Rabbi Yakov Bronsteyn - Parsha Classes
By Yakov Bronsteyn
Rabbi Bronsteyn is the West Coast Kashrus Administrator for the world renowned Star-K Kosher Certification. Rabbi Bronsteyn is one of the four "Founding Fathers” of the Phoenix Community Kollel. He was raised in Lawrence, New York. While studying in both the US & Israel, he earned a Bachelors in Economics from Queens College & was ordained at Yeshiva Mercaz Hatorah in Jerusalem. As a well seasoned senior lecturer, he offers popular public classes in the community & other venues in the greater Phoenix area.
Questions or comments? Email Rabbi Bronsteyn at Yaakov.bronsteyn@gmail.com
Rabbi Yakov Bronsteyn - Parsha ClassesMar 22, 2024
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381. Purim Toyrah - Mordechai's Persuasion of Esther.
We discuss a complex area of law regarding possession and doubt. But, then we turn it into Purim Torah which is a colloquialism for untrue but fun analysis of the Megilla text. This class was given at the PJCC on 3/20/24.
Mar 22, 202433:17
380. Pekudei - Duel Purpose of the Temple
We discuss the Ramban’s question as to why the Altar was called Holy of Holies and the two reasons why there is a mitzvah to build a Temple. This class was five at the PJCC on 3/13/24.
Mar 15, 202433:22
379. Vayakhel - The Child Who Couldn't Calm Down on Shabbos
We discuss various options in terms of Halacha for helping a child who’s distraught and sick on Shabbos. This class was given at the PJCC on 3/6/24.
Mar 07, 202421:57
378. Hilchos Kiddush, Havdalah, & the Ressurection
We discuss the laws of kiddush, havdalah, melavah malcah, & the resurrection. This class was given at the PJCC 3/3/24.
Mar 04, 202454:41
377. Ki Sisa - The Rabbi Removed The Torah During the Reading
We discuss a case where talking in the congregation was so rampant the Rabbi cancelled the reading of the Torah for that Shabbos. This class was given at the PJCC on 2/28/24.
Feb 29, 202444:40
376. Bo - The Golden Chain of Belief
We read the Lev Eliahu regarding how Emunah is a chain that connects us all throughout the generations as one. This class was given at the Phoenix Community Kollel on 1/17/24.
Jan 18, 202432:49
375. Halacha - Oneg Shabbos
We discuss the concept of Emunah, Oneg Shabbos in terms of preparing for the meals, and davening the proper tefilos. This class was given at the Ohr HaTorah Congregation of Phoenix on 1/14/24.
Jan 15, 202444:16
374. Va’era - Hashem’s Shadow
We discuss the insight of the Lev Eliahu that the hand of Hashem that we perceive in the world is directly proportionate to our faith in His involvement. This class was given at the Phoenix Community Kollel on 1/10/24
Jan 11, 202445:51
373. Halacha - Erev Shabbos 2
We discuss the proper time and place to light. We also discuss the custom of giving tzeddaka and daven for children during the time of lighting.
Dec 18, 202337:55
372. Miketz - The Brothers’ Confession
We discuss the question as to why did Yosef’s brothers only confess about ignoring his supplications rather than the more egregious infraction of selling him to Egypt. We also the discuss the reason why on Chanukah there is no mitzvah to make a festive meal in contra distinction to Purim. This class was given at the Phoenix Community Kollel on 12/23/23.
Dec 14, 202344:43
371. Chanukah - Metaphysical Molecular Structure of the Aleph Beis
We discuss the victory over the Greeks in terms of Torah. We also discuss how the letters of the Torah are building blocks for Creation. This class was given at the Phoenix Community Kollel on 12/6/23.
Dec 08, 202334:50
370. Halacha - Erev Shabbos
We discuss the basics of Halacha of how to get ready for Shabbos and some aspects of lighting candles. We also relate ideas of what Shabbos is about. This class was given at the Ohr HaTorah Congregation in Phoenix, AZ on 12/3/23.
Dec 04, 202349:56
369. Vayishlach - The Concept of Concealment
We discuss the opinion of the Nefesh HaChaim regarding how the concept of God’s concealment is an idea that can cause disillusionment. We specifically speculate that caution is being taken with the presentation of this concept in the Tanya. This class was given at the Phoenix Community Kollel on 11/29/23.
