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Meta Midrash

Meta Midrash

By Rabbi Gil Student

Studies in the midrashic worldview based on the brilliantly complex essays of Rabbi Yehudah Rosannes (early 18th century, Turkey) in his classic work, Parashas Derachim.
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Five Quick Divrei Torah on Chayei Sarah 5782

Meta MidrashOct 25, 2021

00:00
08:55
VeZos HaBerachah: The Strange Allure of Idolatry and Moshe’s Death

VeZos HaBerachah: The Strange Allure of Idolatry and Moshe’s Death

Moshe died in order to bring the generation of the desert into Israel. How are those connected? Through three steps, the Parashas Derachim explains the connection and also explains why we feel no special desire to worship idols but biblical generations did.
Sep 27, 202311:24
Shabbos Shuvah: The Future is Full of Mitzvos

Shabbos Shuvah: The Future is Full of Mitzvos

Does God take into account our future when judging us? Midrashim seem to disagree but the Parashas Derachim explains it all in a very optimistic view of life. SOURCES: Parashas Derachim, no. 4; Shemos Rabbah 5:16; Da’as Zekeinik, Shemos 5:4; Shemos Rabbah 3:4; Bereishis Rabbah 3:2; Shemos Rabbah 2:1; Shemos Rabbah 1:36; Megillah 6a
Sep 22, 202308:59
Miketz: Choosing Whether to Respond

Miketz: Choosing Whether to Respond

How did Ya’akov respond to an outrageous suggestion?
Dec 20, 202203:49
Vayeishev: A Full Life

Vayeishev: A Full Life

How do we define a full life?
Dec 14, 202202:44
Vayishlach: An Artificially Intelligent Devar Torah

Vayishlach: An Artificially Intelligent Devar Torah

This devar Torah was written by artificial intelligence, an AI chatbot
Dec 09, 202202:26
Vayeitzei: The Gig Economy and Judaism

Vayeitzei: The Gig Economy and Judaism

How much should a shul ask of its members?
Dec 02, 202203:31
Toldos: Voice Recognition

Toldos: Voice Recognition

What does the parashah teach us about identifying someone based on voice?
Nov 22, 202204:49
Chayei Sarah: Citizen Journalism

Chayei Sarah: Citizen Journalism

Did an unethical journalistic report kill Sarah? Maybe not but we have what to learn from her death about the dangers of citizen journalism
Nov 14, 202204:00
Vayera: Frankenstein and Artificial Intelligence

Vayera: Frankenstein and Artificial Intelligence

What can we do to prevent artificial intelligence from taking over the world?
Nov 07, 202204:10
Bereishis: Artificial Intelligence and the Challenge of Earning a Living

Bereishis: Artificial Intelligence and the Challenge of Earning a Living

What does artificial intelligence mean for the biblical work ethic?
Oct 21, 202211:27
Nitzavim: Social Media Confessions

Nitzavim: Social Media Confessions

Is it appropriate to reveal your flaws and foibles on social media?
Sep 21, 202212:17
Ki Savo: Erasing Shem Hashem on a Screen

Ki Savo: Erasing Shem Hashem on a Screen

Can you close a browser window that has God’s name in Hebrew on it? Sources: Rav Yitzchak Sorotzkin, Rinas Yitzchak, Devarim 27:3 Ein Yitzchak 1:5 Meishiv Davar 2:80 Minchas Chinuch 437:12 Shach, Yoreh De’ah 276:12 Rav Ovadiah Yosef (in his name) https://halachayomit.co.il/he/Default.aspx?HalachaID=1818&PageIndex=3 Rav Ya'akov Ariel https://www.toraland.org.il/%D7%A9%D7%90%D7%9C%D7%95%D7%AA-%D7%95%D7%AA%D7%A9%D7%95%D7%91%D7%95%D7%AA/%D7%98%D7%9B%D7%A0%D7%95%D7%9C%D7%95%D7%92%D7%99%D7%94-%D7%95%D7%94%D7%9C%D7%9B%D7%94/%D7%98%D7%9B%D7%A0%D7%95%D7%9C%D7%95%D7%92%D7%99%D7%94-%D7%95%D7%94%D7%9C%D7%9B%D7%94-%D7%9C%D7%A4%D7%A0%D7%99-%D7%9E%D7%99%D7%95%D7%9F/%D7%A9%D7%9D-%D7%94-%D7%91%D7%9E%D7%97%D7%A9%D7%91/
Sep 15, 202209:14
Ki Seitzei: How Much Can You Change?

