Matos & Masei - Preparing for Redemption - Getting out of Galus

What is the meaning of the 'heart of the wise that is on the right' as opposed to the 'heart of the fool on the left?' What is behind the placement of the cattle before the children in the statement of the children of Gad and Reuven? How does Moshe correct them? What is the root of the exile that is ultimately brought upon the tribes of Gad and Reuven? Why does the Torah enumerate the many journeys and stations along the route of the Jews' sojourn in the wilderness? When is it time to run in order to save one's life? What is the idea behind the fact that there was nowhere to run to when the Jews were in the wilderness?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Running time: 28:26

Bitachon 69 - Bitachon Always Helps

We discuss the idea that Bitachon always has an effect, even for those who are not righteous. We also explore the approach of Hillel, who would trust in Hashem that he would receive the best food for Shabbos - and knew that what is for today - is for today.

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Pinchas & Matos - One G-d, One Nation

What is behind the concept of Nedarim which are at the end of Parshas Pinchas and the beginning of Matos? Why do they immediately follow the commandment for the offerings of Shmini Atzeres? What is the deeper concept behind the diminishment of the Bull offerings that are brought throughout the days of Succos? What is represented by the single Bull and Ram that are brought on the Shmini Atzeres? Why is a guest to expect a diminishment in the food he is offered throughout his stay at his host's home? Which festivals did Hashem reject, and which ones does He desire from His people? What is the concept of the Moadim-festivals? Why are the vows to be fulfilled specifically in relationship to the festivals?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Running time: 27:53

Bitachon 68 - Stay Spiritually Centered

We start learning together a section in the sefer "Bitach Bashem" where he quotes from sources in the Gemara and Midrash that speak about the idea of Bitachon. We start with a section that speaks of the importance of maintaining our relationship with Hashem at the center of our life through our Bitachon, in order to receive all the blessings we desire.

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Running time: 16:35 

Balak & Pinchas - Challenge of Redemption

What is the unique challenge that presents itself at the transition time of Redemption? How does this play out when the Jews are redeemed from Egypt, as opposed to their imminent arrival in the Holy Land? How was this manifest before the Second Temple was built in the times of Esther? What protected the Jewish people and allowed them to be redeemed from Egypt? Why were they able to maintain purity in their relationships between men and women in that time, and why did they fall at the end of the forty years in the wilderness? What is represented by the powerful example of courage in the act of Pinchas which stopped the plague? What lesson can we take for the challenge we face in our times as we close in on the final Redemption?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Running time: 28:51

Bitachon 67 - Bitachon is the Greatest Level

We study some more ideas from the Gra about Bitachon, among them is that Bitachon is a mitzvah that includes and impacts all the other Mitzvos (commandments), and it is an exalted level, especially when accompanied by righteousness (though Bitachon can be used by anyone).

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Running time: 21:20

Chukas & Balak - The War of Og After Succos

What is the significance of the fact that the war with Sichon happened during Elul and that the war with Og happened right after Succos, as the Jews stood at the border of the land of Israel? Why was Moshe concerned about this war with Og - what merit did the Jewish people lack, and what merit did Og have? What is the difference between the wars that were fought then and the future wars immediately before Moshiach comes? What was Bilaam's mistaken approach that angered Hashem? How can we find merit in a time of judgment and cross over into the Holy Land?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Running time: 26:10

Bitachon 64-65-66

Bitachon 66 - Childlike Faith

We continue reading from the Gra, who gives us a paradigm for what true Bitachon looks like - a childlike innocence and trust - and to the degree we trust, Hashem is there for us.

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Bitachon 65 - Bitachon with All Your Heart

We explore some ideas on Bitachon from the Gra, first on pesukim in Mishlei. We speak of the difference between the word Batach and Chasah, and we explore the idea of having one's heart and emotions filled with Bitachon.

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Bitachon 64 - Redemption and Prayer

We continue in the Rabbenu Yonah on the topic of Yiras Shamayim and Bitachon, and we also explore the idea that we are to speak of the Redemption from Egypt and then immediately go into prayer so we can be in a state of Bitachon.

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Korach & Chukas - Staff of Moshiach

What is the concept of the staff of Aharon that proves his specialness? Why is this the same staff that was used by Yehuda, Moshe, the kings of Israel, and will be used in the future by Moshiach? What is the concept of the two different versions of the letter 'tzadi?' How does this relate to the final redemption? Why does Aharon take center stage in parshas Korach, but take a back seat in regards to the process of the purification process of the Red Heifer?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Running time: 29:31