Simply Deep

Although the words of the Torah, Chazal, and Rishonim may at times seem simple, they are deeply layered with profound insights and lessons. This podcast explores the hidden depths beneath seemingly straightforward statements in Rashi, Aggadata, and other Torah sources.

Dor Hamabul vs Dor Halfaga: Two Strange Examples of Midda Kneged Midda

Rashi (Breishis 7:11 and 11:7) says that the words the Torah used to describe Hashem’s punishments of Dor Hamabul (rabba) and Dor Haflaga (hava) correspond to their sins. In explaining these strange examples of Midda knegged Midda, we uncovered fundamental ideas about the different sins of these two generations.

10-22
43:39

When is the World Judged? A 5-Way Machlokes

The Gemara in RH 16a cites a 5-way machlokes when/how often the world is judged. This episode analyzes this machlokes.

10-03
41:39

Ashreichem Yisrael: Teshuva and the Gift of Yom HaKippurim

The Mishna in Yomah 85b tells us how fortunate we are: Before Whom do we purify ourselves and Who purifies us? Our Father in Heaven. This episode discusses the uniqueness of Teshuva during the days leading up to Yom HaKippurim.

09-30
39:57

Hamelech Hakadosh

The Gemara in Brachos 12b discusses whether saying Hamelech Hakadosh during eseres yemei teshuva is me’akeiv.

09-29
45:26

Thoughts on Teshuva and Shabbos Shuva

We start with trying to understand the Rambam in Teshuva 2:2 about a testimony of/before Hashem that a baal Teshuva won’t return to his sin. To do so, we analyze the Rambam’s proof text - Hoshea 14, the Haftora for Shabbos Shuva.

09-25
01:05:05

On Teaching: Balancing Honesty and Encouragement

The Gemara in Eiruvin 13a describes Rabbi Akiva rejecting a student’s proposal while simultaneously praising it. We analyze this and discover nuances involved in teaching.

09-19
32:36

Vidui Maaser

In Devarim 26:12-15, the Torah tells us about the “confession” a person makes after finishing the cycle of maasros. We analyze the significance of this mitzvah.

09-17
33:02

Blowing Shofar in Elul

Why do we blow shofar in Elul? The Tur brings down three reasons.

09-11
29:31

Confusing the Satan according to Tosafos

The gemara in RH 16b says we blow shofar twice on Rosh Hashana to confuse the Satan. This episode analyzes Tosafos’s interpretation of this gemara.

09-09
45:10

Confusing the Satan according to Rashi

The gemara in RH 16b says we blow shofar twice on Rosh Hashana to confuse the Satan. This episode analyzes Rashi's interpretation of this gemara.

09-05
30:00

Comparison of Judges to Hashem

This episode discusses the Rashi (Devarim 19:17) that says people standing before judges should view it as if they’re standing before Hashem.

09-03
38:45

Why we hold like Beis Hillel over Beis Shammai

The Gemara in Eiruvin 13b describes how the three year argument between Beis Shamai and Beis Hillel culminated in a bas kol saying, “These and these are the words of the living God, and the Halacha is like Beis Hillel.” The Gemara goes on to explain that the psak is like Beis Hillel because of various good middos they had. We analyze these middos and discuss why they’re relevant for halachik psak. We also discuss the meaning of the bas kol.

08-27
37:34

How and Why Should We Praise Ourselves?

Yirmiyahu 9:22-23 says: “Thus says Hashem, "Don't let the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, don't let the rich man glory in his riches. But, let him who glories glory in this, that he has understanding, and knows Me, that I am Hashem who exercises loving kindness, justice, and righteousness, in the earth, for in these things I delight,⁠" says Hashem.”This episode discusses the following question: Why should a person praise himself (glory) in anything at all? To answer, we briefly address the Rambam (last chapter of Morah), give Rabbi Zimmer’s explanation, and then discuss the importance of praising one’s self—and doing so appropriately.

08-15
12:27

Al Rosh Simchasi

As we approach Tisha B’av, we gain some insight from the Gemara in BB 60b that discusses the basis of putting ashes on the head of the chassan—specifically on the place of the tefillin.

08-01
16:04

Killing Bilaam with a Sword

Rashi (Bamidbar 31:8) says that we killed Bilaam with the sword - the weapon of nonjews- because he tried to kill us with his mouth - the weapon of the Jews.

07-30
38:59

Hashem’s Testimony about the Purity of the Jewish Lineage

Rashi (Bamidbar 26:5) teaches that the Torah puts a yud and a hey around the names of the Jewish families to testify that the Jews lineage is pure, thereby undermining the ridicule of the nations who claim that the Egyptians had their way with the Jewish women.

07-23
37:16

The Talking Lottery

In Parshas Pinchas, Rashi (Bamidbar 26:54) tells us that after dividing the land of Israel based upon size of the shevatim AND after the lottery confirmed this division, the lottery itself yelled out which shevet got which piece of land. Why was this massive miracle necessary?

07-16
43:49

Kibud Av Va’eim: In honor of the 12th Yahrtzeit of my mother, Shani Feder A”H

This episode analyzes the basis of the mitzvah of kibud av va’aim and provides a helpful perspective on the mitzvah.

07-13
58:30

Nechash Ha’Nechoshes

The episode analyzes the incident of the fiery serpents, with the assistance of Rashi.

07-09
49:41

Joking Around: Rebbi vs Bar Kappara

Rebbe and Bar Kappara debate the value of joking around. Nedarim 50b-51a

06-15
01:19:22

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