Shlach - Finding Hashem in the Pause

What was at the root of the sin of the spies? Why do so many of the ego's wiles center around impatience? If Hashem gave atonement to the Jewish people for their crying over the fear of entering Israel, why did they all die in the wilderness? Should we be waiting for Moshiach, or demanding Moshiach now? What is the concept of waiting in the story of Yosef, where Yaakov waited to see how the dreams would unfold? Why did Hashem wait until Yom Kippur to forgive the Jewish people for the sin of the spies? What is the idea of waiting for 40 years in the wilderness, and how does that relate to finding Hashem in the pause, or in the waiting? What is the difference between Mind and Heart?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Running time: 27:49

Bitachon 213 - What You Can Do

We study together the passuk in Tehillim Chapter 118 passuk 9, which again speaks of how we are better off trusting in Hashem than in humans, but this time it refers to them as 'generous ones.' The Chofetz Chaim explains that the 'generous ones' are the angels of mercy. And yet, it is better to have Hashem be our judge, not the angels. The path in to getting Hashem to be the judge - for He is full of the greatest compassion - is by living a life of compassion and kindness for others. This is especially important right now as we face a great threat from the enemies of the people of Israel.

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Running time: 25:21

Behaaloscha - Waking At Midnight

What is the power of the holy trumpets that were sounded by Moshe in the wilderness to draw the attention of the people? Why did both Moshe and Dovid Hamelech use them? What is the concept of Dovid rising at midnight to the sound of his harp playing? Why did he play at that time, and why did he commence learning Torah at that time on through 'til daybreak? What is the connection between this midnight, and the midnight of Pesach, the midnight of Rus, the midnight of Purim, and the midnight we just experienced here in Israel with the beginnings of the destruction of Iran's nuclear capabilities?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Running time: 29:17

 

Bitachon 212 - Not Them - Only Him

We continue to study together the passuk in Tehillim perek 118 passuk 8, where Dovid Hamelech tells us that it is better to have a weaker level of Bitachon which is directed to Hashem than to have a stronger bitachon directed to another person.

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Running time: 27:27

Nasso - Finding Hashem Inside

Why are so many people present when the spectacle of the disgrace of the Sotah happens? Why do they go home and make a vow of abstinence from alcoholic beverages? What is the concept of the 'legs' that are like 'pillars of marble,' and the 'cedars of Lebanon?' How does one access the great wisdom which is inside of each and every one of us, which is the voice of Hashem? How does Hashem draw close the righteous and also those who have sinned and then repented? What is the idea behind the teaching that Hashem draws close first the people of Israel, and then looks also for those amongst the nations who also wish to be drawn close?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Running time: 32:35

Bitachon 211 - Israel's Rock of Protection

We study together the passuk in Tehillim perek 118 passuk 8, where Dovid Hamelech tells us that it is better to have a weaker level of Bitachon which is directed to Hashem than to have a stronger bitachon directed to another person.

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Running time: 21:09

Bimidbar-Shavuos - The Missing 50 & Rus' Return

Why do we count to 49, which is 7 weeks, but not count the number 50? What is the idea behind the fact that the Leviim are not counted with the Jewish people? Why are Leviim who are only 30 days old counted, whereas the babies of the rest of the Jewish people are not included in the count? What is the idea of the 'chosen' from amongst the many? What was the special attribute of Rus that made her worthy to be the great grandmother of Dovid, and ultimately of Moshiach?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Running time: 30:03

 

Bitachon 210 - Real Bitachon Real Results

We continue on to chapter 115 of Tehillim, passuk 11, which speaks of the Yirei Hashem - those who fear Hashem. They are the individuals who dedicate their lives to seeking the wisdom of Hashem and seeking to bring His light into their lives. This results in a deeper level of Bitachon, and stronger demonstration by Hashem that He is their Helper and Protector.

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Running time: 23:33

 

Behar-Bechukosai - Blessings From A to Z

How did Dovid Hamelech start his path thinking about going on a personal outing and end up in the shul or house of study? What are the two paths he would contemplate as he made his way through life? Why does it seem like there are much fewer blessings than curses? Why do the verses of the blessings begin and end with the first and last letters of the Hebrew alphabet? Why do the curses start and end with the letters vav and heh? What is the difference between 'vey' and 'vah?'

