Parasha with dAvId Saltzman

Hierarchy of Harm - צָרוֹר אֶת הַמִּדְיָנִים - פרשת פנחס

In this shiur, we examine the command for Bnei Yisrael to treat the Midianites as enemies after the incident of moral and spiritual failure at Shittim. The meforshim investigate why Midian was targeted for destruction while Moab was spared. The laws show a hierarchy of harm, with spiritual subversion seen as the greatest existential threat to a nation's survival.

שִׁמְעוּ נָא הַמֹּרִים - A Rebel Yell - פרשת חקת

See source here [https://docs.google.com/document/d/1yQitANRiH0oCRT-Od_rDkpzdFgVC4tGL9Iklf3yvrlU/edit?usp=sharing] In this shiur we examine the nuanced meaning of the word "Hamorim" and the nature of the sin committed by Moses and Aaron at the waters of Merivah. We explore meforshim like Rashi, the Midrash, Rambam and Shadal. We discuss whether the transgression was an act of unjustified anger, a lack of faith, or a failure to strictly follow divine instructions. Modern insights from Rabbi David Fohrman add a literary layer, connecting the linguistic roots of the word to Miriam and her lifelong association with water and faith. Ultimately, the collection illustrates how a single word serves as a catalyst for understanding the leadership and eventual fate of Israel's greatest prophets.

וַיִּקַּח קֹרַח - Split Decision - פרשת קרח

In this shiur, we examine the various motivations and circumstances that fueled Korach’s rebellion against the leadership of Moshe and Aharon. The Meforshim depict the uprising as a complex intersection of theological disputes, geopolitical factors, and personal resentment.

Mapping the Ma'apilim - פרשת שלח - וַיַּעְפִּלוּ

See source here [https://docs.google.com/document/d/1J6ShjDrH6dB2JL_7RrcgJKJ89WBHvLHEoRcWPCCYNIM/edit?usp=sharing] In this shiur, we examine the rare biblical term וַיַּעְפִּלוּ, a unique word used to describe the Israelites' defiant attempt to enter the Promised Land against divine decree.We connect these ancient "Ma’apilim" to the modern clandestine Jewish immigrants who risked their lives to reach the land of Israel.

בְּהַעֲלֹתְךָ אֶת הַנֵּרֹת - פרשת בהעלותך - Light My Fire

This shiur examines why the laws of the menorah immediately follow the account of the korbanot of the Nessim in the Mishkan. Traditional commentaries, such as Midrash Tanhuma and Rashi, explain that Aaron felt distressed by his exclusion from the initial dedication, leading God to reassure him that his role in lighting the Menorah was of even greater spiritual significance. The Ramban expands on this by suggesting a historical allusion to the Hasmonean victory and the miracle of Chanukkah, which persists even after the Temple's destruction. Meanwhile, the Netziv links the illumination of the lamps to the toil of Torah study. Finally, the Ohr HaChaim posits that Aaron’s daily maintenance of the lamps functioned as a continual rededication, surpassing the one-time contributions of the princes.