Haazinu-Rosh Hashana - Affirming Commitment

Why do we always read the parshios related to the transition when we are standing at the new year? Why does Moshe call the Heaven and Earth as witnesses to Hashem's covenant with the Jewish people? How does Hashem express the covenant? How do we express that covenant? How does this relate to our crowning Hashem our King on Rosh Hashana? What are the different types of motivations for our actions?

Find out in this week's parsha podcast.

Running time: 21:05

Nitsavim-Vayelech - Return to Paradise

Why does the Torah preface the commandment to repent (Teshuva) with a description of what life will be like after the Messiah's arrival? What is the difference between our state at present, and the way it will be when the Messiah arrives? What is the concept of the orlas halev (barier on the heart)? How does one do Teshuva? What is the effect of doing Teshuva (repenting)?

Find out in this week's parsha podcast.

Running time: 26:58

Ki Savo - Power of Amen

What is the concept of the word 'Amen?' What is behind the three meanings of Amen - Oath, Admission, and Prayer? Why does one merit to say Amen in the next world if one says Amen in this world? Why does one merit to 'hear the voice of the bride and groom' in the future world if one 'hears' the Torah in this world? What is the depth of the concept of true commitment?

Find out in this week's parsha podcast.

Running time: 26:20

Ki Seitze - Compassion and Fellowship

What is the depth of the idea of sending away the mother bird when taking the chicks? Why does the Gemara say that it is improper to say that this mitzvah indicates that Hashem has compassion upon the animals? Why does our midrash indicate the opposite? How does fulfilment of this commandment bring closer the days of Moshiach? What is the connection to the mitzvah of steering away from gossip? Why does the midrash conclude in that context, as well, with the concept of the coming of Moshiach?

Find out in this week's parsha podcast.

Running time: 27:05

Shoftim - Charity and Justice

Why does the verse imply that Justice and Charity are greater than bringing sacrifices in the Temple? In what ways are they indeed greater? Why did King David rejoice when his scoffers expressed their wish that 'the temple be built' when it meant the end of his own life? How did King David perform justice and charity? Why does the medrash refer to his charity and justice, while a similar account in the Gemara (Talmud) refers to his Torah learning?

Find out in this week's parsha podcast.

Running time: 26:50

Reeh - Expansion from Constriction

What is the concept of expansion in regards to the land of Israel? When does that expansion occur? How does it parallel the challenge and redemption of Yosef? Why did Abba Yuden lose all of his wealth only to give charity and then become even wealthier? What is the idea behind the comparison of the expansion of Israel to a scroll being opened?

Find out in this week's parsha podcast.

Running time: 23:50

Ekev - Desired Land

What is the difference between the land of Egypt and the land Israel? What is the significance of the land of Israel being sustained by rain? What does it mean when the verse says that Israel is a place that Hashem 'constantly searches,' and that 'His eyes are upon it?' Doesn't Hashem also take care of and protect other lands? How is the concept of 'desire' connected intimately to the land of Israel and the Jewish people?

Find out in this week's parsha podcast.

Running time: 24:57

Vaeschanan - Balancing Inclinations

How does one Love and serve Hashem with both the Good and Evil inclinations? What does the word 'crouching' mean in the context of the Evil inclination? How does each inclination pull a person toward or away from Hashem? How does one strengthen the power of the Good Inclination? What is the difference between instant gratification and actions that require patience?

Find out in this week's parsha podcast.

Running time: 23:40

Devarim - Humble Blessings

What is the idea behind the fact that Hashem promises to reveal His 'two letter' name, but ultimately reveals the 'name of 72?' Why do the righteous 'say a little and do a lot?' Why did Hashem not reveal the concept of the Manna to Abraham? How could the Jewish people make the claim that they had eaten the Manna during their servitude to Pharaoh? Why does King David ask that he not have grievances to the Jewish people, and they not have grievances toward him? Why does he ask that they 'hear' or listen to him?

Find out in this week's parsha podcast.

Running time: 26:44

Matos-Masei - Creating With Speech

What is the power of speech? How is one able to create with speech? What is the idea of God speaking when He creates - with whom was He communicating? What is the idea of speech without communication? How is it expressed in the idea of a vow?

Find out in this week's parsha podcast.

Running time: 25:29