Ki Seitzei: How Much Can You Change?

You can stop viewing inappropriate images and videos online. You have the ability to do so.
Sep 08, 202208:34
Shoftim: The City of Refuge in the Age of Zoom

Shoftim: The City of Refuge in the Age of Zoom

Does a rebbe have to go to a city of refuge with his student in the age of Zoom?
Aug 30, 202204:55
Re’eh: The Spiritual Source of Amazon Prime

Re’eh: The Spiritual Source of Amazon Prime

The message of kosher slaughter in Israel
Aug 25, 202204:45
Eikev: Avoiding Social Media Jealousy

Eikev: Avoiding Social Media Jealousy

Humility and the fleeting nature of our possessions
Aug 17, 202208:46
Vaeschanan: What Technology is Good For

Vaeschanan: What Technology is Good For

Two types of commandments teach us about two ways to utilize technology
Aug 10, 202210:45
Devarim: Call-Out Culture

Devarim: Call-Out Culture

What we can learn from Moshe regarding calling someone out on social media
Aug 01, 202209:48
Welcome Back

Welcome Back

This week we begin a new cycle with a new name and focus. This year we will be looking at insights into the weekly Torah portion regarding how to use technology more properly and more effectively
Aug 01, 202200:32
Important announcement

Important announcement

Last week, we finished the full cycle of the Parashah. We will take a break until Parashas Devarim, when we will return with a new format and a new name. You can find Divrei Torah on the parashah in past podcasts throughout the prior year.
Jun 14, 202200:46
Five Quick Divrei Torah on Naso

Five Quick Divrei Torah on Naso

by Rabbi Gil Student of TorahMusings.com. In less than ten minutes: 1) Divrei Shaul on the challenge of joy and singing, 2) Rav Ya’akov Kamenetsky on the reason for Sotah procedure, 3) Rav Ya’akov Ettlinger on a Nazir’s sin, 4) HaKesav VeHaKabbalah on lifelong impact of being a Nazir, 5) Rav Joseph B. Soloveitchik on the summary of the sacrifices of the Nesi’im. Subscribe to Five Quick Divrei Torah on Parashah on your preferred podcast player.
Jun 07, 202208:50
Five Quick Divrei Torah on Bemidbar

Five Quick Divrei Torah on Bemidbar

by Rabbi Gil Student of TorahMusings.com. In less than ten minutes: 1) Rav Ya’akov of Lissa on ensuring the divine promise, 2) Kesav Sofer on over-commitment to career, 3) Beis HaLevi on reducing the support of the Levi’im, 4) Rav Chaim Shmuelevitz on Elazar’s heroic burden, 5) Chazon Yechezkel on the tribe of Kehos. Subscribe to Five Quick Divrei Torah on Parashah on your preferred podcast player.
May 30, 202209:09
Five Quick Divrei Torah on Bechukosai

Five Quick Divrei Torah on Bechukosai

by Rabbi Gil Student of TorahMusings.com. In less than ten minutes: 1) Divrei Shaul on why to keep mitzvos, 2) Rav Itzeleh Volozhiner on the blessing of bread, 3) Rav Shlomo Ganzfried on the ratios of reward and punishment, 4) Vilna Gaon on underdogs, 5) Rav Shlomo Wolbe on casual fulfillment of commandments. Subscribe to Five Quick Divrei Torah on Parashah on your preferred podcast player.
May 23, 202208:17
Five Quick Divrei Torah on Behar

Five Quick Divrei Torah on Behar

by Rabbi Gil Student of TorahMusings.com. In less than ten minutes: 1) Maharam Schick on how we know the source of Shemitah, 2) Divrei Shaul on why we rest and the land rests, 3) Kesav Sofer on the punishment for lending with interest, 4) Rav Avigdor Nebenzahl on the impact of oppressive work, 5) Chazon Yechezkel on the double servitude of the Jewish people. Subscribe to Five Quick Divrei Torah on Parashah on your preferred podcast player.
May 16, 202207:24
Five Quick Divrei Torah on Emor

