Author Archives: Rabbi Leib Zalesch

A Fool for Love: The Meeting of Chesed and Emet

Posted on June 22, 2020 by Rabbi Leib Zalesch

I just finished my first year of teaching in a new location, and I finally have the time to write up the conclusions of a learning experience I had with my 7th Grade Advanced Chumash class a few months ago. … Continue reading →

Posted in Classroom Experiences, Parshat Hashavua | Leave a comment

Aruch Hashulchan Yomi (Reprise)

Posted on May 31, 2020 by Rabbi Leib Zalesch

Some time ago (link) I proposed a new system for the daily learning of Aruch Hashulchan which would be based on a set number of paragraphs, which are mostly uniform in size, to replace the existing system based on a … Continue reading →

Posted in Communal Matters, Halacha | Leave a comment

What I Learned in My First 2000 Days of Teaching

Posted on April 14, 2020 by Rabbi Leib Zalesch

In honor of my 1000th day of teaching, shortly before the end of my 6th year of teaching, I made the daily announcements for my school over the intercom (a lifelong dream) and brought in treats for my students. I … Continue reading →

Posted in Classroom Experiences, Jewish Education (meta) | Leave a comment

Coronavirus and Maintaining Belief in Challenging Times

Posted on March 28, 2020 by Rabbi Leib Zalesch

Many in my large Jewish community have lamented the closure of our Shuls and schools in the face of the devastating Coronavirus cutting a deadly path across our nation. I am among them. Yet I tend to react to difficult … Continue reading →

Posted in Communal Matters, Tefillah | Leave a comment

Jewish Unity and Parshat Shemot

Posted on January 20, 2020 by Rabbi Leib Zalesch

As the young nation unified by its harmony at the end of Sefer Bereishit turns to one enslaved in Sefer Shemot, we are informed that it is in the same spirit of unity that the Jews descend to Egypt: וְאֵלֶּה … Continue reading →

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Some Suggestions for Daf Yomi Cycle #14

Posted on July 29, 2019 by Rabbi Leib Zalesch

With the end of Daf Yomi cycle #13 upon us this January and cycle #14 beginning immediately thereafter, we will soon find ourselves awash with celebratory tributes and articles extolling the extraordinary growth of the program and Talmud Torah itself … Continue reading →

Posted in Classroom Experiences, Communal Matters, Jewish Education (meta), Talmud / Daf Yomi | Leave a comment

Love Interrupted: When Ya’akov Finally Fell for Leah (Vayishlach)

Posted on November 25, 2018 by Rabbi Leib Zalesch

Parshat Vayishlach opens with Ya’akov’s multi-pronged preparation for meeting his estranged brother Eisav. Famously, he sends gifts to his brother, prepares for war, and prays. When it comes time to meet Eisav, we find this final bit of preparation: ספר … Continue reading →

Posted in Parshat Hashavua, The Week in Rashi | Leave a comment

19th Century Torah Commentaries Series

Posted on September 28, 2018 by Rabbi Leib Zalesch

This past summer I had the privilege of sharing a five-week series on the rebirth of Torah commentary in the 19th Century, exploring the historical context, personal biographies, and literary styles of four giants of 19th Century Jewish life – … Continue reading →

Posted in Jewish History, Parshat Hashavua | Leave a comment

Sukkah, Beit Hamikdash, and Eternal Love

Posted on September 28, 2018 by Rabbi Leib Zalesch

I had the opportunity the other day to have my middle school students over in my sukkah, and I shared the D’var Torah below. I am sharing it now for any larger benefit it may serve. There is a curious … Continue reading →

Posted in Holidays, Succot, Tefillah | Leave a comment

Musings On the Beracha of Leishev BaSukkah

Posted on September 28, 2018 by Rabbi Leib Zalesch

I was fortunate to be able to learn about the beracha of “Leishev BaSukkah” with a group at my Shul over Yom Tov. Below are some of the salient points, with references to the sources, which are linked to here. … Continue reading →

Posted in Halacha, Holidays, Succot | Leave a comment