When a robber enters a home, can the homeowner assume that the robber is a threat and immediately shoot? Or does the homeowner need to first be threatened in some way?

Halacha provides an unqualified right to defend your property.

A summary and review of the halachot involved in self defense; a brief comparison of secular laws; and an introduction to protection of property.

A look at the mitzvah of self-defense and a summary of related FBI statistics on firearms in self-defense.

When the Torah commands us to "Show no mercy!" it does not mean that we should be cruel.

From where does the Rambam derive the obligation to protect another from harm?

How do you know when to escalate a self defense effort to the use of deadly force?

What is a "warning?" At what point can a defender escalate to deadly force?"

Self defense as presented by the Rambam.

In halacha, self defense is a fundamental right.

The right to defend yourself and others against attack.

By virtue of observing the mitzvah of "Love Your Neighbor," we learn fundamental lessons in how to behave properly throughout our lives.

Torah expects us to be people, not angels. Though we should strive to be angels, the Torah recognizes that we cannot achieve such heights and thus doesn't demand such from us.

Rav Moshe's understanding of the application of Rabbi Akiva's statement that your life takes precedence over another's.

We learn the actions of "Love Your Neighbor" from Hashem Himself.

The Rambam's list of actions included under the general principle of "Love Your Neighbor."

"Love" is too abstract to be a mitzvah; "love your neighbor" is in how we act.

"Hillel's great principle: "That which is hateful to you, do not do to another."

Rabbi Akiva's great principle: the limits of loving and caring for others.

An introduction to the mitzvah, "Love your neighbor as yourself."

Do we say VaY'chulu on Yom Tov Erev Shabbos? When and why?

The first fruits were brought to and offered at the Temple with much joy and celebration.

First fruits were brought to Jerusalem in a joyous procession.

In addition to the two Shavuot loaves, the bringing of first fruits commenced on Shavuot.

From the breads of Shavuot, we learn important lessons about how we should view the role of work and income in our lives.

An introduction to the "new meal offering" brought on Shavuot.

Practical applications of kneading on shabbos: baby foods and bottles, tuna and egg salad, sandboxes, guacamole, cholent, and more.

All kinds of mixing falls under the malacha of losh.

L'ilui nishmat Zissel Devorah bas Avraham Abish on the occasion of her yahrzeit.

Kneading includes mixing a thick paste.

Halacha l'ma'aseh: when is one chayav for kneading?

The Av Malacha and principles of losh (kneading).

Situations that may involve danger to life or that don't yet involve danger to life are also considered medical emergencies for shabbos purposes.

The halachic definition of a "medical emergency" are broader than we might expect.

When an emergency exists, the most learned scholars should be first in line to tend to it -- in order to emphasize the importance of pikuach nefesh over shabbos and the value of life.

When it comes to life-threatening illness, we act quickly until all doubt is resolved.

Treatment before and after determining the nature of the emergency.

In emergencies, we don't hesitate to break shabbos; non-emergency treatment, however, is in a different category.

In a medical emergency, only a fool stops to ask questions about violating shabbos.

An introduction to handling medical conditions and health issues on Shabbos.

A special situation: when Rosh Chodesh Iyar falls on Shabbos, some poskim allow a haircut in honor of the combined Rosh Chodesh Shabbat.

When Rosh Chodesh falls on Shabbos, we have a special haftarah and a special musaf.

A look at the omer as brought at the Beis HaMikdash.

A look at the omer offering as brought at the Beis HaMikdash.

When we say Birkas HaChama, we include passages to accompany the blessing itself.

Times, cloudy days, women and children, and other issues.

Review and summary of the blessing for the sun.

Finishing up the kitchen. Also: kashering temperatures from the OU.

Dedicated for a refuah shleimah for Breina bas Frieda.

Applying libun and hagala to surfaces in the kitchen.

Also: how to kasher other items by libun.

Topics for Rosh Chodesh Nissan: standing for hallel on Rosh Chodesh; sitting for hallel at the seder; eating the Afikomen; introduction to libun.

Issues in hagala: materials, large utensils, and handles.

How to kasher a pot.

Buying chometz from a large chain is different from buying from a sole proprietor.

Issues of chometz she-avar alav ha-Pesach with a sole proprietor.

An introduction to issues of chometz she-avar alav ha-Pesach.

Who is believed that they have checked for chometz? Halacha l'ma'aseh for a Pesach rental or hotel.

You rented an apartment that you assume was checked for chometz. If you find out that it wasn't, are you entitled to a discount from the landlord?

