Shemos - Appreciating Life

Why did Iyov receive such great difficulties for doing something better than Bilaam, who received a quick death? How can we appreciate the amazing good fortune Hashem bestows upon us in that He gives us life? How can we face our challenges with positivity, and even thank Him for those difficulties? What do our sages mean when they say that a moment in this world doing repentance and good deeds is greater than all the world to come?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Running time: 27:47

Vayechi - Exile and Redemption

What is represented by the fact that Yakov is unable to reveal the End Times to his children? Why do they respond by saying 'Shema Yisrael?' Why does the Gemara Berachos begin with the concept of saying Shema? Why specifically does the Torah speak first of saying Shema at night? What is the idea behind the 'roaring' of Hashem in the night, when He laments the exile of his children? How does Shema rectify this? What is the difference between Hashem's lament in the night time as opposed to what He says when the Jewish people gather in synagogues and study halls to praise Him?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Vayigash - Shechina in Exile

What is the idea of Hashem's assurance to Yakov that He will accompany him into the exile? Why does Onkelos uncharacteristically translate Hashem's descent literally, as opposed to referring to Hashem's honor? How do we understand the dichotomy of the exile being a place where Hashem's presence is hidden, and yet the Divine Presence and Providence is increased? What is the idea behind the special Providence that only Yosef received, being the first of the Jewish people to enter exile?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Running time: 23:49

Mikeitz - Waiting for Justice

What is the idea behind all the injustices Yosef must endure, despite his great righteousness? What is the end result of Potifar's treachery to his faithful servant Yosef? Why is Yosef able to recognize his brothers, but they do not recognize him? What is the end result of Yosef's commitment to absolute truth in the face of years of seeming injustice?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Running time: 24:03

Vayeshev - Chanukah and Yosef

Why does the Torah repeat the theme of a beautiful person experiencing a challenge as a result of their beauty - be it Sarah, Rivkah, Dina or Yosef? What is the difference between all other cultures in the way that they show their prominence as opposed to the Jewish culture? How does the story of Yosef parallel this idea? What is the idea behind the candles of Chanukah?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Running time: 22:42

Vayishlach - Following Examples

Why did Ovadya separate the 100 prophets he was saving into two groups? Why is it important that he followed the example of Yakov in our parsha? Why do we find this theme in a number of places in the Gemara? Why do we find this also in regards to the behavior of the Amoraim and tana'im, where they followed the example set by the Rabbis of previous generations?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Running time: 21:23

Vayetzei - Twelve Stones

Why did Yakov take twelve stones and see if they would combine into one? If it was indicative of the fact he would have twelve children, why didn't he take one stone and see if it would separate into twelve? What is the difference between the twelve princes of Yishmael as opposed to the twelve tribes of Israel? What is the concept of the thirteenth aspect and the leap month added to the lunar calendar year? Why did Yakov specifically do this test with a stone?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Running time: 24:37

Toldos - Turning Bad into Good

Why was Esav held accountable for his evil behavior if it seems to have stemmed from his nature? What is the idea of turning bad middos (character traits) into good ones? What is the challenge of living among people who are good? How does one overcome this? How does one direct all of his character traits in the proper direction - toward the service of Hashem?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Running time: 23:46

Chayei Sarah - Getting Used To It

Why was Avraham able to sacrifice his son, but Sarah died upon hearing about it? What is the idea of slowly getting used to difficult situations? How can we maintain our inspiration and not get used to it when it comes to lowering our guard in spiritual matters?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Running time: 26:06

Vayera - Big Challenges, Small Challenges

What was the approach of the Satan in trying to stop Avraham and Yitzchak from their willingness to sacrifice at Hashem's command? If the Satan saw that Yitzchak was willing to give his life, why did he bother him with a little thing like jealousy of Yishmael? Why do the Kohanim need special encouragement in regards to the Olah sacrifice if generally they are 'zerizim'-quick in their service of Hashem? How can one use the small challenges in a positive way? What tool can one use to face off with the 'little challenges?'

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Running time: 24:13