specifically in the founder of the שושלת, The Tiferes Shlomo זיע״א, and his Torah. Image is the rabbinic seal of the Tiferes Shlomo, a Kohen.
Sources: https://goo.gl/17LwCL
Camp HASC BMP, 7.18.18
Second in a series of four Shiurim on the different refractions of the Torah and light of the Baal Shem Tov.
This Shiur focuses on the history, background, and some of the unique approach to Chassidus of the House of Biala. Image is R. Yechiel Yehoshua Rabinowicz of Biala (1900-1981), Ba'al Chelkas Yehoshua זיע״א.
Sources: https://goo.gl/srcbXf Family Tree: https://goo.gl/si9c2J
Camp Hasc BMP, 7.11.18
First in a series of four Shiurim on the different refractions of the Torah and light of the Baal Shem Tov.
This Shiur focuses on the history, background, and some of the unique approach to Chassidus of the House of Komarno.
Sources: https://goo.gl/5Um17y
Camp Hasc BMP, 7.4.18
When speaking of the problem of evil and suffering we generally resort to various theodicies to try and understand.
Moving around/beyond that, we see a number of Tzaddikim whose response to their own suffering is a deepening of their learning and spiritual creativity - catalyzing their experience of evil into religious positivity.
Sources: https://goo.gl/71Mjyk
Talk at YCT Yemei Iyun, 6.25.18
(Image from R. Shagar commentary on Likkutei Moharan, vol. 2)