Learning Center
Classes, lessons, and thoughts from Rabbi Motzen.
Classes
Yeshaya Class
Text-based, interactive, in-depth exploration of the books of Tanach using both classical sources as well as modern commentaries. For beginners to advanced. Currently studying the Book of Yeshaya (Isaiah).
Every Shabbos afternoon. See shul bulletin for times.
Understanding Rabbinic Judaism
Weekly class, studying the classic text, be’er hagolah, by the maharal, and gaining a better appreciation of rabbinic judaism
Thursday’s at 11:00 AM in the Chapel.
Semichas Chaver Program
In-depth study of pertinent Halachos, with tests, and certification upon completion. For men. Registration is required. Please contact Rabbi Motzen at yisrael.motzen@gmail.com.
Thursday’s at 8:30 PM
Women's Halacha Class
Currently learning about the Kosher Kitchen.
An in-depth source-based Halacha class for women.
From the Talmud through the Shulchan Aruch through the modern authorities.
Sundays at 8:30 AM
Sermons
The Limitations of #TYH Parshas Va’eira
A few months ago, I was riding the Amtrak train from New York to Baltimore, sitting by myself, talking on the phone, when someone approached me, trying to hand me something. My first assumption was that this man was a Christian missionary. Who else gives things out to...
What’s in a Name? Parshas Shemos
Shakespeare, in Romeo and Juliet, dismisses the significance of a name. “What's in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell just as sweet.” I beg to differ. Let me tell you a story about a little boy and his name. Almost 39 years ago, in a...
One Family Parshas Vayechi
“Democracy in Israel is dead.” Have you seen that headline yet? Versions of this headline have been making the rounds in American newspapers over the past few weeks. And it is simply not true. To call a government that was voted in, in an election that had the largest...
Podcast
Halacha
Laws of the Three Weeks and Nine Days 2022
The Three Weeks of Mourning begin Saturday evening, July 16th. It is a time of mournful reflection on the destroyed Bais HaMikdash and subsequent tragedies. In order to instill within ourselves a sense of loss, our Sages instituted numerous restrictions to create a...
Laws of Lulav and Esrog
Who can think of Sukkos? We haven’t even celebrated Rosh Hashana! The Talmud instructs us to study the laws pertaining to a holiday 30 days before the holiday. It’s less than 30 days to Sukkos and the laws of Lulav and Esrog are complicated and many. So let’s begin!...
Laws of the Sukkah
A few Halachos pertaining to building a Sukkah: - One must first build the walls and then place the s’chach. Placing the s’chach first and then building the walls would invalidate the Sukkah. - One must make sure there is no overhang (roof, leaves, etc.) over the...