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The Torah Learning Library of Yeshivat Chovevei Torah

Pastoral Parsha

Parshat Haazinu – Ethical Wills

by Dr. Michelle Friedman, MD
Posted on October 10, 2019

In this episode, we explore an old method of learning from our ancestors and ask that our listeners consider using this method as well.…

Parshat Netzavim and the High Holidays – On Repentance and Self Improvement

by Dr. Michelle Friedman, MD
Posted on October 7, 2019

In this episode of Pastoral Parsha, Hody, and Dr. Friedman discussed the seasonal process of repentance, and how you don’t need to be doing something wrong to improve yourself.…

Parshat Ki Tavo – Curses of the Mind

by Dr. Michelle Friedman, MD
Posted on September 19, 2019

In this week’s episode, Hody Nemes and Dr. Friedman discuss an issue that plagues so many of us. Whether it is in the form of friends or members of our communities, we all know someone going through a rough time, potentially suffering from some form of mental illness, or as the Torah might call it, a curse.…

Ki Tzetze – A Question as old as Time

by Dr. Michelle Friedman, MD
Posted on September 13, 2019

In this week’s episode of Pastoral Parsha, Dr. Friedman and Hody Nemes explore a question as old as time. Why do humans care so much about how we, and how other people, look? Why don’t we judge others by values alone, rather than by outfit or hairstyle?,…

Parshat Shoftim – Shame and Society

by Dr. Michelle Friedman, MD
Posted on September 5, 2019

While we have a pretty clear understanding of how the justice system should treat criminals, many are at a loss as to how communities should treat them? Is public shaming ever justified, and is shame something that we consider a valued aspect of society?…

Parshat Re’ah – Decisions, Decisions, Decisions

by Dr. Michelle Friedman, MD
Posted on August 30, 2019

This week’s Parsha presents us with numerous decisions and choices, and life is no different. Every single day, we all make countless decisions, and while we usually have a general idea of right and wrong, there are questions with no clear right answer.…

Parshat Ekev – What is Good Parenting?

by Dr. Michelle Friedman, MD
Posted on August 22, 2019

How does one be a good parent, and can G-d’s relationship with us be a good tool in answering that question? Find out in this week’s episode of Pastoral Parsha.…

Parshat Ve’atchanan – Facing Religious Doubt

by Dr. Michelle Friedman, MD
Posted on August 15, 2019

In this week’s episode of Pastoral Parsha, Dr. Michelle Friedman and Hody Nemes (’21) discuss one of the central themes of the Jewish Sinai Experience, and how we can incorporate a core value from that experience into our individual confrontations with religious and/or spiritual doubt.…

Devarim – Truth and Memory

by Dr. Michelle Friedman, MD
Posted on August 8, 2019

In this episode, Hody Nemes (’21) and Dr. Michelle Friedman explore the complexities of navigating truth and personal memory, and what to do when they contradict.…

Matot Masei – Living with Guilt

by Dr. Michelle Friedman, MD
Posted on August 1, 2019

In this week’s episode, Dr. Friedman and Hody Nemes (’21) explore the complicated psychological world of the accidental murderer and the “Cities of Refuge”, and how someone can live with guilt for mistakes they made in the past.…

Pinchas – Raising Good Children

by Dr. Michelle Friedman, MD
Posted on July 25, 2019

In this week’s episode, Hody and Michelle explore the personalities of two of the main characters in Parshat Pinchas, and consider how their upbringing made them into the individuals described in the Torah. …

Balak – Nature and Society

by Dr. Michelle Friedman, MD
Posted on July 19, 2019

In this week’s episode, Hody and Dr. Friedman use Bilaam’s relationship with nature to comment on how most human beings relate to nature, and the devastating effects our attitudes towards nature can have on the world if left unchecked.…