If the tenant takes possession after the time for checking for chometz, can he assume that the apartment has been checked?

Methods of kinyan (acquiring an apartment); the difference between a sale and a rental.

Renting an apartment for Pesach: the Talmud and Tosefot.

If you rent an apartment for Pesach, who is responsible for checking for chometz?

It's best not to verbally blot out Haman's name.

Even when we blot out Haman's name during megilla reading, we still have to hear the megilla.

An overview of the halachot of interruptions in kriat shema helps us better understand the halachot of interruptions in the reading of the megilla.

The reading of Parshat Zachor.

If you pause during or interrupt the reading of the Megilla, do you need to start over? NOTE: there are mistakes in this shiur that will be corrected in part 2!

If you have a pasul Megillat Ester, make sure not to read aloud with the ba'al koreh

Rav Moshe's psak on microphone use with regard to megilla.

Shabbat Shekalim is in honor of the mechatzit hashekel. What is that mitzvah about?

If you hear the megilla read over a microphone, have you fulfilled your obligation?

If the megilla is missing letters, words, or entire verses, can it be used?

Introduction to the halachot surrounding the public megilla reading.

Fasting on Purim is forbidden, and mourning only be observed in private.

Be careful not to drink too much at the Purim meal.

If you said birkat hamazon and then realized there was filth nearby, do you need to go back and say birkat hamazon again?

It's normal to drink wine as part of the meal. Can you say birkat hamazon if you are a little tipsy?

Like the amidah and the shema, we speak the words of birkat hamazon loud enough to hear them.

The importance of understanding birkat hamazon and the importance of kavanah.

Never dive into a mitzvah without preparing yourself properly first

When performing a mitzvah, make sure to include all aspects of the mitzvah -- especially "prerequisites" to the mitzvah itself.

What to do if you lose your place during kriyat shema.

Where do you go back to if you get confused between the paragraphs?

If you miss a verse or word when reciting the shema, go back and repeat. Also: the various mitzvot fulfilled by the recitation of shema.

What if you recite the paragraphs of shema out of order?

Do all illnesses require birkat hagomel?

Modern travel: is birkat hagomel required? NOTE: The first 10 seconds of this audio are very poor quality.

What if you crossed the desert but experienced no danger? NOTE: The first 10 seconds of this audio are very poor quality.

If two people have an obligation to say birkat hagomel, one can say it for both of them.

Halacha l'ma'aseh: do we say birkat hagomel for others today?

How is it that someone else can say a bracha for which they are not obligated, and how can doing so fulfill your obligation!?

Oddly enough, if someone else makes a bracha over your miracle and you answer "Amen", you have fulfilled your obligation.

Is a minyan required for birkat hagomel? Can it be said seated? What if you say the brachah and no one answers?

Selichos for Asara b'Tevet focus on three tragedies that occured during the month.

A brief history of the events that brought about the first downfall of Yerushalayim. What caused the Jewish people to lose the Holy City, and what can we learn from those events about what is taking place in Eretz Yisroel today?

In memory of Tamar Rivkah bas Sheur Zalman on the occasion of her yahrzeit.

At what point do we say that one travelling by sea is no longer in danger?

Understanding the Talmud -- the Rambam's explanation of the Gamara provides insights into and has implications regarding the halacha of birkat hagomel.

There are four situations that require a Jew to bring a Todah offering.

We can put aside wax Chanukah candles to light olive oil instead. Can we put aside one sefer Torah to read from another?

Most of us don't light outside today. Where should we light?

If one day's supply of oil burned for eight days, then there were only seven miraculous days -- the first day's supply was what was found. So why eight days of Chanukah instead of seven?

What does it mean when we say in the Chanukah: story that "there was only one jug of 'pure' oil?

Does a medicine require a bracha?

What is the bracha for roots from a tree?

Root vegetables are either pri ha-adama or she-hakol.

Crab apples and crab pears; wild berries on trees and bushes; lousy fruits.

What do we do with worn out items that have inherent kedushah (holiness) or that have been used for a mitzvah?

More on the difference between a tree and a plant.

A first look at the difference between a tree and a plant.

Introduction to the bracha borei pri ha-adamah.

Every day after learning, we recite the mishnah "Rebbi Chananya ben Akashya." What does it mean?

A minyan is so important to prayer that we should willingly give up a profit to daven with a minyan.

Understanding Shmuel's calendar.

Why do we start praying for rain based on a secular date?

