Rabbi Blog

I sent an incorrect link to the shiur I recorded.

c) NEW Torah Learning Initiative
While it would seem that this is unrelated to what's going on right now, and this was certainly planned beforehand, I am introducing a new initative for reading through the parasha each week in both Hebrew and English. As we begin a new cycle, we are reminded that Torah Tzivah Moshe Morasha Kehilas Yaakov - is the heritage of the entire Jewish people. Therefore, it is extremely valuable for us to increase our familiarity with the text of the Torah. I cannot understate how transformative it is for us to gain mastery of the Chumash by reading it through ourselves each week!

I am attaching a shiur that I recorded discussing the laws of Shnayim Mikra V'Echad Targum. Chazal enacted that the parasha should be read twice in Hebrew and once in "Targum," translation. For all intents and purposes, it is meaningful to do the Targum with an English translation.

(I gave this Shiur originally before hakafos on Simchas Torah night. Source sheet is attached to the shiur. It also includes an outline of the major points. The last five minutes discuss the value of the initiative.)

On a short term basis, the routine of learning parasha can be helpful during these turbulent times; on a long term basis, completing this project will make our Simchas Torah next year iy"H very meaningful.

Many shuls are participating in this initiative. Yasher Koach to Rabbi Shmuel Ismach of Young Israel of Great Neck for initiating this.