Chabad Research Unit - Professor Tali Loewenthal

Talmud Tour Session 14: Berachot 12a-b

Explores morning prayer order, bowing in Amidah, High Holiday textual changes, praying for others, forgiveness via shame, and Shema inclusions like Exodus mentions, with Steinsaltz and Chassidic commentaries. 28 December 2025 sourcesheet: https://files.chabadresearch.net/TalmudTour%20-%20Berachot12a-b.pdf

Talmud Tour Session 13: Berachot 9b

Explores Divine Name "Ehyeh," redemption promise, Elijah's double plea, and morning Shema timing from dawn distinctions to three hours. Chassidic comments highlight prayer's transcendence, kingship of Jews, and juxtaposing blessings without interruption. 7 September 2025 sourcesheet: https://files.chabadresearch.net/TalmudTour%20Berachot9b-10a.pdf

Talmud Tour Session 12: Berachot 7b-8b

Topics include the virtue of praying with the community, the importance of the Halachah (as opposed to varied opinions in the Talmud), physical and spiritual death, the importance of marriage and womanhood, work and study, relationship with one's teacher, the concept of reciting the Hebrew text of the verses of the Sedra of the week, verse by verse, twice, and then the Aramaic translation. 20 July 2025 sourcesheet: https://files.chabadresearch.net/TalmudTour-Berachot%208a-b.pdf

Talmud Tour Session 11: Berachot 7a-7b

Explore divine prayer, mercy, and human blessings. Shammai's emphasis on consistent Torah study and kindness. God's prayer seeks mercy over anger. Kabbalistic interpretations connect divine attributes to human actions, highlighting repentance and blessings' impact. 22 June 2025 sourcesheet: https://files.chabadresearch.net/TalmudTourBerachot7a.pdf

Talmud Tour Session 10: Berachot 6b

Berachot 6b discusses God's metaphorical phylacteries, symbolizing Israel's praise, and the importance of synagogue attendance. It emphasizes running to mitzvot, prayer's spiritual impact, and rewarding actions like rejoicing at weddings, with Chassidic insights on divine connection. originally given 8 June 2025 https://files.chabadresearch.net/TalmudTourBerachot6b.pdf