Davening and Torah study must lead to proper action -- honesty in business among them.

Sometimes keeping a set schedule for learning means giving up potential business profits. Or does it?

If you skip a pasuk or perek during Hallel, do you need to go back and correct your mistake? If so, how?

Every day, we should have a set time for Torah study -- a time that we are so committed to that we make up for having missed it.

Learning Torah on your own is quite different from learning with a group.

After shacharit, the next stop is at the Beit Midrash for Torah learning.

Brachos upon seeing wondrous mountains, rivers, oceans, and deserts.

If you are in a place (like a bathroom) where you can't make the brachah on thunder (or anything else), do you lose the brachah, or is there an option to make it later?

If you find a mitzvah that no one is observing, pursue that mitzvah with alacrity.

During a thunder storm, how many times can you make a brachah?

Awesome (in the literal sense) natural events inspire brachos.

The sight of a rainbow reminds us of Hashem's covenant with Noah and as such merits a special blessing.

Dedicated for a refuah shleimah for Breina bas Frieda.

If our Hebrew calendar is based on Rav Adda's calculations, why is birkat ha-chama based on Mar Shmuel's calculations? Also, why don't we say shehechiyanu when we say birkat ha-chama?

Can birkat ha-chama be made if you can't see the sun?

The ideal time to make birkat hachama is just after netz ha-chama; in practical terms, this means just after shacharit.

Understanding the blessing over the sun according to the Rambam; also: the constellations and astrological signs.

What blessing is said only once every 28 years?

Rav Dovid discusses his personal experiences with honoring Torah scholars.

Why do we associate honoring a Torah scholar with honoring elders rather than with honoring parents?

There are a variety of things that we don't do out of respect...; how to correct your rabbi if he makes a mistake.

At what point are we requited to arise before a rabbi? At what point can we sit? To what rabbi(s) does this apply?

We honor our rabbis, elders, and parents by standing before them and by not calling them by name.

What are the parameters of honoring Torah scholars and elders?

Dedicated l'ilui nishmat Shneur Zalman ben Shlomo on the occasion of his yahrzeit.

The Sefer HaChinuch sees Lev. 19:32 as applying only to Torah scholars. What is the connection between honoring Torah scholars and honoring our elders?

We are required to respect all elders, even non-Torah scholars, even non-Jews.

Dedicated as a zechut for a refuah shleimah for Breina bas Frieda.

Rashi and Ibn Ezra explain the connection between "Revere G-d; I am Hashem" and "Arise before the elderly and honor your elders."

Dedicated in memory of Feigel bas Aharon HaKohen on the occasion of her yahrzeit and for a refuah shleimah for Breina bas Frieda.

What is the difference between "respect your elders" and "stand in respect of an elder"? Is it one mitzvah or two?

We have a mitzvah d'oraita to honor and respect our elders. Here's one situation where it applies.

The mitzvah of hakhel: the gathering of all of the Jewish people every seven years to listen to the king read the Torah.

The mitzvah of hakhel: the gathering of all of the Jewish people every seven years to listen to the king read the Torah.

If you forget to put your schach on, can a non-Jew put it on for you on Yom Tov? Also: does your sukkah need a mezuzah?

A solid roof over the sukkah renders the sukkah pasul, but what about a roof that opens? Is there a way to deal with a tree?

On Erev Yom Kippur, selichot are brief, and other sections of shacharit are skipped as well.

A detailed look at the structure and content of the selichot for the 4th of the 10 days of teshuva.

Understanding the structure of selichot enhances our appreciation thereof.

The heart of the selichot service is the recitation of the 13 attributes, as given to Moshe on Mt. Sinai.

Though a true ba'al teshuva has great merits, nonetheless a ba'al teshuva has an inherent humility as an outgrowth of the teshuva process.

Teshuva draws us closer to Hashem and brings us closer to geula.

Much of teshuva is about the struggle to overcome the yetzer hara -- a struggle that has its own rewards.

The Rambam emphasizes a whole new realm of teshuva: correcting improper thoughts and middot.

The principle of performing mitzvot with a large group or community.

There are times when an aveirah -- a misdeed -- accompanies a mitzvah. What do we do in such a case?

Mitzvah HaBa'ah b'Aveira; spending significant amounts of money for the sake of a mitzvah aseh or of avoiding a lo ta'aseh.

Sometimes we need Hashem's help to do teshuva.

There are some actions so heinous that the consequence thereof is that we lose our ability to return to Hashem in teshuva.

