Parshas Noach: What Do Animals Do All Day? - Perek Shira Part 1 - Rabbi Daniel Glatstein

Brief Summary:
Rabbi Daniel Glatstein delivers a shiur on Parshas Noach, focusing on the concept of Perek Shira and its various interpretations. He begins by discussing why God destroyed the animal kingdom during the flood and the necessity of preserving different species. The rabbi then delves into the meaning and purpose of Perek Shira, a work that ascribes specific verses to different elements of creation.
He presents four main approaches to understanding Perek Shira:

• 1. The Ritva's approach: If creatures could talk, this is what they would say.
• 2. The Mabit and Aruch HaKodesh's approach: Animals actually do talk and say these verses.
• 3. The Arizal and Nefesh HaChaim's approach: The verses refer to the angels representing each creature.
• 4. The Sefer HaIkarim's approach: Humans should learn moral lessons from observing creation.
  
  Rabbi Glatstein emphasizes the importance of singing on Shabbat and how it elevates creation. He concludes by explaining how humans can transform physical entities into spiritual ones by recognizing the lessons and greatness of the Creator in every aspect of creation.

Chapters:
Introduction and sponsorship acknowledgments
Rabbi Daniel Glatstein begins the shiur by welcoming everyone and acknowledging the sponsors of the event. He mentions Dr. Zakheim's dedication of the shiur and announces the availability of new sefarim.
00:02:40 The destruction of the animal kingdom in the flood
Rabbi Glatstein discusses why God destroyed the animal kingdom during the flood and questions the necessity of preserving different species. He ponders the role and function of the vast diversity in creation.
00:04:31 Introduction to Perek Shira
The rabbi introduces Perek Shira, a work that lists various aspects of creation and ascribes specific verses to each element. He questions the literal interpretation of animals and objects reciting verses.
00:09:58 The Ritva's approach to Perek Shira
Rabbi Glatstein presents the Ritva's interpretation that Perek Shira is not literal. Instead, it represents what creatures would say if they could talk.
00:13:36 The Mabit and Aruch HaKodesh's approach
The rabbi discusses the view that animals can actually talk and recite verses, citing examples from Tanakh where animals spoke or sang.
00:21:44 The Arizal and Nefesh HaChaim's approach
Rabbi Glatstein explains the kabbalistic interpretation that Perek Shira refers to the angels representing each creature, and how human recitation activates these angels.
00:34:24 The Sefer HaIkarim's approach
The rabbi presents the view that Perek Shira is meant to teach humans moral lessons by observing creation. He emphasizes the importance of learning good qualities from animals and nature.
00:49:26 The importance of singing on Shabbat
Rabbi Glatstein discusses the special importance of singing on Shabbat and how it elevates creation. He explains that human song on Shabbat compensates for the angels' inability to sing on this day.
00:51:07 Conclusion: Elevating creation through recognition
The rabbi concludes by explaining how humans can transform physical entities into spiritual ones by recognizing the lessons and greatness of the Creator in every aspect of creation.
Action Items:

• 00:01:26 Rabbi Daniel Glatstein mentioned the need to sign up for the upcoming trip to South Africa, joining the Shabbos Project from November 12th through the 19th.
• 00:01:45 Rabbi Daniel Glatstein encouraged participation in the daily Mishneh Berurah and Daf Hashevua learning sessions, Monday through Friday at 9 a.m.
• 00:02:21 Rabbi Daniel Glatstein invited people to get involved in upcoming sefarim projects, including Ben LaAshrei, Derech Hashem in English, and Sippurei Chassidim.
• 00:50:06 Rabbi Daniel Glatstein emphasized the importance of singing on Shabbat, encouraging people to sing zemirot at the Shabbat table and in shul.
• 00:51:29 Rabbi Daniel Glatstein urged listeners to look for lessons and the greatness of the Creator in every aspect of creation, transforming physical entities into spiritual ones.