Special Haftarot

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Special Haftarot

Haftarat Shabbat Rosh Chodesh
Haftarat Machar Chodesh
Parshat Shkalim and Haftarah
Haftarat Parshat Zachor
Shabbat Zachor - Amalek: V'lo Ya'ray Elokim
Parshat Parah - Maftir - chukat ha'TORAH
Parshat Parah - Haftarah - Yechezkel 36
Parshat HaChodesh - Pesach and Chag Ha'Matzot
Haftarat Parshat HaChodesh

Haftarat Shabbat Rosh Chodesh

This week's Haftara - Yeshayahu chapter 66 - serves not only as an appropriate Haftara for Rosh Chodesh, but also forms a beautiful conclusion for Sefer Yeshayahu and provides us with something to reflect upon on Yom Ha'Atzmaut. To explain why, in this week's shiur we analyze the thematic contrast between the opening chapters of Sefer Yeshayahu and this concluding chapter. Offline/Download:
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Haftarat Machar Chodesh

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Parshat Shkalim and Haftarah

What did Bnei Yisrael do with the silver collected from the very first "machazit ha'shekel"? From the commandment at the beginning of Parshat Ki-tisa (see 30:16) it is not very clear & the commentators offer several explanations.
However, from the opening psukim in Parshat Pekudei it is clear that there was indeed a special donation of a "machazit ha'shekel" for the specific purpose of BUILDING the Mishkan.
In our shiur, we undertake a careful reading of these psukim (i.e. 38:21-31) in attempt to find the deeper meaning of what this silver was used for.
In Part II, we examine the haftarah, explaining the historical background for some "renovations" to the Mikdash. Online:
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Haftarat Zachor - I Shmuel Chapter 15 - Shaul and Amalek

What was so terrible about Shaul's sin with Amalek? Does he lose his kingdom simply because he 'gave-in' to the people's suggestion to offer korbanot to God from the best sheep of their booty? Because he preferred to kill Agag at a public ceremony instead of killing him immediately during battle? Because he didn't admit his guilt immediately, but made up excuses instead? For any one or even a mixture of these above reasons, it just doesn't seem fair that Shaul must lose his kingdom; especially in comparison to David HaMelech - whose sin appears to have been much more severe! In the following shiur, we take a closer look at the details of Shmuel chapter 15 in an attempt to arrive at a more comprehensive understanding of Shaul's sin. Online:
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Shabbat Zachor - Amalek: V'lo Ya'ray Elokim (from Parshat B'shalach)

Many nations have attacked and oppressed Am Yisrael throughout its history. Yet, for some reason, Amalek is singled out as Israel's 'arch enemy.' What was so terrible about Amalek's attack that requires a battle for all generations? By carefully examining the Torah's description of this event, this week shiur uncovers some amazing details that will enhance our understanding of "Milchemet Amalek." Online:
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for Parshat Parah

What does "Chukat HaTorah" mean? In this introductory phrase of Parshat Parah, the word "torah" is usually understood as 'the entire Chumash,' while "chok" is usually understood as a 'law that doesn't make sense' (or at least has no obvious reason). In the first part of the following shiur we suggest an alternate definition of the words "chok" and "torah" that will help us better understand the details of Parshat Parah. In Part II of our shiur, we will focus on this week's Haftara, where the navi Yechezkel finds special meaning in this concept of "tahara" from "tum'ah" as it becomes an important stage in the redemption process. Online:
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for Parshat Parah

Our shiur will focus on this week's Haftara, where the navi Yechezkel finds special meaning in the concept of "tahara" from "tum'ah" as an important stage in the redemption process. Online:
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Pesach and Chag Ha'Matzot (Parshat Ha'Chodesh)

Why do we eat matzah? Is it simply to remember how God saved us during the events of Yetziat Mitzrayim? As Parshat Bo presents the mitzvah of matzah from several different angles, this week's shiur analyzes this 'multiple presentation' in an attempt to better understand what matzah and Pesach are all about. Online:
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Parshat Ha'Chodesh: Haftara

This Haftara is especially fitting for Parshat ha'Chodesh for it discusses a new start for the Bet ha'Mikdash which relates specifically to Pesach and Rosh Chodesh Nisan, as well as to the responsibilities of the nation's leadership [the NASI] in times of renewal! Offline/Download:
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Other Areas of Interest

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Menachem Leibtag

Ronni Libson