Our ability to draw closer to Hashem through teshuva is dependent on our free will. Just as free will allows us to do aveirot, so too it allows us to correct our aveirot with teshuva.

When is a baal teshuva's return complete? Also: teshuva out of fear; teshuva out of love.

We cannot bring a korban chatat, so what are we to do to make restitution with Hashem?

Normally, one who accidentally commits an aveira like violating shabbos brings a korban chatat (special sacrifice) as a kapara (to make restitution). Does this obligation apply to today's baal teshuva?

A child has no culpability for wrongdoings as he doesn't yet know better. What about an adult who doesn't (or didn't) know better?

What are a child's obligations with regard to Yom Kippur and the Teshuva process? Does an adult need to do teshuva for the indiscretions of his or her youth? What about a ba'al teshuva?

The process of teshuva is incumbent upon all of us at all times.

A "Vidui" is not a confession. Just what is it, and what is its role in teshuva? Also: the first two steps toward teshuva.

The obligation of teshuva stems from our obligation to speak our hearts to Hashem.

The halachot of permissible and forbidden interruptions in Hallel are parallel to those of Shema and Pesukei d'Zimra.

It is preferable to recite Hallel with the community; when doing so, certain verses are repeated.

The blessings recited over Hallel; half- vs. full Hallel; reciting Hallel alone vs. with a minyan.

Part of proper kavanah includes enjoyment of the mitzvah as well as awareness of both love for and awe of Hashem.

Salt shakers, sugar shakers, drain filters, tea bags, and coffee presses.

Dedicated as a zechut for a refuah shleimah for Moshe Chaim ben Rivka.

Principles, parameters, and examples of the malacha of tochen on shabbos.

Dedicated as a zechut for a refuah shleimah for Moshe Chaim ben Rivka.

Proper orientation of tefillin straps; review and summary of halachot in the proper wearing of tefillin.

Exactly where on the head should the Tefillin shel Rosh be placed?

Dedicated as a zechut for a refuah shleimah for Moshe Chaim ben Rivka.

Exactly where on the arm should the Tefillin shel Yad be placed?

Dedicated as a zechut for a refuah shleimah for Moshe Chaim ben Rivka.

Final issues and examples in tochen; summary of all tochen principles.

Tochen only applies to items that grow from the ground. But what exactly grows from the ground?

The impact of a grinder or grater with regard to tochen as a malacha.

One of the most common applications of tochen is the cutting or chopping of vegetables for salad.

The principles and parameters of the malacha of tochen on shabbos; permitted ways of grinding.

The significance of Tisha b'Av goes beyond fasting and even beyond mourning. What are we to learn from Tisha b'Av?

Having kavanah -- intentionality, intellectual focus, emotional presence, and spiritual concentration -- is essential for proper mitzvah observance.

Summary and overview of all the special aspects of Shabbos Erev Tisha b'Av.

On motzei shabbos erev Tisha b'Av, we cannot drink wine. How do we make havdala?

On Shabbos, the third meal usual extends past sunset into the night; on Erev Tisha b'Av, we begin fasting at sunset. So what do we do when Erev Tisha b'Av falls on Shabbos?

In general, we don't launder or wear clean clothes, take haircuts, or wash during the nine days. What about lichvod shabbat?

On Shabbos Rosh Chodesh Menachem Av, do we read the haftarah for Rosh Chodesh or for the Tlat d'Puranuta? Also: the brachot for the haftorah and musaf on Shabbos Rosh Chodesh.

The importance of a fruit being recognizable; summary of the laws of brachot for fruit.

The principle of bal tosif -- adding on to mitzvot and claiming the additions are Torah requirements.

Does a fruit keep its bracha if the fruit is in a form that is no longer recognizable as the fruit?

Dedicated as a zechut for a refuah shleimah for Moshe Chaim ben Rivka.

Some fruits are meant to be picked before they are fully grown; others are meant to be picked after they are overripe.

Understanding and completing a mitzvah in its entirety.

Brachot for orange peels, grape leaves, capers, caper leaves, and more -- what is the main part of the fruit or tree?

What is the bracha for a spice that comes from a tree? Is it a "fruit extract" like juice? Does it matter if it comes from the fruit or some other part of the tree like the root?

Sugar, like fruit, is a product from a tree (or at least a plant). What is its correct bracha?

Overview and summary of the history and halachot of the Three Weeks

At what point is juice the "normal" way of eating a fruit? What about stewing or seeping? Plumbs, figs, and oranges; kanata a'da'ta d'hechi.