Dec 01, 202347:31
368. Vayeitzei - Angels of Jacob’s Ladder
We read the Nefesh HaChaim that discusses the unique capacity of humans literally move worlds. This class was given at the Phoenix Jewish Community Center on 11/22/23.
Nov 23, 202343:01
367. Toldos - Bad Names
We discuss the anomalous case where a couple named Yitzchak and Rivka named their twin boys Yaakov and Esav. This class was given on 11/15/23 at the Phoenix Community Kollel.
Nov 17, 202344:20
366. Importance of Knowing All of Torah
This is a Shabbos morning Drasha rendition for the completion and Siyum of Seder Nashim for Daf Yomi. It was given at the Ohr HaTorah Congregation on Parashas Chai Sarah.
Nov 17, 202317:39
365. Vaeira - The Stamp of Hashem is Truth
This is an encapsulation of a speech that I gave on 11/4/23 at the Ohr HaTorah Congregation at the Shabbos Project attended by more than 200 People. It includes words of inspiration regarding Shabbos and what the Jewish People stand for.
Nov 17, 202313:16
364. Yahrtziet Shiur - Motion Is The Foundation Of Life
364. We discuss the concept of children and how they are the perpetuation of their parents existence. This class was given at our Sukkah on 10/2/23.
Oct 03, 202328:14
363. Yizkor Drasha - Parents’ Honor
This is an approximate rendition of the Yizkor drasha given at the Ohr HaTorah Congregation. We discuss the insurmountable nature of the obligation to honor parent. We also theorize that they are present at Yizkor even though they are deceased.
Sep 27, 202315:40
362. Ten Days of Teshuva Inspiration
This talk was given at the Torah Day School of Phoenix on 9/21/23. It is a basic look on the concept of Judgment and Teshuva with a little encouragement.
Sep 21, 202315:33
361. Intravenous Nasogastric Tubes on Yom_Kippur II
**Throwback Episode** This class was given at Congregation Ahavas Torah of Scottdale on 9/16/10.
Sep 19, 202339:12
360. Sheva Brachos - Intuitive Sense of Simcha
This speech was given at our house on 8/23/23
Aug 24, 202308:21
359. Tisha B’Av - Kinna 45
We discuss that the overarching theme of the pain expressed in the Kinnos of an intimate knowledge that there’s a bright future.
Jul 27, 202305:40
358. Maasei - The Man Who Accidently Caused A Tragic Death Part 2
*Throwback Episode** This class was given at Congregation Ahavas Torah in Scottdale, AZ on 7/16/09
Jul 12, 202350:15
357. Pinchas - The Case of the $10K Lottery & Pizza
**Throwback Episode** This class was given at the Phoenix Community Kollel on 7/08/09.
Jul 06, 202351:36
356. 60th Wedding Anniversary - Seudas Mitzvah
We apply Rabbeinu Yerucham’s principle that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts to the family unit and how a wedding anniversary especially the 60th is a cause for celebration.
Jun 28, 202314:25
355. Chukas - Our Abilities
**Throwback Episode**
Jun 26, 202351:18
354. Korach - Korach’s Wife
**Throwback Episode** We discuss the power that women have to influence the spiritual trajectory of their families. This class was given at the Phoenix Community Kollel on 6/22/11.
Jun 22, 202342:25
353. Shelach - Jewish Burial And The Casket
**Throwback Episode** We discuss the reason for the requirement of burial and their ramifications in Halacha. This class was given on 6/3/10 at Congregation Ahavas Torah of a Scottsdale, AZ.
Jun 12, 202358:51
352. Behaloscha - Kabbalistic View of Nutrition
We discuss the perspective of the Ruach Chaim on proper nutrition. This class was given at the Phoenix Community Kollel on 6/7/23.
Jun 08, 202345:17
351. Behaloscha - Torah A Beautiful Light
**Throwback Episode**
Jun 05, 202350:43
350. Bamidbar - Guarding The Sanctuary of Ourselves
*Throwback Episode* This class was given at the Phoenix Community Kollel on 5/25/11.
