Video content by Uri Pilichowski
Belief and Heresy 4
Shalom and welcome to our fourth video in this series on belief and heresy. Having spent our first three sessions establishing the fundamental principles of Jewish faith, we now turn to a more difficult topic: the consequences of denying these core beliefs. We will examine the words of the Rambam in his laws of repentance, where he identifies categories of individuals who lose their portion in the World to Come. From those who deny the resurrection or the coming of Mashiach, to those who publicly defy the Torah or separate themselves from the community, the Rambam outlines how certain actions [...]
The Sedra Chayai Sarah 5781
In the video, Rabbi Uri Pilichowski examines the Midrashic account of the matriarch Sarah’s passing. The narrative explores the tragic discrepancy between Abraham's experience and Sarah's perception of the Binding of Isaac. While Rashi suggests Abraham was merely confused by God’s non-literal command, Sarah received a far more devastating report. She was told that her husband had actually followed through with sacrificing their only son. This misinformation left no room for the nuance of a divine test. Consequently, at the age of 137, the overwhelming shock and grief of this perceived loss were too great for her heart to sustain. [...]
The Sedra Noach 5781
This video explores a unique aspect of Noah's character: his striking silence compared to other major Torah figures. Unlike Abraham, who actively taught his generation about God, Noah is depicted as rarely speaking, with his only direct quote in the Torah being inferred rather than explicitly attributed. This omission of Noah's speech highlights his perceived failure to teach ethical monotheism to his generation, a stark contrast to Abraham's active outreach. The video discusses whether Noah's silence should be praised or criticized, concluding that while excessive speech is improper, so is speaking too little, as it hinders positive interaction and teaching [...]
The Sedra V’Zos Haberachah 5781
This week we celebrate Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah, as we reach the conclusion of our yearly reading cycle with Parshat V’Zos Haberachah. It is fitting that the Torah ends with the passing of Moshe Rabbeinu, the man through whom it was given. Before his death, God grants him a miraculous gift: the ability to see the entire Land of Israel from atop Mount Nebo. However, God includes a strange reminder, telling him he shall not cross there. In this video, we will explore the commentary of the Sforno, who explains the profound reason why Moshe could not enter the [...]
The Sedra Haazinu 5780
This week we focus on Parshat Haazinu, a unique and challenging portion written in the form of a beautiful poem. This entire song serves as a powerful encouragement for the Jewish people to remain faithful to the mitzvot of the Torah. As Moshe finishes his final words to the nation, he issues a critical warning regarding Torah study. He tells us that this teaching is not a trifling thing; it is our very life. Through it, we endure and find our purpose. In this video, we will explore the words of the Sforno and the Shulchan Aruch to understand if [...]
The Sedra Chukat 5780
This week's Sedra, Parshat Chukat, is incredibly meaningful to me, especially as I look out from my study at the very mountains where these ancient battles were fought. We read of the wars against Sichon and Og, the King of Bashan. Interestingly, Moshe Rabbeinu felt a unique fear before engaging Og. Rashi explains that Moshe was concerned about the merit Og might have acquired centuries earlier when he informed Avraham that Lot had been captured. While his intentions were far from noble, he still performed a service for our forefather. God reassured Moshe that this merit would not protect a [...]