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Running time: 26:31

Bitachon 209 - As War and Judgments Rise

We continue on to the next passuk in perek 115 which is passuk 10, which speaks of the Bitachon of the Kohanim (priests). Although we have already spoken of the people of Israel generally, there is a deeper lesson of Bitachon for those who serve on behalf of the Jewish people in the Beis Hamikdash. And there is a further lesson for the one who lives in awe of Hashem, as well. All these add up to directions for living in a time of war and judgment, as explained by the Chofetz Chaim.

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Running time: 23:05

Emor - Expanding Into Giving

What are the five ways that the Kohen Gadol is greater than his brothers? How does he become rich if he is not rich? What is the concept behind his brothers giving him wealth? How does this correspond to what happens when a king of the Jewish people is anointed? How did the armor of King Shaul fit Dovid if Shaul was known to be tall, and Dovid was not? What is meant by chazal when they say that a king would become 'tall' when he was anointed? What was behind the special joy that Dovid experienced when he was anointed, and how can we all experience this expansion in our lives?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Running time: 29:07

Bitachon 208 - Israel's Real Iron Dome

We continue our study of the famous passuk in Tehillim perek 115 passuk 9, which says that the people of Israel trust in Hashem because He is the one who helps them and shields them from their enemies. In this exploration we discover the idea that when a person has Bitachon and recognizes that Hashem is the only real Power there is, the result is that the person becomes more like Hashem, and that person himself can make guarantees, because Hashem stands behind the guarantee.

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Running time: 22:23

Acharei-Kedoshim - When the Good Suffer

Why is the concept of atonement on Yom Kippur and the order of the service prefaced with the death of Aharon's sons Nadav and Avihu? Why does the Midrash tell us the sad story of a groom who died on his wedding day? What is the depth of the lesson of the verse in Koheles (Ecclesiastes) that seems to say that both the righteous and the wicked meet a similar fate? What is the significance of Noach becoming lame as he leaves the ark, and thus becomes unfit to bring a sacrifice? Why do Moshe and Aharon die before entering Israel, even though they spoke so highly of the land? Why did the sons of Aharon die in a similar way as those who joined the rebellion of Korach?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Running time: 32:09

Bitachon 207 - Israel is Always Protected

We study together the famous passuk in Tehillim perek 115 passuk 9, which says that the people of Israel trust in Hashem because He is the one who helps them and shields them from their enemies.

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Running time: 19:35

Tazria-Metzora - Burning Off Impurity

What is the concept of the zav - the one who experiences an unhealthy flow? Why does this flow cause him to leave the camp? How does this contrast with the fact that all these types of sicknesses were eliminated when the Jewish people received the Torah at Mount Sinai? How does involvement with ego result in subjugation to the nations of the world, pain, and death? What is the message of Yeshaya in perek 17 passuk 11, as regards the 'planting' of the Jewish people, which had elements of potential for prosperity, alongside elements of dross? How do we leave behind the ego that is embedded into our essence and completely give ourselves to Hashem's will?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Running time: 33:37

Bitachon 206 - Emunah Vs. Bitachon

We continue to study together perek 112 in Tehillim, passuk 7 and cap it off with a discussion from the Ramban on the difference between Emunah - which is belief or faith, as opposed to Bitachon, which is a sense of full confidence in Hashem that all will be well.

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Running time: 14:37

Shmini - Moshe's Admission

Why do the sons of Aharon, Elazar and Itamar, merit to be part of a special prophecy? What was Moshe concerned about in regards to the sacrifice that was brought and was burned instead of being eaten? What was Aharon's humble response, and how did Moshe take it? Why were Elazar and Itamar silent if the rebuke of Moshe was directed toward them? What were the three instances that Moshe got angry and why did this cause him to forget a halacha? How does this forgetfulness work retroactively - he forgot it before he got angry?! What is the lesson of the fact that Moshe announced to the entire camp that he had made this mistake and been corrected by his brother Aharon?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Running time: 28:03

Bitachon 205 - Bitachon Protects Absolutely

We continue to study together perek 112 in Tehillim, passuk 7 which speaks of the fact that one who has a prepared heart and places his faith in Hashem has no fear of any bad tidings. The degree of that protection is directly tied to the depth of the person's Bitachon.

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Running time: 20:46

Pesach - Lessons of the Song of the Sea

Why does the song of the sea focus on the 'raising of the honor of the people of Israel' and on the destruction of Pharaoh's legions in the sea? Why does Yisro come with a completely different view of the Exodus - the degree of Hashem's justice, which is measure for measure? Why is that lesson only taught later to the Jewish people at Mara? What is the lesson in Hashem creating miracles where bitter things are sweetened only by other bitter things?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Running time: 28:59

Bitachon 204 - No Evil Befalls Us

We study together the chapter in Tehillim 112, and specifically passuk 7 which speaks of the fact that one who has a prepared heart and places his faith in Hashem has no fear of any bad tidings.