May 15, 202339:48
349. Bechukosai - The Purpose of the Sefira Period
This class was given at the Phoenix Community Kollel on 5/10/23.
May 11, 202332:24
348. Bechukosai - Ohr HaChaim - Blessing of Security
**Throwback Episode**
May 08, 202351:52
347. Emor - The Three Pillars
Fill in for Rabbi Shafir Roizman’s Thursday night Parsha shiur in the Phoenix Community Kollel on 5/4/23. We relay the an insight of Rabbi Chaim Voloziner about how a Tzaddik’s mitzvah earnings are distributed in this World.
May 05, 202330:25
346. Emor - The Apoplectic Taxi Driver on Shabbos
We discuss the an interesting question of a life threatening situation on Shabbos. This class was given at the Phoenix Community Kollel on 5/3/23.
May 04, 202336:19
345. Emor - Capital Punishment In Jewish Law
**Throwback Episode** This class was given at Ahavas Torah of Scottdale on 1/08/08.
May 01, 202355:01
344. Achrei Mos - Spiritual Enlivenment According to Kabbala
We read the Nefesh HaChaim that discusses the mechanics of spiritual causation upon a person when they perform a mitzvah or learn Torah.
Apr 27, 202332:17
343. Bar Mitzvah - Bracha of Baruch Shepatrani
**Throwback Episode** This class was given at the Phoenix Community Kollel_l on 5/07/09.
Apr 24, 202356:32
342. Tazria - Ohr HaChaim - Tzoras; It’s not Just Physical
**Throwback Episode** This class was given at the Phoenix Community Kollel on 3/27/11.
Apr 19, 202337:49
341. Pre - Pesach Discussion Panel
**Throwback Episode** This is a discussion of various laws, customs, & practical advice on how to get ready for Pesach and the Seder. This was a live presentation by the Phoenix Community Kollel. The presenting Rabbis are myself, Rabbi Zvi Holland, and Rabbi Gavriel Goetz.
Apr 03, 202301:16:55
340. Pesach - Kitniyos & Minhag Version 2
**Throwback Episode** This class was given at Ahavas Torah of Scottsdale on 3/25/09
Mar 27, 202354:09
339. Vayikra - Torah's Existence Before Existence
We read the first article in the Lev Eliahu who explains the concept of the Universe’s creation in accordance with the Torah that preceded it. We also add some insights into what was written in the Torah prior to Creation. This class was given in the Phoenix Community Kollel on 2/22/23.
Mar 23, 202340:19
338. Vayikra - The Sotah & Golden Calf
**Throwback Episode** Moshe ground up the Golden Calf and mixed it with water. Then he made it compulsory to drink this mixture. This is analogous to the Sotah drinking her water in the Beis Hamikdash. We discuss the lesson of this comparison.
Mar 20, 202331:33
337. Pekudei - Tabernacle in the Image of Man
We discuss how the Tabernacle was meant for us to use as an example of how to sanctify ourselves. We read the Nefesh HaChaim and add some novel insights using his perspectives.
Mar 16, 202336:50
336. Pekudei - Mitzvos & Oneness of the Jewish People
**Throwback Episode** We read the Ohr Hachaim on various topics. This class was given at the Phoenix Community Kollel on 2/27/11.
Mar 13, 202338:13
335. Ki Sisa - Danger On Shabbos
**Throwback Episode**. This class was given at Ahavas Torah Congregation on 3/4/10.
Mar 13, 202349:54
334. Tetzaveh - Fix Yourself First
We present an insight by R’ Akiva Sofer into the Parsha which is also relevant to Purim. We relate another insight of the שב שמתתא regarding what it means to be truly alive. This class was given at a private residence on 3/1/23.
Mar 13, 202331:40
333. Sheva Brachos - Birthday Significance
We discuss the significance of one’s birthday and the impact that one can have during that time. This speech was given at our house in honor of the Sheva Brachos for the Shoshan’s daughter and son-in-law on 2/19/23.
Feb 27, 202308:50
332. Ohr HaChaim Truma - Ark & the Beis Hamikdash
**Throwback Episode** This class was given at the Phoenix Community Kollel 1/30/11
Feb 20, 202348:55