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The Torah Learning Library of Yeshivat Chovevei Torah

Sefer Devarim

Why Do We Fast?

by Rabbi Dov Linzer
Posted on July 26, 2023

As we enter into Tisha b’Av, our minds and hearts are directed towards the current turmoil that is roiling Israel and tearing at the very fabric of Israeli society. Whatever one thinks about the substantive issues relating to the changes in the judicial system, and wherever one is tempted to point the blame, we should all be able to recognize the tragic disunity and deep damage—in terms of the society, economy, military preparedness, and international relations—that recent weeks and months have brought about.…

When Does the Oral Torah Begin?

by Rabbi Dov Linzer
Posted on July 19, 2023

Originally Published July 2015 What happens when we repeat a story or lesson in our own words? Does it improve with the retelling, or does it worsen? Is the message lost, or is it made more relevant? What is the point of retelling?…

Sukkah As Tabernacle

by Tadhg Cleary
Posted on October 6, 2022

The Rema—the great Halakhic Codifier of Ashkenazi Jewry—rules that we should build the sukkah on the day after Yom Kippur (starting even right after we break the fast) (Orach Chaim, 624:5-625:1). Some infer that, ideally, we are not supposed to even begin construction of the sukkah at all during the Aseret Yemei Teshuva—the days between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.…

On Weight Loss and Teshuva

A Reflection on Parashat Nitzavim

Parashat Nitzvim may reveal a deep connection between weight loss and Teshuva. Noom is a weight loss program which claims to be built on well-researched psychological principles. It requires no crash diets, no carb counting, no extreme exercise regimen. In fact, on Noom, all you have to do is scrupulously record everything you eat on their app.…

The King’s Speech: Two Tannaitic Takes on Hakhel (Audio Only)

by Rabbi Shmuel Hain
Posted on September 22, 2022

“Ne’um haMitzvot”: Towards an Understanding of the Sequence and Content of Moshe’s “Mitzvah-Speech” (Audio Only)

by Rabbi Yitzchak Etshalom
Posted on September 21, 2022

Vayikra and Devarim: Two Religious Models

by Dr. Elana Stein Hain
Posted on September 21, 2022

Ki Tavo, Covenants, and the Queen

On the Reflective Power of Symbols

What can we do to ensure that our deepest, most enduring relationships remain effective, vibrant, and resonant? How do successful relationships survive the pressure of the tough times, or even just the eroding banality of mundane life? Ki Tavo tells of the establishment of a new covenant between Am Yisrael and HaShem.…

The Legacy of Enclosure

What Biblical Workers’ Rights can Teach us about Privatizing the Public Domain

The law locks up the man or woman  Who steals the goose from off the common  But leaves the greater villain loose  Who steals the common from off the goose. The law demands that we atone  When we take things we do not own  But leaves the lords and ladies fine  Who take things that are yours and mine.…

Why Create a Community of Accidental Killers?

by Adam Cohen
Posted on September 1, 2022

https://openclipart.org/detail/284463/group-therapy Someone with a drug addiction has two main options when it comes to rehab, and both are completely different extremes. They could choose normality. I want to keep things as normal as possible, live my every-day life, have my family and friends there to support me and go to a rehab in my local community. …

Act Before You Feel

by Adam Cohen
Posted on August 25, 2022

Do I kiss somebody because I love them or feel love for that person after I kiss them? William James does not think that we lose something valuable and cry because we are sad. Or that we meet a bear, are frightened and run.…

An Insight from the Ukrainian Border

by Adam Cohen
Posted on August 18, 2022

A few months ago, I traveled to the Polish border with Ukraine, where a constant stream of refugees were arriving, having had their lives uprooted. Most had been on foot for several days, carrying little children and their belongings. They had walked about 25 miles, including a final 3 mile walk from the train station by the border.…