Homebound? New to OU Torah? Here's Where to Start

In our efforts to eradicate the COVID-19 virus, the Jewish community, like the community at large, has been taking some steps unprecedented in recent memory. In some areas, this goes as far as to actually close shuls, canceling services, social events and simchas. So, the question arises: Where are those who are quarantined, self-quarantined, or just idle because their normal shiurim are canceled, to get their Torah learning? Here are some resources from OU Torah that will be of use not only to the homebound but to all of us who may be looking to add new areas of study to our Torah repertoires.

PARSHA

OU Torah’s flagship parsha-study program is called Shnayim Mikra, named for the obligation to review each week’s Torah portion twice in the original and once in translation. Each week, Shnayim Mikra presents seven daily shiurim – one on each aliyah of the week’s sedra – from a variety of acclaimed lecturers. Additional resources include the text of the sedra in Hebrew and English and a synopsis explaining each aliyah.

Other popular parsha series include Rabbi Shalom Rosner on Parsha, Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks on Parsha, Rabbi Dr. Tzvi Hersh Weinreb’s Person in the Parsha, Rabbi Daniel Glatstein on Parsha, and Rabbi Immanuel Bernstein’s Dimensions in Chumash, among others. All of OU Torah’s parsha series can be seen here.

NACH

As of this writing, the OU’s Shoshana Grossman Nach Yomi is about to start Shmuel Beis (the second book of Samuel). Like Shnayim Mikra, Nach Yomi offers a variety of speakers, plus text, translation and a synopsis in the vernacular. Additionally, Torat Imecha Nach Yomi from the OU Women’s Initiative offers all-new shiurim from some of today’s finest women educators. Add Rabbi Menachem Leibtag’s Nach Yomi in Depth for a thoroughly immersive Nach Yomi experience!

Other Nach series include Rabbi Dr. Yitzchak Breitowitz’ Mishlei: Wisdom for Life, Rabbi Reuven Taragin on Iyov, Rabbi Shalom Rosner on Nach (currently learning Amos), and Rebbitzen Pearl Borow on Nach (currently learning Malachi). See all Nach series here.

DAF YOMI

The OU Daf Yomi Initiative offers daily daf shiurim from some of the Torah world’s finest teachers. Presenters include Rabbi Moshe Elefant, Rabbi Shalom Rosner, Rabbi Sruly Bornstein, Rabbi Aryeh Lebowitz, Rabbi Shloime Schwartzberg, Rabbi Eluzar Nissan Rubin and Rabbi Eli Mansour. No matter one’s background or educational level, you’re sure to find the shiur that’s right for you.

In addition to the daily shiurim, the Daf Yomi Initiative is proud to present a full complement of new series to bring each day’s page of Talmud to life in new ways. Among these are Rabbi Elefant’s Daf Sugya, Dr. Henry Abramson’s Jewish History in Daf Yomi, Rabbi Yaakov Trump’s Pesukei HaDaf, and Rabbi Menachem Genack’s Rav Soloveitchik Along the Daf. See all daf series at the aptly-named AllDaf.org!

If a daf a day is too brisk for your tastes, consider Daf HaShavua – a daf a week! Daf HaShavua is currently learning tractate Chagigah and OU Torah offers two shiurim, from Rabbi Beni Krohn and Rabbi Daniel Glatstein, plus a variety of resources provided by Daf a Week.

And don’t overlook Mishna Yomit – an audio shiur on two mishnayos a day, with text and Bartinuro available in Hebrew plus an English synopsis.

HALACHA

OU Torah’s popular halacha series include the daily series Dirshu Mishnah Brurah Yomi from Rabbi Aaron E. Glatt, MD, and HaShoneh Halachos 2: Mishneh Torah from Rabbi Jack Abramowitz. Other series of note include Rabbi Anthony Manning’s Halachic and Hashkafic Issues in Contemporary Society, OU Kosher’s Halacha Yomis, and a variety of halacha series from Rabbi Aryeh Kerzner. See all halacha content from OU Torah here.

MORE!

This only scratches the surface of OU Torah’s vast offerings. Additional series range from Rabbi David Ashear’s Daily Emunah to Rabbi Dr. Dovid Katz’ A Short Burst of Biography, and from Weekly Tefilah Focus to Rabbi Dr. Ari Zivotofsky’s Tzarich Iyun. Check them all out online at OU Torah or by using the OU Torah app for iOS and Android.

Let’s all stay healthy and use our time productively. May the z’chus of our learning help to bring this crisis to a speedy conclusion!