Five Quick Divrei Torah on Emor

by Rabbi Gil Student of TorahMusings.com. In less than ten minutes: 1) Chasam Sofer on teaching the children, 2) Mabit on the body and soul, 3) Rav Itzeleh Volozhiner on the kohen gadol, 4) Kesav Sofer on why to observe Shabbos, 5) Rav Shlomo Wolbe on staying inside. Subscribe to Five Quick Divrei Torah on Parashah on your preferred podcast player.
May 10, 202208:41
Five Quick Divrei Torah on Kedoshim

Five Quick Divrei Torah on Kedoshim

by Rabbi Gil Student of TorahMusings.com. In less than ten minutes: 1) Rav Shimon Romm on what it means to be holy, 2) Rav David Pardo on parents and Shabbos, 3) Rav Yehudah Aszod on two types of rebuke, 4) Semak on why to judge someone favorably, 5) Rav Itzeleh Volozhiner on the sister-in-law relationship. Subscribe to Five Quick Divrei Torah on Parashah on your preferred podcast player.
May 03, 202207:39
Five Quick Divrei Torah on Acharei Mos

Five Quick Divrei Torah on Acharei Mos

by Rabbi Gil Student of TorahMusings.com. In less than ten minutes: 1) Rav Betzalel Hacohen of Vilna on the double warning against entering the Holy of Holies, 2) Rav Yechezkel Abramsky on the problem of empty vessels, 3) Divrei Shaul on preparing for atonement, 4) Rav Itzeleh Volozhiner on the practices of Egypt and Canaan, 5) Kesav Sofer on the Jews’ higher moral standards. Subscribe to Five Quick Divrei Torah on Parashah on your preferred podcast player.
Apr 25, 202208:40
Five Quick Divrei Torah on Metzora

Five Quick Divrei Torah on Metzora

by Rabbi Gil Student of TorahMusings.com. In less than ten minutes: 1) Toras Avraham on the long impact of negative speech, 2) Rav Avigdor Nebenzahl on the reason for the metzora’s punishment, 3) Taz on the good side of punishments, 4) Tosfos Yom Tov and Divrei Shaul on the almost tzara’as, 5) Meshech Chochmah on dignity and the zav’s korban. Subscribe to Five Quick Divrei Torah on Parashah on your preferred podcast player.
Apr 04, 202208:06
Five Quick Divrei Torah on Tazria 5782

Five Quick Divrei Torah on Tazria 5782

by Rabbi Gil Student of TorahMusings.com. In less than ten minutes: 1) Rav Shlomo Wolbe on the the role of Torah in creation, 2) Chasam Sofer on proper behavior during pregnancy, 3) the Alter of Slabodka on the power of Shabbos, 4) Meshech Chochmah on the central role of kohanim with Tzara’as, 5) Sha’arei Simcha on pure white. Subscribe to Five Quick Divrei Torah on Parashah on your preferred podcast player.
Mar 29, 202207:19
Five Quick Divrei Torah on Shemini 5782

Five Quick Divrei Torah on Shemini 5782

by Rabbi Gil Student of TorahMusings.com. In less than ten minutes: 1) Rav Shlomo Wolbe on the necessary final step in any spiritual endeavor, 2) Rav Yitzchak Volozhiner on Aharon’s qualifications for leadership, 3) Rav Ya’akov Kamenetsky on Nadav and Avihu’s halachic ruling, 4) Divrei Shaul on the death of the righteous, 5) Rav Eliezer Gordon on Aharon’s abstract case. Subscribe to Five Quick Divrei Torah on Parashah on your preferred podcast player.
Mar 21, 202208:25
Five Quick Divrei Torah on Tzav 5782

