Aaron L. Raskin

Ben Bag Bag would say: Delve and delve into it (Torah), for all is in it; see with it; grow old and worn in it; do not budge from it, for there is nothing better. Ben Hei Hei would say: According to the pain is the gain. (Ethics of Our Fathers ch.5:21)

Decode the successive layers of meaning embedded in the classic teachings of Ethics of Our Fathers (Pirkei Avot), from the basic understanding to the more mystical interpretation—encompassing five levels of meaning.

Rabbi Shimon would say: There are three crowns—the crown of Torah, the crown of priesthood and the crown of sovereignty—but the crown of good name surmounts them all. (Ethics of Our Fathers 4:13)

Beloved is man, for he was created in the image [of G d]; Beloved are the people Israel, for they are called children of G d; Beloved are the people Israel, for a precious article was given to them. (Ethics of Our Fathers ch.3:14)

If one endeavors to substitute his animal sacrifice with a different animal, whether superior or inferior, both maintain a holy status. Learn about this mitzvah of Temurah (exchanging sacrifices) on five levels of understanding.

The Torah mandates that the Levites not inherit a portion in the Land of Israel like the rest of the tribes, for they are to be set apart for the service of G-d and guiding the people spiritually. Will there be a change in the division of land in the time...

Learn the special significance of counting the Omer on five layers of understanding.

Upon ritual slaughtering of fowl or undomesticated animals, we are commanded to cover the spilled blood with earth. Gain a deeper understanding of this mitzvah of Kisuy HaDam (covering the blood) on five levels.

Understanding the subject of ‘tzaraat’ (the divine affliction of discoloration) on five different levels.

In this class we examine the various prohibitions and obligations that stem from the broader Noahide laws against murder, forbidden sexual behavior and theft.