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

Lech Lecha - Bitachon-Trust in Hashem

What is the purpose of the blessings that Hashem promises Avraham - are they just to replace what he loses by following Hashem's command to travel? If Hashem did not specify where Avraham was to go to, how did he know to set out toward the Land of Canaan? What do we learn from Avraham leaving the land of Nimrod and his later encounter with him again? Why was Avraham adamant not to allow the king of Sodom to say that he made Avraham rich? What is the spiritual principle at work when we run after results and the results 'run away from us?'

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Running time: 22:52

Noach - Inner Purity

What is the idea behind Noach 'profaning' himself by planting a vineyard? How did Noach fall from being a 'Righteous Man' to being a 'Man of the Earth?' What is the secret of the 'wine protected within its grapes from the six days of creation?' What is the idea of the spiritual reward that 'no eye has seen except for' Hashem? What is the correct approach in facing a challenge in this world, and making use of this world properly in our service of Hashem?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Running time: 28:04

Breishis - Start Right

What is the idea that the first verse of the Torah contains the entire Torah, and that the first word and the first letter do the same? Why does the Torah start with the letter 'Beis' and not 'Alef?' What is hinted to in the seven words of the first verse? What is hinted to in the twenty eight letters of the verse? How do we begin the year right?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Running time: 21:52

Haazinu-YK-Succos - Love and Judgment

What is the idea of Hashem's judgment and 'charity?' Why does Hashem mention the improper eulogy of Shaul, implying his unrecognized righteousness, alongside mention of his sin with the Givonim? Why are the Keruvim embracing at the destruction of the Temple, indicating Hashem's love for us, if it is the moment of retribution for our sins? Why does the joyous holiday of Succos immediately follow the time of judgment of Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Running time: 19:06

Moshiach, Return to Adam Harishon, and Rosh Hashana 5780

What is the meaning of the verse that Hashem will remove the walls around our hearts in the times of Moshiach? What does this have to do with Rosh Hashana? How does this connect to Shavuos and the receiving of the Torah? What happened when Hashem placed the mountain over heads? What is the central theme of Rosh Hashana? How are we to relate to crowning Hashem our King? How can we trust that we will be blessed with a sweet new year? What are we to expect for the year 5780?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Running time: 26:42