Torah Jazz
Torah Jazz
Jonathan Reiser
Why Torah Jazz? The nature of these classes is meant to reflect Torah's nature as a song. For me, that song is Jazz. These are ideas that sparked my interest over the course of the week, got me thinking about themes and motifs, and riffing on them to see where it ends up. By not shying away from the tough questions, a Torah Jazz can hit some pretty unexpected notes and yet harmonize into a bigger concept. Dissonance and Harmony. Sturm und Drang. Contemporary and Classic. And that's a thing of beauty.
Chukas – Rock On
Different approaches as to what went wrong at the rock. The role of water, clouds, and heavenly bread reflected in our three greatest teachers and how they ultimately affect our destiny.
Nov 3, 2024
1 hr 4 min
Korach – World's greatest political mastermind
The greatest political campaign of all time, the Kulanu Kedoshim campaign. A campaign so powerful it takes 2 miracles and a plague to end it. How our sages understood division in a breathtaking Mishna in Pirkei Avos.
Nov 3, 2024
1 hr
BeHaaloscha – Light it UP!
A truly awesome Rashi, buttressed by the Ramban's retort, and embellished by an Alshich! All along trying to answer the age old question, "What's so great about lighting a Menorah?" Enlightening.
Nov 3, 2024
58 min
BeHar/BeChukosai – What DOES Shmitta have to do with Har Sinai?
Reopening the case on Shmitta and Har Sinai. Does Rashi really answer the question? What do these two concepts have to do with one another? How is this meant to impact us with Shavuos fast approaching?
Nov 3, 2024
52 min
Achrei Mos/Kedoshim – Whose kind of holy.
Delving deep into the Ramban and Rashi's definition of Kedoshim. Why are they arguing? And the bomb dropped by, you betcha', the Ksav V'HaKaballah himself. the holy R' Yaakov Zvi Meklemberg, and the question to which I have no answer. It's a doozy.
Nov 3, 2024
48 min
The Metzorah and the Pascal Lamb
 We discuss a cryptic Ibn Ezra that parallels the events of purifying the Metzorah with the Pesach in Mitzrayim. You can also watch it here. And here are the sources.
Nov 3, 2024
1 hr
Tazria/Metzorah –  The joys of affliction
"How does the ba'al Tzaraas get to be the bearer of good tidings for the Jewish people?" An awesome Rambam, a troubling Rashi, and a lip-smacking Chiddushei HaRim.
Nov 3, 2024
51 min
Vayakhel – Chazal's Guide to Epidemics
We explore the Gemmarah in Bava Kamma 60b with some commentary from the Rashba"sh and R' Moshe Feinstein. Chazal's insights into how we are meant to comport ourselves during a time of plague are inspiring and comforting. We also looked to the parsha and pirkei avos to address what a plague is and what causes it to come into the world.
Jun 25, 2023
56 min
BeShalach – The Matrona vs. R' Yosse: A debate for the Sages
The unique nature of the splitting of the sea – beyond the special effects. 2 awesome mamare chazal and one of the most misunderstood concepts in Judaism – emmunah.
Jun 25, 2023
1 hr 4 min
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