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Running time: 22:03

Tzav-Pesach - Miraculous Impact

What is the concept of the 'broken heart' which Dovid Hamelech speaks of as a prerequisite to a relationship with Hashem? Why does Teshuva-repentance alone serve as an equivalent to having come to Jerusalem, built a Beis Hamikdash, an altar, and having brought sacrifices? What is the idea that Hashem uses specifically 'broken vessels?' How did Rav Avraham Yaffen explain the impact of the miracles of the six day war in contrast to the miracle of Krias Yam Suf (the splitting of the sea)? How can we be more deeply affected by the impression of the miracles in our personal lives?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Running time: 26:49

Bitachon 203 - Pesach and Bitachon

We study together concepts of Bitachon from the Haggadah of Rabbi Yechiel Perr. We speak of the foundation of the Exodus which is the fact that Hashem is behind every miracle in the world, both great miracles and small miracles. We also talk about finding humility in the darkness and troubles, and finding humility in redemption, as well.

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Running time: 23:06

Vayikra - Can We Bless Hashem?

What is the idea behind the korbanos-sacrifices? Why was King David the prime example of someone who knew how to conciliate with Hashem? How does a wise beggar get a full meal from his host? How does a wise woman ask a favor of a friend? How does a farm worker get a bonus from his boss? In what way is Dovid Hamelech compared to the farm worker? What is the lesson of R' Yishmael Kohen Gadol (the High Priest) who came into the Holy of Holies and Hashem asked a blessing of him? How can a human being bless Hashem? Can we do the same?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Running time: 31:33

Bitachon 202 - Entering Hashem's Hidden Place

We continue studying perek 91 of Tehillim, this time passuk 9, which speaks of how we can enter into Hashem's hidden place above - by placing our Bitachon in Him, and seeking His presence in our lives.

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Running time: 20:35

Pekudei - Accessing Hashem's Guidance

Why did the Jewish people bring the parts of the Mishkan to Moshe to examine, instead of Moshe going to them? What is the concept of 'bringing the woven curtains to the king?' Why did Hashem originally speak to Moshe in a more public place - at the burning bush, in Midian, in Egypt, and in the wilderness of Sinai, but then switch to only speak to him in the Mishkan-Tabernacle? What was the mistake of the sing of Golden Calf, and how was it rectified through the building of the Mishkan? What happens when we show support to our synagogues and yeshivos, and how does it affect the Divine guidance we receive from Hashem that He sends through our teachers and leaders?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Running time: 29:59

 

Bitachon 201 - Israel is Protected from Evil

We continue in perek 91 of Tehillim, now studying the 4th passuk, which speaks of the amazing protection the people of Israel have from our enemies when we align ourselves with Hashem's Truth, as contained in His Torah.

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Running time: 25:25

Vayakhel - Names Essence and Oil

Why does Moshe direct the Jewish people to 'see' that Hashem has 'called by name' Betzalel, the master architect of the Mishkan? What is the concept of a Shem-name, and how does it relate to Shemen-oil? Why does the concept of a name denote an all encompassing aspect, whereas oil denotes application? How can oil 'separate' from the name? Why is it better to go to a house of mourning than to go to a joyous party? Why were Chananya, Misha'el and Azarya saved from fire, while Nadav and Avihu were consumed by fire?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Running time: 28:50

Bitachon 200 - Wake Up War

We continue our study together of the passuk in Tehillim perek 91 passuk 2, as we look at the whole chapter and see how it applies to those who seek protection from Wars which Hashem uses to wake us up from our spiritual slumber.

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Running time: 20:38

Purim & Ki Sisa - Explosive Redemption

Why was Esther concerned that perhaps the Jewish people were weak in their relationship with Hashem and lost their dedication to Torah, and perhaps this had caused the decree of Haman? How does the story of Purim connect to the events of our Parsha with the giving of the Luchos and the sin of the Golden Calf? What was the Cataclysmic dream that Mordechai had before Esther entered the palace, that he reminded her of at the point of Haman's decree against the Jews? What do the two great battling serpents represent? How are the people of Israel caught in the middle of this great battle? What is the relationship of Amalek's arrival and the Jewish people's study of Torah? Why was Hashem giving the Luchos to Moshe for the Jewish people, even as they were sinning with the Golden Calf?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Bitachon 199 - Fortress and Protection

We learn together the second passuk of perek 91, the famous chapter 'Yoshev b'seser' which speaks of the way that we merit to have true protection from Hashem from all our enemies and troubles - through our bitachon and confidence in Hashem.