Five Quick Divrei Torah on Tzav 5782

by Rabbi Gil Student of TorahMusings.com. In less than ten minutes: 1) Kesav Sofer on proper intentions for learning Torah, 2) Eisan Ha-Ezrachi on the sacrifices for the generations, 3) Rav Betzalel HaCohen of Vilna on the fit of the kohen’s clothes, 4) Taz on breaking pots, 5) the Ponovezher Rav on remembering our ultimate ends. Subscribe to Five Quick Divrei Torah on Parashah on your preferred podcast player.
Mar 14, 202209:36
Five Quick Divrei Torah on Vayikra

Five Quick Divrei Torah on Vayikra

by Rabbi Gil Student of TorahMusings.com. In less than ten minutes: 1) Rav Ya’akov of Lissa on Hashem’s pauses, 2) Maharam Schick on independence and guidance, 3) Taz on the benefits of a sinful leader, 4) the Alter of Slabodka on the lesson from a sinful soul, 5) Rav Yechezkel Abramsky on the source for saying a blessing before eating. Subscribe to Five Quick Divrei Torah on Parashah on your preferred podcast player.
Mar 08, 202207:57
Five Quick Divrei Torah on Pekudei 5782

Five Quick Divrei Torah on Pekudei 5782

by Rabbi Gil Student of TorahMusings.com. In less than ten minutes: 1) Rav Eliyahu Mishkovsky on two aspects of the Temple, 2) Pnei Yehoshua on Betzalel’s correction of Moshe, 3) Rav Yechezkel Abramsky on the connection between Mishkan and prayer, 4) Rav Shmaryahu Shulman on the partnership to build the Mishkan, 5) Divrei Shaul on why Moshe could not enter the Tent. Subscribe to Five Quick Divrei Torah on Parashah on your preferred podcast player.
Feb 28, 202207:56
Five Quick Divrei Torah on Vayakhel 5782

Five Quick Divrei Torah on Vayakhel 5782

by Rabbi Gil Student of TorahMusings.com. In less than ten minutes: 1) Rav Ya’akov from Lissa on why Moshe gathered the Jews, 2) Rav Aryeh Levin on why we work for six days, 3) Rav Avigdor Nebenzahl on why we work for six days, 4) Chasam Sofer on proper Torah study on Shabbos, 5) Divrei Shaul on giving too much charity. Subscribe to Five Quick Divrei Torah on Parashah on your preferred podcast player.
Feb 21, 202207:33
Five Quick Divrei Torah on Ki Sisa 5782

Five Quick Divrei Torah on Ki Sisa 5782

by Rabbi Gil Student of TorahMusings.com. In less than ten minutes: 1) Rav Ya’akov from Lissa on the when the Jews can be counted, 2) Kesav Sofer on why Moshe saw a fiery coin under the heavenly throne, 3) Rav Shimon Romm on how money can be holy, 4) the Alter of Slabodka on the essential nature of sin, 5) Rav Yechezkel Abramsky on a leader’s abilities. Subscribe to Five Quick Divrei Torah on Parashah on your preferred podcast player.
Feb 14, 202209:29
Five Quick Divrei Torah on Tetzaveh 5782

Five Quick Divrei Torah on Tetzaveh 5782

by Rabbi Gil Student of TorahMusings.com. In less than ten minutes: 1) Rav Elchanan Wasserman on the reason Moshe’s name is missing from the parashah, 2) Why the kohen gadol had bells on his clothes, 3) Rav Chaim Volozhiner on how to become wise, 4) Chasam Sofer on when to be stubborn, 5) Meshech Chochmah on the repetition of the kohanim’s sanctity. Subscribe to Five Quick Divrei Torah on Parashah on your preferred podcast player.
Feb 07, 202208:55
Five Quick Divrei Torah on Terumah 5782

Five Quick Divrei Torah on Terumah 5782

by Rabbi Gil Student of TorahMusings.com. In less than ten minutes: 1) Nachalas David on the lack of command to donate to the Mishkan, 2) Rav David Pardo on donating for the right reason, 3) Rav Yosef Karo on the order of building the Mishkan, 4) Meshech Chochmah on the ark’s poles, 5) Rav Avigdor on the uniqueness on of the Mishkan’s table. Subscribe to Five Quick Divrei Torah on Parashah on your preferred podcast player.
Jan 31, 202207:45
Five Quick Divrei Torah on Mishpatim 5782

