Shiurim by Rabbi Uri Pilichowski on a multitude of topics
The Sedra Rosh Hashanah 5784
When considering Rosh Hashanah, we find ourselves setting aside the weekly Sedra to focus on the unique essence of the day. The most identifiable trait of this holiday is the sounding of the Shofar. The Rambam explains that while this is a divine decree, it contains a powerful allusion, a call to wake up from our spiritual slumber and inspect our deeds. In this video, we will explore a fascinating alternative text for the blessing over the Shofar found in the Jerusalem Talmud. We will delve into Rav Soloveitchik’s profound explanation of how hearing the Shofar is not just a [...]
Jewish philosophy: The Value of Jewish Women
In this video on Jewish philosophy, we are going to explore the profound value the Torah places on Jewish women and the sanctity of relationships. We are all familiar with the three cardinal sins for which one must give up their life rather than violate: idolatry, murder, and sexual indiscretions. Often, we think of that last category only in terms of adultery, but the law goes much deeper, touching on the very essence of human dignity. We will discuss a fascinating and extreme case from our legal tradition involving a man's infatuation and the clear boundaries the Torah sets to [...]
Jewish philosophy: What is Kabalah?
In this video on the philosophy of the Torah, we are going to explore a topic that is often misunderstood in modern culture: Kabbalah. Many people ask what exactly it is and why there is a traditional idea that one should only study it after reaching the age of forty. Far from the pop culture versions you might see today, genuine Kabbalah is a highly complex methodology of thought. It specifically addresses the deepest mysteries of the Torah, such as the creation of the world and the vision of the fiery chariot in the Book of Ezekiel. This knowledge was [...]
Hashkafat HaTorah – Jewish Philosophy. Philosophy of Chanukah
Shalom, and welcome to our discussion on Jewish philosophy as we celebrate the first day of Chanukah. I am Rabbi Pilichowski, and today I want to share a fascinating insight from the writings of the Rambam that many are not familiar with. We all know the law of lighting our Chanukah candles at the entrance to our homes to publicize the miracle. However, the Rambam explains a deeper historical context in one of his letters. During the Greek persecution, Jews were forced to keep their doors open so soldiers could ensure no mitzvot were being observed. By placing our menorahs [...]
A Unique Telling of the Purim Story Politics and Intrigue
Today we are looking at the Purim story through a lens of politics and intrigue. We often think of Purim as just a story of miracles, but it is also a story of careful maneuvering and understanding human nature. From King Ahashverosh's deep paranoia to Haman's dangerous ego, the megillah is filled with political strategy. We will see how God provides the medicine before the illness by placing Esther in the palace exactly when she is needed. We'll also discuss Mordechai's genius in saving the king without asking for a reward, ensuring the king remained in his debt. This history [...]
The Sedra Sukkot 5780
Shalom everyone, and welcome to our discussion on the beautiful festival of Sukkot. Today we explore a fascinating fable from the Talmud about the arrival of Mashiach and the nations of the world. We often categorize our sacred obligations into easy and difficult commandments based on the effort or the financial cost involved. God describes the Sukkah as an easy mitzvah because it requires no monetary loss, yet we must be as careful with these light commandments as we are with the grave ones. In this video, we look at how Sukkot uniquely balances these two worlds. We have the [...]