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Running time: 18:53

Tetzaveh - The Holy Ripple Effect

Why did Hashem instruct Moshe to appoint Aharon as Kohen Gadol, instead of Hashem speaking directly to Aharon? What was the advantage of Moshe in his role of bringing the Torah to Am Yisrael, as opposed to Aharon as Kohen Gadol? What is behind the teaching of successive 'whittling down' from the whole world, to Israel, to the Beis Hamikdash, to the Holy of Holies? How does this parallel the 'whittling down' from all the nations, to Israel, to the Levi'im, to Aharon? Why are the Levi'im counted from the age of one month, whereas everyone else is counted only from the age of 20? How does this parallel Yocheved, daughter of Levi, who was counted as part of the 70 who came down to Egypt while she was in utero? How do these concentric circles form and connect to Hashem, sending light out from the center in a Holy Ripple Effect?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Running time: 29:28

Bitachon 198 - The Challenge is Also Good

We study together the passuk in Tehillim chapter 86 passuk 2, which is Dovid Hamelech's statement that he wishes for protection because of the fact that he is a Chasid. This is explained to mean that he realizes that all of Hashem's judgments really stem of His kindness. With that realization, which is another way of talking about Bitachon, we can expect Hashem's protection.

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Running time: 21:13

Terumah - Building With What I've Got

What is the depth of the idea that any individual can build the Mishkan single-handedly? Why did the gems of the Kohen's Choshen appear alongside the Mon (Manna) of the righteous for them to be able to donate? How did Yaakov know to set aside Cedar wood for the building of the Mishkan which would take place hundreds of years later? How were these beams kept for all those years? Why does the Torah speak of the mishkan before the sin of the Golden Calf if the chronology was different?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Running time: 26:26

Bitachon 197 - End of the Exile

We continue our study in Tehillim perek 84 passuk 13, and continue to try to understand the concept of trusting Hashem insofar as how it relates to the end of the Exile and the building of the third Beis Hamikdash.

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Running time: 17:40

Mishpatim - Why We Serve Hashem

What is behind the richness of the parsha of Mishpatim in its many laws? In what way are we like servants to Hashem, and how were we 'acquired' through the 10 plagues? What is the 'daughter' of Hashem that He allows us to capture, so long as we show it proper respect? How do we avoid 'cursing' our spiritual father and mother - which are Hashem and His Torah? How does this manifest in our relationships with others?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Running time: 26:50

Bitachon 196 - So Fortunate to Trust II

We continue our study in Tehillim perek 84 passuk 13, and continue to try to understand the background behind the statement that we are so fortunate to be amongst those who place their trust in Hashem.

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Running time: 19:50

Yisro - Who Was Here First?!

Why does the Torah preface the revelation of the Ten Commandments with the statement that Hashem spoke 'all of these matters?' What is the depth of the concept of duality in the face of Hashem's absolute Unity? How do we understand what seems like darkness if Hashem is all 'light?' What is the depth of the idea of 'everything returning to the way it was at first?' How can the Jewish people be considered 'first' if there were many who preceded us? What is the true concept of 'first?' How does Hashem manifest as both a warrior and a gentle teacher?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Running time: 29:14

 

Bitachon 195 - So Fortunate to Trust!

We continue our study in Tehillim perek 84 passuk 13, and we study the whole chapter to try to understand the background behind the statement that we are so fortunate to be amongst those who place their trust in Hashem.

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Running time: 24:35

Beshalach - Forcing Redemption

What is the root of the story of the abduction of Sarah by Pharaoh and Avimelech? In what way are they forced to release her? How does this serve as a precedent for the servitude of the Jewish people in Egypt? Why does Egypt need to enslave the Jewish people, and what happens when they are released? How do the nations of the world seek to misdirect the talents and abilities of the Jewish people, down to this very day? What is the correct use of these powers, and what does the final redemption look like?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Running time: 30:11

Bitachon 194 - Restoring Our Bitachon

We study together perek 78 passuk 22 which speaks about what happens when we do not have Emunah and Bitachon in Hashem, and the proper approach to gaining back that Bitachon - by recognizing that the difficulties we face are a result of turning away from Hashem. The imperative is therefore to turn back to Him.