Five Quick Divrei Torah on Mishpatim 5782

by Rabbi Gil Student of TorahMusings.com. In less than ten minutes: 1) Beis HaLevi on the order of the parshiyos, 2) Rav Yechezkel Abramsky on an eye for an eye, 3) Eisan HaEzrachi on oppressing widows and orphans, 4) Rav Itzeleh Volozhiner on blesses food and disease, 5) Maharam Schick on doing and listening. Subscribe to Five Quick Divrei Torah on Parashah on your preferred podcast player.
Jan 24, 202206:47
Five Quick Divrei Torah Yisro 5782

Five Quick Divrei Torah Yisro 5782

by Rabbi Gil Student of TorahMusings.com. In less than ten minutes: 1) Divrei Shaul on what Yisro heard, 2) Rav Chaim Berlin on what constitutes higher judicial cases, 3) Chasam Sofer on why Moshe greeted Yisro, 4) Beis HaLevi on how to control desire (do not covet), 5) Rav Avigdor Nebenzahl on seeing the sounds. Subscribe to Five Quick Divrei Torah on Parashah on your preferred podcast player.
Jan 17, 202208:50
Five Quick Divrei Torah on Beshalach 5782

Five Quick Divrei Torah on Beshalach 5782

by Rabbi Gil Student of TorahMusings.com. In less than ten minutes: 1) Rav Yehudah Aszod on the connection to leaning at the Seder, 2) Rav Itzeleh Volozhiner on Jews singing but not angels, 3) Rav Tzvi Pesach Frank on whether the Third Temple will come down from heaven, 4) Rav Simcha Wasserman on going for more than three days without Torah, 5) Chofetz Chaim on why specifically Yehoshua led the battle. Subscribe to Five Quick Divrei Torah on Parashah on your preferred podcast player.
Jan 10, 202209:20
Five Quick Divrei Torah on Bo 5782

Five Quick Divrei Torah on Bo 5782

by Rabbi Gil Student of TorahMusings.com. In less than ten minutes: 1) Netziv on why Moshe should go to Pharaoh, 2) Rav Ezriel Hildesheimer on Pharaoh not seeing Moshe, 3) Divrei Shaul on permissible idolatry, 4) Rav Itzeleh Volozhiner on the outcry over the tenth plague, 5) Rav Avigdor Nebenzahl on the the single law for born-Jews and converts. Subscribe to Five Quick Divrei Torah on Parashah on your preferred podcast player.
Jan 03, 202208:16
Five Quick Divrei Torah on Vaera 5782

Five Quick Divrei Torah on Vaera 5782

by Rabbi Gil Student of TorahMusings.com. In less than ten minutes: 1) Rav Shlomo Ganzfried on the contradiction in the first verse, 2) Rav Shmaryahu Shulman on whether to check the father of a potential shidduch, 3) Beis Yosef on whether Moshe or Aharon was greater, 4) Rav Itzeleh Volozhiner on the real cause of the plague of frogs, 5) Rav Avigdor Nebenzahl on the opposite of God-fearing. Subscribe to Five Quick Divrei Torah on Parashah on your preferred podcast player.
Dec 27, 202108:29
Five Quick Divrei Torah on Shemos 5782

Five Quick Divrei Torah on Shemos 5782

by Rabbi Gil Student of TorahMusings.com. In less than ten minutes: 1) Brisker Rav on Yisro’s reward and Iyov’s sin, 2) Divrei Shaul on the two types of salvation, 3) Ridbaz on the cure to the affliction in Egypt, 4) Rav Avigdor Nebenzahl on Moshe’s hesitations, 5) Taz on why Moshe cared. Subscribe to Five Quick Divrei Torah on Parashah on your preferred podcast player.
Dec 20, 202108:16
Five Quick Divrei Torah on Parashas Vayechi

