Learning Rashi In-Depth

This class examines the Torah’s criticism of the Jewish leaders in the desert for appearing sluggish in their contributions to the building of the Tabernacle. Rashi, in his analysis of this story, teaches us a fundamental lesson in leadership. (Based on Likutei Sichos 16, Vayakhel sicha 2)

The Torah’s description of Pinchas’ lineage as explained in Rashi, offers insight into human psychology and how intricate our personal defence mechanisms really are.

Jews are naturally repelled by promiscuity. Discover Rashi’s insight into Bilam’s top secret plan to get the Jews to sin in the one area they were vigilant to avoid.

Rashi illustrates how Moses’ strategy to send the tribes of Gad and Reuven to lead the charge in the conquest of Israel teaches how to effectively overcome your enemies.

Rashi presents two intriguing details on how Moses was to warn Aaron not to enter the Holy of Holies at the wrong time. The Rebbe shows us how Rashi is actually teaching a deeper lesson about how to balance high-level inspiration with practical application.

Rashi maps out when the different elements of Judaism were originally taught and the Rebbe derives from it a fascinating insight into how we practice Judaism.

The Torah requires a thanksgiving offering for certain situations. When we explore Rashi’s take on this story, we learn that the four stages of gratitude mentioned in the Torah relate to the story of the Exodus.

When a person is dishonest with money, the Torah calls it a rebellion against G-d. Rashi illustrates how this insight actually teaches us that hurting another person is actually an issue between you and G-d.

The Rebbe shows us how Rashi’s description of the curtain hangings that formed the courtyard of the Mishkan (Sanctuary) also teaches us about a Jew’s mission to bring holiness to the world.

Rashi implies that Aaron and his sons only became priests after the Sanctuary had been built. The Rebbe explains that if Rashi had not highlighted this issue, we may have thought the greatest Kohen of all time, Aaron, might have been disqualified from service.

In just two words, the Torah illustrates a full chronology of key events in early Jewish history, according to Rashi’s fascinating insight.

When you study the initiation process of the Mishkan (Sanctuary) in the desert, you learn what empowers you, as a Jew, to be ready to fully commit to G-d.

How come the wicked population of Noah’s times lived for hundreds of years, while the righteous Abraham did not? A fascinating insight into how G-d interacts with our world.

The shidduch between our patriarch Yitzchak and our matriarch Rivkah is the most detailed courtship in Torah. Find out what about Rivkah made her the perfect match and discover the greatness of Jewish women in the process.

Rashi analyzes the specific terminology used by Joseph’s brothers when they try to defend themselves against his accusation that they had stolen his “magical” goblet. A closer examination of Rashi reveals a powerful perspective on life’s challenges.

When Jacob sends Joseph to find his brothers, he unwittingly sends him into a trap that would see Joseph sold into slavery. The Torah mentions that the place where this all happened was in Shechem, implying Shechem is a place infamous for tragedy. Or, is it?

When the Jews complain about the food in the desert, the Torah records two responses by Moshe and Aharon. Rashi sees in this a lesson in how to address appropriate and inappropriate expectations (and gives us a glimpse into the relevance of studying Jewish mysticism).

In explaining the law of how much a thief pays for an animal he’s stolen and killed, Rashi unpacks the question of whether the courts should focus on retribution or compensation.

When the Torah makes a seemingly innocuous comment on how to prepare the oil to anoint the Mishkan and its implements, Rashi uses that insight as a catalyst to explore two fundamental viewpoints on whether Judaism focuses on the present or its potential outcomes.

It’s obvious that one needs to respect holy items, so what deeper lesson does the Torah want to teach us when it instructs against tearing the cloak of the High Priest?

Two important lessons for life that Rashi derives from the production of the Mishkan: 1) Use your talents well; 2) Be kind to all.

Shabbos is the first on the list of special days on the Jewish calendar. Yet, the secret to understanding these special days lies in the fact that the Torah reminds us to work for six days before listing the holy days.

G-d promises us blessings if we do what He says. In this segment, Rashi exposes a whole new dimension to those blessings that we may have easily overlooked.

Rashi analyzes various occasions where the Torah says “You may not”, comparing when this implies a prohibition. We learn a fundamental philosophical insight into Torah law along the way.

Twelve leaders bring sacrifices to inaugurate the Sanctuary in the desert. Aaron feels overlooked. How did G-d not only placate him, but illustrate how uniquely powerful his role was?

The Talmud teaches us that each of the spies’ names offers a glimpse into their wayward conduct, yet only one of them has a fundamental lesson for each of us in our lives.

When Balaam, the greatest gentile prophet attempts to curse the Jewish nation, G-d inspires him to bless us instead. Rashi identifies a nuance in the wording he uses, which illustrates just how deeply G-d cares for His chosen people.

Rashi is perplexed by the Torah’s description of Moses counting the Jews after a plague decimates the population. His commentary offers a fascinating glimpse into the responsibility of leadership and a powerful reminder of the value of Jewish marriage.

When Moshe blesses the Jews to increase in number, it sounds like he intends to short-change them on G-d’s blessing. A lesson in balancing G-d’s infinite blessings with our reality.

