What verses in ben Sira are we permitted to learn?  Can one sing verses from Shir HaShirim in a tune other than the taamei hamikra?   What about from other books?  What is “someone who uses incantations” that according to the mishna will not get a part in the world to come?  Are there ways to do…

Details of Yeravam and Achav are brought to explain why they have no portion in the World to Come.  Despite the fact that they did terrible things, the rabbis also highlight that they did good things in their lives, particularly as it related to talmud torah or talmidei chachamim.

Why didn’t Menashe have a portion in the World to Come?  Some think that Menashe did get a potrtion in the World to Come because according to Chronicles, he repented.  Why are other bad kings not on this list of those who have no portion in the World to Come?  Some think that they are on…

Some say that all 7 people mentioned in the mishna do receive a portion in the World to Come.  A verse is brought that is explained in a way that the Jews in the time leading up to the destruction thought that they had a winning answer to counter God and his prophets when they told the…

The gemara continues to analyze Bilam’s words about the Jewish people and then how he advises Balak to entice them with women in order to get them killed, when he realizes that cursing them is impossible.  The next charachter mentioned in the mishna is Doeg HaEdomi.  His character is discussed.  According to the gemara, he…

In connection with Achitofel, the gemara diverts to the story of David and Batsheva is analyzed – why was David tested in this way and why did he fail the test?  What was the reaction of those around him?  And how did he get forgiveness from God?  How in the end was it made obvious to…

The mishna describes groups of people who do not have a share in the World to Come, like the generation of the flood, migdal bavel and the people of Sedom.   The gemara discusses in depth details relating to the flood and the building of the ark.

What did the generation of those who built the Tower of Bavel trying to do?  What were the acts of Sodom?  What made them do it?  Most of the things they did fall into 2 categories – not treating guests properly and perverting justice.  There is a debate about Korach and his followers – whether…

Korach’s wife convinced him to rebel against Moshe according to the story described in the gemara and Korach even tried to argue with her but she convinced him anyway.  It is a matter of debate whether Korach was swallowed up and burned with the others.  However it is clear from the Torah that his sons did…

The gemara discusses details about an “ir hanidachat”, a city who the majority of its inhabitants turn to idol worship.