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Running time: 20:43

Bo - Conversation with Moshiach

What does Hashem mean when he tells Moshe and the Jewish people that "This month [Nissan] is yours?" Why do the Jewish people respond to Moshe's announcement of the impending redemption with reasons why they should not be redeemed? What is behind Hashem's response, which is that He does not calculate things like them, that He looks at the good deeds of the righteous, and that He 'skips over' the Jewish people's sins of idolatry? How does this parallel the conversation the Jewish people will have with Moshiach when he arrives and announces that the final redemption is imminent?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Running time: 26:57

Bitachon 193 - Learn Torah Get Bitachon

We study together Tehillim chapter 78 passuk 7 which speaks about how one gains Bitachon - by recalling the wondrous events and miracles Hashem has performed for us, and the relationship between Bitachon and keeping the Mitzvos - how Bitachon is the foundation for keeping Torah, and Torah's ultimate goal is to bring us to Bitachon - a real relationship with Hashem.

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Running time: 24:16

Va'era - Seeing Signs of Redemption

Why was it proper for Pharaoh to ask for a sign from Moshe when he asked to let the Jewish people go? Why did Noach, Chizkiyahu and Chananya, Mishael and Azarya receive signs? What is the concept of a 'sign?' What is the significance of Chizkiyahu and Chananya, Mishael and Azarya being saved specifically on the night of Pesach? What is the concept of this night that is 'saved' by Hashem for the righteous for salvation, and also for the future salvation of the entire Jewish people? How do we merit to see signs and merit to be called 'people of the sign?'

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Running time: 29:27

Bitachon 192 - Two Paths of Bitachon

We study together the two paths of Bitachon, as quantified by R' Yisroel Salanter in the Sefer Even Yisrael. One is the path of the Chovos Halevavos, which involves minimal hishtdadlus-efforts, and one is the path of the Ramban (which we've studied with the Alter of Novardok), which involves relying on a miracle. We explore to whom each of these paths apply, and how one must find his way between them.

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Running time: 22:54

Shemos - Seeds of Moshiach

Why is the book of Exodus also called the book of Names? How do the Names of the tribes relate to the redemption of the Jewish people? Why does Hashem appear to Moshe in a thorn bush? Why didn't Hashem appear in a great Cedar or other majestic tree? What is the difference between the non-Jewish outlook and the Jewish outlook as to where Hashem manifests His Divine Presence? Why did the mothers of Am Yisrael - Rachel and Leah - have to go through such difficult times, as referred to in the names they gave their children? How did these very names manifest later in the redemption? Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

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Running time (29:54)

Bitachon 191 - Be Careful What You Wish

We explore a piece in Rav Tzadok MiLublin (Siman 64) that speaks about a game-changing idea that relates very much to Bitachon - Ratzon-Will. Ratzon is so powerful that when someone wields it, he experiences tremendous Siyata Dishmaya - Divine Aid. But this does not prove that the path this person has willed is a good path - it just proves that his will is very strong. We discuss the ramifications of this issue.

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Running time: 21:16

Vayechi - Gathering in the End of Days

How does Yaakov communicate with his sons when he requests them to gather? How does this request filter down to our times, as ou nation gathers back in Israel? What is behind the parallels of four of the tribes to the four kingdoms that had power over us? How do Daniel from Yehuda and Mordechai from Binyamin take away the power of Bavel and Madai? How do Levi and ultimately Yosef take away power from Yavan-Greece and Edom-The West? What is the idea behind the seven days of mourning for Yaakov that parallel the seven days of celebration that will occur when the age of Moshiach commences?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Running time: 29:53

Bitachon 190 - Closeness to Hashem is Good

We study together Tehillim chapter 73 passuk 28, which speaks of the reassurance needed for the tzaddik-righteous individual. This is that although sometimes the wicked seem to prosper, ultimately they wither away, while someone who values closeness to Hashem experiences a cleansing through one's challenges.

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Running time: 21:53

Vayigash - Moshiach ben Yosef in Jail

Why does Yosef suffer in Jail for 12 years before being released and becoming the leader over all the modern world of that time? Why does he send his brothers through such difficult tribulations before revealing himself? Why does Yeshaya Hanavi tell us that the prerequisite for the building of the Beis Hamikdash is a bringing back to order of our relationships between our fellows, besides for our relationship with Hashem? What is the concept of the light of the generation of Moshiach ben Yosef? Why does Moshiach ben Yosef, like his forebear Yosef, need to endure great pain at the hand of his own brothers? How does this very pain, alongside the derision of the nations of the world, lead to his having power over everyone?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Running time: 37:49