In this shiur we examine the "fifth" blessing of Shema, Yiru Eineinu, from its murky beginnings in Savoraic times until today.
In this shiur we study the early history of Hashkiveinu, the last Beracha of Keriat Shema and in some respects the final prayer of the day.
In this class we study the early history of Emet VeEmunah, the Beracha immediately following Keriat Shema of Arvit. We also discuss the custom to not say VaYomer.
In this shiur we discuss the origins of Ahavat Olam, the second Beracha for Keriat Shema of Arvit, and we learn about how this early Beracha was formulated.
In this class we study the history and nusach of Maariv Aravim, the first Beracha of Keriat Shema for Arvit.
In this shiur we study the earliest sources we have regarding Arvit as an institutional prayer, and we attempt to unravel a medieval Minhag to recite a Chazarah for it.
In this short class we discuss the author of Kadesh U'rchatz, Rabbi Shmuel of Falaise (French name: Sir Morel) and his well known contributions to the study of Passover. With apologies, I forgot to mention that credit needs to be given to Sam Gold and Shimon Steinmetz (via Twitter) for the images in this class.
In this class we study the ancient and medieval origins of Mincha, as well as a strange custom from the Middle Age to pray Mincha twice.
In this class we study the medieval and modern development of Aleinu. We learn about its reception history and its actual use in the liturgy. We also learn about why it was interpreted in Ashkenazic lands as an anti-Christian prayer despite the historical inaccuracy of that interpretation.
In this shiur we study the ancient origins of Aleinu, and we explore the development of liturgical rubrics known today as 'Maamadot'.
In this class we learn more about some common Purim misconceptions, and we explore the origins of Taanit Esther, women reading the Megillah, masquerading, Purim plays, and Hamantaschen. We also note the profound effect that the Jews of Renaissance-era Italy had on Purim.
In this shiur we study the mysterious origins of Ein Ke'Elokeinu, and its parallels in the Heichalot literature. We also touch briefly on Shir Shel Yom.
In this class we discuss the last official section of Shacharit, which includes Ashrei, Psalm 20, and U'Va LeTzion.
In this shiur we study the development of the rituals surrounding the Torah procession, such as opening the Heichal, saying verses of praise, and escorting the Torah to and from the Aron Kodesh.
In this shiur we study the development of Keriat HaTorah in the past 500 years, with the major addition of Berich Shemeih and the reintroduction of the triennial cycle.
In this shiur we dive into how Keriat HaTorah evolved through the Middle Ages, and we focus on 3 major changes: the Baal Koreh, the Targum, and the Triennial cycle.
In this shiur we explore the earliest examples of Keriat HaTorah from Tanach, and how they may have shaped the ritual into Talmudic times.
In this shiur we discuss how Tachanun and Nefilat Apayim evolved between the years 1500-2024 in Halacha, in practice, and in the Siddurim.