Juice that seeps or is squeezed from fruit or that comes from crushing or cooking fruit -- what is its bracha?

Figuring out the correct bracha on a mixture is complex and includes the intricacies of ikkar v'tefel, kavanah, ta'am, ikkar hapri, and more.

Concepts in brachot related to juices and medicines; also, more on ikkar v'tefel.

One who is zealous to be close to Hashem performs mitzvot with enthusiasm and alacrity.

Is a seed part of the fruit and hence subject to the same brachah, or is it a different food? Is the seed tafel to the fruit? Why is the tree grown?

Hashem answers all our prayers, granting us whatever we need -- if we focus on the right needs.

What is the brachah for an immature, inedible nut that becomes edible when cooked? Concept: natay a'da'ta.

What is the brachah for a nut? Concepts: ikkar and tefel; griuta and maalyuta; tzurato nikeret.

What is the brachah for a fresh fruit that is better when cooked? A cooked fruit that tastes better when fresh?

What is the brachah for a fruit that is eaten either cooked or fresh?

What is the brachah for fruit that is sour, bitter because it is unripe? What if it is so bitter that it is inedible?

At what point during a fruit's maturation process does it become the "main" fruit that receives the brachah borei pri ha-etz?

Halacha l'ma'aseh: there are four requirements that, if met, make raisin wine pri ha-gefen by all opinions.

Each mitzvah has its own inner beauty, and we should seek to express that beauty in our observance of the mitzvah by performing it in a pleasing manner.

Is the brachah for raisin wine borei pri hagafen or shehakol?

At some point in mixing wine with other liquids, its brachah changes from borei pri ha-gefen. Just when does that happen?

Does wine still get a special brachah if it is concentrated? Mevushal? Pasteurized? Mixed with other flavors?

Why does wine get a special bracha? Why does fruit from a tree get a different bracha from other plants?

The general rules for brachot on fruit -- when the brachah is pri ha'etz, pri ha'adamah, and shehakol. Also: what to do if you don't know what brachah to make -- the answer will likely surprise you!

Eating without saying a bracha prior to eating is like stealing from Hashem.

Chinuch for Birkat HaMazon is unique in that a child can fulfill his father's obligation.

Chinuch is all about relationships -- relationships with ourselves, with our children, spouses, friends, and with Hashem.

Summary of various topics, including: handing a child an issur; handing a child an issur by way of a non-Jew; issurei d'rabbanan for a sick child; and circumstances where it is forbidden to eat (such as prior to kiddush and fast days.

All Jews are responsible for one another, so there are situations where every adult Jew has an obligation to educate every Jewish child. Two common cases: when a child does an issur for an adult; mitzvot ben adam l'chaveiro.

We make havdala following Yom Tov, but we don't include the candle or spices. Why?

If you are engaged in performing a mitzvah, you have no obligation to interrupt to perform other mitzvot, even if their time will pass, even if they are "more important."

Staying awak all night on Shavuos may compensate for our oversleeping when the Torah was given. Also: handling the morning blessings for those who haven't slept.

We do not "bundle" mitzvot together and perform multiple mitzvot at once.

On the 61st anniversary of the establishment of modern Jewish sovereignty in Jerusalem, what should we be thinking with regard to the Holy City?

The Chayei Adam views chinuch for mitzvot lo ta'aseh as an obligation of every Jew -- and Rav Dovid adds, this mitzvah of chinuch is not just for children.

Dedicated as a zechut for Tzipporah Feiga bas Chana Breina that she should have the privilege of raising children in a life of Torah.

Chinuch for mitzvot lo ta'aseh begins as soon as the child understands "no." We protect our children from physical dangers; should we not be equally careful of spiritual dangers?

A child picks up a forbidden food or begins to perform a forbidden act. Need we stop the child? Reprimand him or her? What if it isn't your child?

Dedicated for a refuah shleimah for Chaya Sarah Dinah bas Alta Bas Sheva

Under no (ordinary) circumstances can you hand a child a forbidden food or an opportunity to violate a Torah prohibition.

L'ilui nishmat Zissel Devorah bas Avraham Abish on the occasion of her yahrzeit.

We must always regard mitzvot respectfully, never putting ourselves above a mitzvah.

In some situations, we need not prevent a child from eating something when he shouldn't.

The opportunity to perform a mitzvah in the most ideal fashion later is a legitimate reason to delay its immediate observance.

When choosing between two mitzvot, both timing and mitzvah "importance" count.