Wednesday, October 28, 2020

Lech Lecha - Victory Song

 What is the idea behind Malchizedek's blessing to Avraham Avinu? What did he mean when he said that Hashem was 'Migen' the oppressors of Avraham? How does this word relate to the concept of a wheel and the evil machinations of Avraham's enemies? How does this word relate to the concept of Mangina-song? Why does King David sing his song in the night? Why does Hashem destroy our enemies in the night time? Why was the building burning and how does this relate to Avraham's experience of the world which lead to Hashem revealing Himself to Avraham? From whom does Hashem 'acquire' the world?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Running time: 23:16



Thursday, October 22, 2020

Noach - Spiritual Cycles

What is the idea behind the Medrash's statement that before the flood, 'they would plant but not harvest?' What is the depth behind the fact that previous to the flood there were no distinct seasons, that people could travel long distances in a moment, and that there was no fear of wild animals? Why did this all change after the flood? Why did the world become a world of cycles and challenges?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast

Running time: 19:09



Friday, October 16, 2020

Breishis - Intuiting our Purpose

Why did Hashem consult with the angels before creating the human being? What is the essence of man's advantage over an angel? Why did Hashem ask Adam to name the animals? What is the idea behind the name being related to its essence? Why did man refer to himself as Adam from the word Adama-earth? Why did Adam need to notice that all the other animals had a mate in order to ask for his own mate? What is behind the concept of Hashem wanting us to want?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Running time: 29:24



Thursday, October 8, 2020

Vzos Habracha-Shmini Atzeres - Alone with Hashem

What is the idea behind Moshe being called a 'Man of God?' How can one be 'a man' - human - and also be Godly? Why is this a prerequisite in order for him to bless the Jewish people? Why does the Torah stress that he is blessing them before his death? What is the depth behind the idea of the Jewish people being an 'Am Levadad' - a lonely nation? How does this correspond to Hashem's oneness? What is the depth of the teaching that Hashem has a special festive meal alone with the Jewish people on the last day of Succos (ie Shmini Atzeres)? Why do the blessings come from this 'loneliness?'

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Running time: 24:05



Friday, October 2, 2020

Succos - Shade and Protection

Why do we sit in a Succah on Succos? What is the idea behind the Succah needing to provide shade? Why is the source for this in verse that speaks about Moshiach? What is the idea of the Succah that will be made in the future? Why is the Succah referred to as the 'tzila d'mehemnusa' - the shade of faith? What is the concept of the 'sun that is taken out of its sheath' and the accompanying judgment? How is one protected from this judgment? Why is the root of the word for shade (tzel) the same as the root of the word 'to save' (l'hatzil)?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.