Five Quick Divrei Torah on Parashas Vayechi

by Rabbi Gil Student of TorahMusings.com. In less than ten minutes: 1) Rav Shlomo Wolbe on the beginning of enslavement, 2) Noda BiYehudah on a true chesed, 3) Rav Soloveitchik on the difference between a prayer and a request, 4) Rav Simcha Wasserman on the qualities of a leader, 5) Beis Yitzchak on failed sins. Subscribe to Five Quick Divrei Torah on Parashah on your preferred podcast player.
Dec 13, 202109:07
Five Quick Divrei Torah on Vayigash 5782

Five Quick Divrei Torah on Vayigash 5782

by Rabbi Gil Student of TorahMusings.com. In less than ten minutes: 1) Rav Yitzchak Sorotzkin on Yehudah’s threat to Yosef, 2) Rav Avigdor Nebenzahl on Yosef’s planned punishment for Binyamin, 3) Beis HaLevi on the difference between judgment and rebuke, 4) Rav Yitzchak Goodman on the right way to be a leader, 5) Rav Shmaryahu Shulman on Ya’akov’s recitation of Shema. Subscribe to Five Quick Divrei Torah on Parashah on your preferred podcast player.
Dec 06, 202110:23
Five Quick Divrei Torah on Miketz 5782

Five Quick Divrei Torah on Miketz 5782

by Rabbi Gil Student of TorahMusings.com. In less than ten minutes: 1) Nachalas David on the significance of the word Miketz, 2) Rav Shlomo Ganzfried on the butler’s harsh words, 3) Maharam Schick on Yosef’s name choice for Menashe, 4) Rav Tzvi Pesach Frank on Reuven’s correction of his brothers, 5) Rav Itzeleh Volozhiner on Yosef’s blessing of Binyamin. Subscribe to Five Quick Divrei Torah on Parashah on your preferred podcast player.
Nov 29, 202109:08
Five Quick Divrei Torah on Vayeishev 5782

Five Quick Divrei Torah on Vayeishev 5782

by Rabbi Gil Student of TorahMusings.com. In less than ten minutes: 1) Rav Avigdor Nebenzahl on the significance of living in Canaan, 2) Rav Shaul Yisraeli on Yosef’s wisdom, 3) Pri Megadim on Yosef’s self-sacrifice, 4) Taz and Rav David Pardo on why Ya’akov could not be comforted, 5) Meshech Chochmah on the butler’s dream. Subscribe to Five Quick Divrei Torah on Parashah on your preferred podcast player.
Nov 25, 202108:48
Five Quick Divrei Torah on Vayishlach 5782

Five Quick Divrei Torah on Vayishlach 5782

by Rabbi Gil Student of TorahMusings.com. In less than ten minutes: 1) Rav Moshe Feinstein on preconditions for peace, 2) Rav Ya’akov Ettlinger on sending messengers before you, 3) Rav Yosef Karo on Ya’akov’s detailed instructions, 4) Rav Joseph B. Soloveitchik on acting like gedolim, 5) the Taz on the need to prevent future attacks. Subscribe to Five Quick Divrei Torah on Parashah on your preferred podcast player.
Nov 15, 202107:27
Five Quick Divrei Torah on Vayeitzei 5782

Five Quick Divrei Torah on Vayeitzei 5782

by Rabbi Gil Student of TorahMusings.com. In less than ten minutes: 1) The Beis HaLevi on two reasons to leave, 2) Rambam and Rav Simcha Wasserman on the Jewish future, 3) Rav Avigdor Nebenzahl on leaving in peace, 4) Rav Avraham Erlanger on giving thanks, 5) Maharam Schick on the path to the World-to-Come. Subscribe to Five Quick Divrei Torah on Parashah on your preferred podcast player.
Nov 07, 202109:18
Five Quick Divrei Torah on Toldos 5782

Five Quick Divrei Torah on Toldos 5782

by Rabbi Gil Student of TorahMusings.com. In less than ten minutes: 1) The Brisker Rav on the intent of mockers, 2) Netziv on the place for prayer, 3) Rav Ya’akov Ettlinger on the nature of blessings, 4) Rav Shmuel Rozovsky on the best way to receive blessings, 5) Chofetz Chaim on when to plan for your legacy. Subscribe to Five Quick Divrei Torah on Parashah on your preferred podcast player.
Nov 01, 202106:34