By Rabbi Steven Weil

To understand why the translation of the Torah into Greek was a cause for fasting, we need to understand the ramifications of having the Torah translated. An Analysis of the translation of the Torah into Greek and the Fast of the tenth of Teves. Presented by Rabbi Steven Weil.

Rabbi Weil discusses themes we encounter in the Machzor including the 13 Middos, Akeida, Yom Teruah, Eim Sisera, Zechariah, Rachel, Shofar Gadol, Chana, & the Seir HaMishtaleach, and how both the Living & the Dead are Judged. Download the Source Sheet.

God created us and gave us the assets we have.  The condition is that we “sacrifice”, by dedicating our abilities and talents to bettering this world and building a better tomorrow.

In Hilchot Teshuva, the Rambam lists 24 things that can prevent a person from attaining teshuva. These 24 roadblocks can be divided into 6 different categories.

“Grappling With Destruction”: On Tisha B’Av we re-experience a funeral, the destruction of the Beit HaMikdash & other tragedies throughout Jewish history through the kinot & prophets. Rabbi Weil’s Kinot from Tisha B’Av 5772. Recorded as part of the Orthodox Union’s Tisha B’Av webcast at Boca Raton Synagogue, in Boca Raton, FL on July 29, […]

Rabbi Weil discusses 2 debates: one in Spain between Pablo Christiani and the Ramban and one in France which involved Louis IX and Nicholas Donin in 1240. The latter led to burning of the Talmud & destruction of French Jewry

The Tragic Consequence of Zechariah’s Murder (Kinos 31 and 34): Instead of trying to fix the problem (their sins) they killed the messenger (Zechariah). It remained unaddressed until Nevuzaradan came.

The Aftermath of the Roman Genocide and the Hadrianic Decrees: We haven’t corrected the flaw of intra-Jewish animosity. Even under the Roman siege, we weren’t united. An Analysis of The 21st Kinah, the 10 martyrs.

Presented by Rabbi Steven Weil as part of the World of Western Mediterranean Jewry Series.