If you undertake something good, but can’t finish it and someone else takes it over the finish line, who gets the credit?

No sooner had the Jews left Egypt, Amalek attacked us. Rashi offers a fascinating insight into G-d’s eternal war on this rogue nation, plus a powerful personal take-home lesson.

The giving of the Torah was the greatest Divine revelation in history. Rashi reveals how the Torah’s very specific description helps us appreciate exactly how close G-d was during that one-time event.

In an unexpected twist, Avraham takes Hagar back after Sarah passes away. Rashi exposes the controversy around that move, and how it is resolved.

When Yaakov returns home a wealthy man, after decades of living afar, Esav quickly emigrates. Why?

Why would the Torah repeat the same instruction three times? Learn Rashi’s surprising interpretation and a powerful take-home message.

Among the materials used to build the Tabernacle in the desert is a strange item called “Tachash”. Rashi explores what it is, and teaches us a profound lesson in the power of the “small things” in life.

Rashi defines two significant steps in how Aaron and his family became kohanim, and this teaches a valuable lesson in Jewish outreach.

“Here’s what G-d told me to tell you”, Moses says. Rashi highlights an intriguing detail about Moses’ involvement in building the Mishkan-sanctuary in the desert.

The Torah repeats the law against mixing meat and milk in this Torah portion. Rashi explains what new insight the Torah expects us to gain from the repetition.

Torah language is precise and needs to be analyzed as such to get a grip on the storyline, and its profound personal lessons.

When the Torah describes the five public sacrifices, it alludes to the fact that each is repeated in this portion to teach us something we did not already know. Through Rashi’s explanation, we come to understand that the Torah also wants us to appreciate that greater quantity sometimes adds value to quality.

Moshe and Aharon have a difference in opinion over how Judaism should be practiced, teaching us a spectacular lesson in how to relate to Jewish growth – in ourselves and in others.

In ancient times, a destitute man could sell himself as a slave. Are his children enslaved with him? A fascinating insight with a powerful lesson about our difficult Jewish history.

After the debacle of Korach’s rebellion against Moses, G-d instructs the Jews to give various gifts to the kohanim. Rashi explains how this law reinforces the position of Aaron and his sons.

In the desert, G-d tells the Jewish people to camp around the Mishkan sanctuary – not too close, but not too far. This carries an important lesson about how a Jew should live his or her life.

The wicked Balaam wished to curse the Jews, but when he saw the Jewish camp, he simply had to bless us. What was it that he saw?

Rashi explores Talmudic sources to dissect the Torah law about how a person becomes impure if they kill someone.

Never make promises you cannot keep, right? Rashi highlights how some vows are spiritually essential, others spiritually unhealthy.

Moshe recounts the moment when the Jews had to continue their journey, away from Mt Sinai. Rashi explains how this anecdote carries important life lessons.

An amazing insight into personal growth, derived from Rashi’s perspective on what must be the easiest and cheapest mitzvah of all. (we regret the brief audio disruption in the recording)

The Torah uses a rare expression to describe our relationship with G-d, because the relationship is absolutely unique.

When the Torah instructs us to give charity, it uses very specific words, to convey a profound message on what giving is all about.

Is war optional or required? How Rashi derives the rules of battle from a single word, and what this teaches us about personal spiritual growth.

When G-d enlists Moshe to redeem the Jews from Egypt, Moshe wants to know which Divine name he should share with the Children of Israel. Rashi sees a profound lesson in that question. (Exodus 3:13-15)

Rashi shows how Moshe cushioned the rebuke he gave the Jewish people. Learning Likutei Sichos vol. 14, Devarim (sicha 1)

Rashi explains why Moshe forgot a relatively straightforward law, and the Rebbe develops the theme with a magnificent insight. Learning Likutei Sichos vol. 13, Pinchas (sicha 1)

Rashi insists that the Torah delineates Israel’s borders to teach us about Mitzvah observance. The Rebbe derives from this an empowering message for our personal growth. Learning Likutei Sichos vol. 13, Massei (sicha 2)

Rashi identifies two key roles that the tribe of Levi played in the Sanctuary. The Rebbe extracts an empowering life-lesson for us from this teaching. Learning Likutei Sichos vol. 13, Bamidbar (sicha 2)

Why does the Torah tell us to “remember the Shofar” on Rosh Hashanah? An analysis of Rashi’s commentary. Learning Likutei Sichos vol. 12, Emor (sicha 2)

Shabbos is a weekly rest, while Shemittah is agricultural pause every seven years. Together, they teach us how a Jewish person should engage the world. Learning Likutei Sichos vol. 12, Behar (sicha 1)

Rashi draws our attention to a nuance in the text that highlights why Moses could save the whole Jewish nation from G-d’s wrath, but not the twelve spies. A lesson in the importance of a Moshe figure. Learning Likutei Sichos vol. 13, Shelach (sicha 2)

Rashi insists that the town of Timna was perched on a mountainside, which teaches us an important lesson about spiritual growth. (From Likutei Sichos vol. 10, Vayeishev sicha 2)

How does Rashi know that Joseph wanted the Egyptians to circumcise before he would give them food? And why did he need them to do so, anyway? (From Likutei Sichos vol. 10, Mikeitz sicha 2)